Decoding the Battlefield: A Comprehensive Guide to Attacking Planeswalkers in Magic: The Gathering
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Planeswalkers are powerful permanents in Magic: The Gathering, capable of swinging games with their potent abilities. Understanding how to attack them effectively is crucial for any aspiring MTG strategist. In essence, attacking a planeswalker works similarly to attacking a player. During your declare attackers step, you choose which of your attacking creatures will attack a specific opponent or a planeswalker they control. Damage dealt to a planeswalker results in the removal of loyalty counters, equal to the amount of damage dealt. When a planeswalker’s loyalty reaches zero, it is put into the graveyard. Note that damage to planeswalkers is subject to effects like Lifelink and Deathtouch where applicable. While you cannot directly target a planeswalker with spells unless they specifically state it, you can often redirect damage from a spell targeting an opponent to a planeswalker they control. Let’s delve deeper into the intricacies.
Understanding the Fundamentals of Planeswalker Attacks
The Attack Step
The pivotal moment arrives during your declare attackers step. This is when you decide whether your creatures will assault your opponent, their planeswalker, or both. You can split your attacking force, sending some creatures towards the player and others towards their planeswalker. It is essential to announce your targets clearly to avoid confusion.
Damage and Loyalty Counters
Once combat damage is assigned, the damage dealt to a planeswalker directly translates into a loss of loyalty counters. For example, if a creature deals 3 damage to a planeswalker, that planeswalker loses 3 loyalty counters. Keep track of these counters meticulously, as a planeswalker with zero loyalty counters is immediately sent to the graveyard.
Redirection of Non-Combat Damage
A key aspect of planeswalker attacks is the redirection rule. Certain spells and abilities that deal non-combat damage to a player can be redirected to a planeswalker they control. For instance, if you cast Lightning Bolt targeting your opponent, they can choose to have that 3 damage dealt to one of their planeswalkers instead. This is a strategic decision that can drastically alter the course of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions About Attacking Planeswalkers
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the rules and nuances of attacking planeswalkers:
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Can I attack both a planeswalker and a player in the same turn?
Absolutely. You can declare some creatures as attackers against the player and others against a planeswalker controlled by that player during the declare attackers step.
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Can I target a planeswalker directly with damage spells like Lightning Bolt?
It depends on the card. Some cards, like Hero’s Downfall, specifically state “target planeswalker.” If a card targets a player, you can choose to redirect the damage to one of their planeswalkers. The wording of the card determines whether you can directly target a planeswalker. Newer cards may specify “any target,” which includes planeswalkers.
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What happens if a planeswalker has indestructible?
Indestructible prevents a permanent from being destroyed by damage or effects that say “destroy.” However, when a planeswalker’s loyalty reaches zero, it is put into the graveyard as a state-based action, which isn’t considered destruction. Therefore, even an indestructible planeswalker will be sent to the graveyard if its loyalty counters are reduced to zero.
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Does deathtouch apply when attacking a planeswalker?
Yes, deathtouch applies to planeswalkers. If a creature with deathtouch deals damage to a planeswalker, that damage is still applied, and the corresponding number of loyalty counters are removed. Deathtouch doesn’t “kill” a planeswalker in the same way it kills a creature, but the damage still results in the removal of loyalty counters.
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If I attack a planeswalker with a creature that has lifelink, do I gain life?
Yes, you will gain life equal to the amount of damage dealt by a creature with lifelink to a planeswalker. Lifelink simply triggers whenever damage is dealt, regardless of the target.
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Is damage to a planeswalker considered combat damage?
Yes, any damage dealt to a planeswalker by attacking creatures during the combat phase is considered combat damage. This is relevant for abilities that trigger upon dealing combat damage.
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Can I redirect damage from a Fireball to a planeswalker?
Yes, you can. Fireball targets a creature or player. If you target the player controlling the planeswalker, they can choose to redirect the damage to the planeswalker instead.
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If a creature attacking a planeswalker is blocked, does the planeswalker still lose loyalty counters?
If a creature attacking a planeswalker is blocked, it deals combat damage to the blocking creature instead of the planeswalker, unless the creature has trample. Trample allows excess damage beyond what’s needed to destroy the blocker to be dealt to the planeswalker.
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What happens if I attack a planeswalker that leaves the battlefield before combat damage is dealt?
If the planeswalker leaves the battlefield before the combat damage step, the attacking creature assigns no combat damage. The attack is essentially wasted, and the creature deals no damage.
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Can I put +1/+1 counters on a planeswalker?
You can technically place +1/+1 counters on a planeswalker, but they will have no effect on the planeswalker’s loyalty. +1/+1 counters affect a creature’s power and toughness, and only have meaning if a planeswalker becomes a creature, such as with Gideon Blackblade.
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Can Lava Spike target a planeswalker?
Lava Spike traditionally targets players. However, newer printings might include errata allowing it to target any target, including planeswalkers. Always check the current Oracle text of the card on Gatherer.
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Does attacking a planeswalker count as attacking a player?
No, attacking a planeswalker is distinct from attacking a player. They are separate targets. If a creature has trample, only the excess damage beyond what’s needed to destroy the planeswalker can be dealt to the player.
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Can I use “destroy target permanent” spells to get rid of a planeswalker?
Yes, spells that say “destroy target permanent” can be used to destroy a planeswalker, as planeswalkers are permanents. This is a direct and effective way to eliminate a problematic planeswalker.
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Who was the first planeswalker in Magic: The Gathering?
The first five planeswalkers introduced were the Lorwyn Five: Ajani Goldmane, Jace Beleren, Liliana Vess, Chandra Nalaar, and Garruk Wilds speaker.
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How does the Games Learning Society relate to Magic: The Gathering?
While the Games Learning Society doesn’t directly focus on the rules of Magic: The Gathering, the organization explores how games, including card games like Magic, can be used as powerful tools for learning and skill development. Strategic thinking, resource management, and problem-solving are all skills honed by playing MTG, and these skills are relevant to many areas studied by the GamesLearningSociety.org.
Advanced Strategies for Planeswalker Assault
Beyond the basic rules, mastering the art of attacking planeswalkers involves strategic thinking and tactical planning.
Evaluating Threats
Before launching an attack, assess the potential consequences. What abilities will the planeswalker use if left unchecked? Does the planeswalker’s presence significantly hinder your strategy? Prioritize threats based on their impact on the game.
Baiting Out Abilities
Sometimes, the best approach is to bait out a planeswalker’s abilities before committing to a full-scale attack. Force your opponent to use a -2 ability that weakens their position, then strike when they are vulnerable.
Using Removal Spells
Don’t underestimate the value of removal spells. “Destroy target permanent” or “exile target planeswalker” effects can eliminate a problematic planeswalker instantly, bypassing the need for multiple attacks.
Board State Awareness
Consider the overall board state. Are you in a position to capitalize on a successful attack? Or will your assault leave you vulnerable to a counterattack? Evaluate the risks and rewards before committing your resources.
Planning Ahead
Anticipate your opponent’s moves and plan your attacks accordingly. If you know they have a creature with vigilance, consider attacking their planeswalker to force a block, preventing them from attacking you.
Conclusion
Understanding the rules and strategies for attacking planeswalkers is essential for success in Magic: The Gathering. By mastering the declare attackers step, damage redirection, and threat assessment, you can effectively control the battlefield and dismantle your opponent’s plans. Remember to adapt your strategy to the specific planeswalkers you encounter and the overall game state.