Trample and Deathtouch: A Deadly Duo in Magic: The Gathering
Yes, trample goes through deathtouch! This interaction is one of the most potent and frequently asked-about combinations in Magic: The Gathering. It’s not that deathtouch makes trample go through, but rather that deathtouch simplifies the damage assignment required by trample. A creature with both abilities only needs to assign 1 point of damage to a blocking creature for that creature to be destroyed by deathtouch, and the rest of the attacking creature’s power can be assigned to the defending player or planeswalker. Understanding the mechanics and nuances of this combination is crucial for competitive play.
Understanding Trample and Deathtouch Individually
Before delving into the synergy, let’s clarify what each ability does on its own.
Trample Explained
Trample is an ability that modifies how an attacking creature assigns combat damage. The core idea is that if an attacking creature with trample is blocked, it must assign enough damage to the blocking creature(s) to destroy them. Any remaining damage can then be “trampled” over to the defending player or planeswalker.
For example, if a 5/5 creature with trample is blocked by a 2/2 creature, the attacking creature must assign at least 2 damage to the blocker. The remaining 3 damage can then be assigned to the player being attacked.
Deathtouch Explained
Deathtouch is a static ability that changes the rules for damage dealt by a creature. It essentially says: “Any amount of damage this creature deals to another creature is enough to destroy it.” Even 1 point of damage from a creature with deathtouch is lethal to any other creature.
So, a 1/1 with deathtouch is just as effective at destroying a 10/10 creature as it is at destroying a 1/1 creature (assuming it connects with combat damage). Deathtouch is powerful because it negates the need to deal damage equal to a creature’s toughness.
The Synergy: Trample and Deathtouch Working Together
The real power arises when trample and deathtouch are combined on the same creature. Because deathtouch makes even a single point of damage lethal, a creature with both abilities only needs to assign 1 damage to each blocking creature. The rest of the attacking creature’s power can be assigned to the defending player/planeswalker.
The Rule of Thumb: When a creature has both trample and deathtouch, assign 1 point of damage to each blocking creature and the rest to the defending player or planeswalker.
For example, if a 6/6 creature with both trample and deathtouch is blocked by a 3/3 creature, you would assign 1 damage to the blocker, which is enough to destroy it due to deathtouch. The remaining 5 damage is then “trampled” over to the defending player or planeswalker.
Why is this so good? It maximizes the amount of damage dealt to the opponent while efficiently dealing with blockers. It essentially turns any blocker into a speed bump.
Timing and Resolution
It’s important to remember that combat damage is dealt simultaneously. The game doesn’t “wait” for the deathtouch effect to resolve before assigning trample damage. The damage assignment happens all at once. The blocking creature is considered to have taken lethal damage from the deathtouch creature, even if it isn’t immediately sent to the graveyard. This is crucial for understanding how trample functions in this situation.
Examples and Scenarios
- Scenario 1: A 4/4 creature with trample and deathtouch is blocked by a 2/2 creature with lifelink. You assign 1 damage to the 2/2 creature (enough to kill it with deathtouch) and 3 damage to the defending player. The player loses 3 life, and you gain 1 life because of lifelink.
- Scenario 2: A 7/7 creature with trample and deathtouch is blocked by two 1/1 creatures. You assign 1 damage to each blocker (enough to kill them both). The remaining 5 damage is assigned to the defending player/planeswalker.
- Scenario 3: A 5/5 creature with trample and deathtouch is blocked by a creature with indestructible. Since indestructible creatures can’t be destroyed, you must assign all 5 damage to the blocking creature. No damage can be assigned to the defending player, as trample requires you to assign lethal damage to all blockers first, and the indestructible blocker can’t be destroyed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions and answers regarding the interaction of trample and deathtouch:
1. Does trample “go through” even if the blocking creature has high toughness?
Yes. Deathtouch only requires that one point of damage is assigned to the creature regardless of how much toughness it has. The rest is assigned according to trample.
2. Does indestructible negate trample and deathtouch?
Yes, against a single indestructible blocker. You must assign all damage to the indestructible creature, as you cannot assign “lethal” damage in the sense that it will be destroyed. Trample will not pass through because lethal damage cannot be assigned.
3. If my creature with trample and deathtouch is blocked by multiple creatures, how do I assign damage?
Assign 1 damage to each blocking creature, then assign the rest of the damage to the defending player or planeswalker.
4. Does first strike or double strike affect how trample and deathtouch work?
First strike and double strike can allow you to kill the blocker before your creature takes damage. If you kill the blocker with first strike damage, then all of your trample and deathtouch creature’s power will hit the player or planeswalker.
5. What if the blocking creature has protection from my creature’s color?
If a creature has protection from the attacking creature’s color, it can’t be damaged by it. Trample will not apply to the player/planeswalker unless enough damage is assigned to “kill” the blocker despite the protection effect.
6. If a creature has both deathtouch and lifelink, does the damage assigned to the player also grant me life?
Yes. Lifelink works with any damage your creature deals, so damage assigned to the player/planeswalker due to trample will also grant you life.
7. Does deathtouch work with fight effects?
Yes, deathtouch works with fight effects. If a creature with deathtouch fights another creature, any damage dealt by the deathtouch creature will destroy the other creature.
8. Does trample work on defense?
No, trample only works for attacking creatures. It modifies the rules for assigning combat damage when attacking.
9. Can I use deathtouch with a spell to destroy a creature?
Yes, if a spell deals damage from a source with deathtouch, that damage will destroy any creature it damages. For example, equipping a creature with deathtouch with Viridian Longbow allows it to deal one damage to any creature, which is enough to destroy it.
10. What happens if my creature with deathtouch and trample has its power reduced to 0?
If your creature has 0 power, it can’t assign any damage. Thus, no damage can be assigned to the blocker or the defending player. Trample does nothing.
11. Does trample go through prevent damage effects?
Assuming you mean that the trampler has higher power than the blocker’s toughness, then yes, you can certainly trample over for damage to the defending player. You just have to assign enough damage that would have killed the blocker, the fact that it’s prevented is irrelevant.
12. Does deathtouch affect planeswalkers?
No, deathtouch only affects creatures. Damage dealt to a planeswalker by a creature with deathtouch does not destroy the planeswalker.
13. Does deathtouch work with infect?
Yes, deathtouch works with infect. Any amount of damage dealt by a creature with both deathtouch and infect to another creature will result in that creature being destroyed and also receiving a -1/-1 counter.
14. Does trample go through hexproof?
Hexproof prevents your creature from being the target of spells or abilities your opponents control. It does not prevent your creature from being blocked. A creature with hexproof can still be blocked and damaged by a trampling creature.
15. Where can I learn more about Magic: The Gathering mechanics?
There are numerous online resources for learning about Magic: The Gathering. Consider checking out the official Magic: The Gathering website, or educational resources like Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. These sites often provide articles, videos, and tutorials that can help you improve your game.
Conclusion
The interaction between trample and deathtouch is a powerful synergy that exemplifies the complex and strategic gameplay of Magic: The Gathering. By understanding the rules and nuances of these abilities, players can effectively utilize this combination to gain a significant advantage on the battlefield. Mastering this interaction is a crucial step in becoming a more skilled and competitive Magic player.