Goaded Twice: Decoding the Mechanics of MTG’s Provocative Keyword
In the world of Magic: The Gathering, goad is a fascinating keyword that injects chaos and strategic maneuvering into gameplay. Understanding how it works, especially when applied multiple times, is crucial for any player. So, what precisely happens when you goad a creature twice? The short answer is: it depends on who is doing the goading.
If different players goad a creature, each instance stacks, resulting in additional combat requirements. However, if the same player attempts to goad a creature they have already goaded, it has absolutely no additional effect. The creature remains goaded, but there are no new constraints placed upon it. This distinction is important and is detailed in the official rules.
Multiple Goads, Different Players: Increased Pressure
Let’s delve into the scenario where different players goad a single creature. When multiple players goad the same creature, each instance of goading creates a separate requirement for that creature during combat.
For example, let’s assume Player A goads Creature X, and then, later in the turn, Player B goads the same Creature X. In this case, the creature will:
- Have to attack if able.
- If able, Creature X must attack a player other than Player A (the first goader).
- If able, Creature X must attack a player other than Player B (the second goader).
Essentially, Creature X is now forced to find a player who is not Player A or Player B to attack. If no such player exists, or if the remaining opponent has an effect that prevents attacks, the creature must attack, but there are no further restrictions on its attack. The order of the goads does not matter. All goads create independent attack requirements.
Repeated Goads, Same Player: No Additional Effect
Now, let’s examine what occurs when the same player tries to goad a creature multiple times. Once a player has successfully goaded a creature, any further attempts by that same player during the same turn (or subsequent turns, if the goad effect lasts multiple turns) have no additional impact.
If Player A goads Creature X, and then tries to goad Creature X again later on in the same turn or even a later turn, the rules state that this second attempt is ignored. The goad remains in effect until it naturally ends. No further attack conditions are added. This rule is put in place to prevent players from permanently locking an opponent’s creature or creating loops of goading.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Goad Mechanic
To further clarify the nuances of goad, here are some frequently asked questions:
What are the core rules of goad?
Goad causes a creature to attack during its controller’s next turn if it is able to. The goaded creature is forced to attack a player other than the player who goaded it, if possible. The effects of goad generally only lasts for the creature controller’s next turn.
Does a goaded creature attack every turn?
Generally, a creature only needs to attack during its controller’s next turn. However, some goading effects can last multiple turns, extending the requirement to attack.
What happens if you goad a creature in a 1v1 game?
In a 1v1 game, a goaded creature must attack its only opponent if it is able to. Because it can not attack a player who did not goad it and there is only one opponent, it will attack the one opponent in the game.
How does goad work with only two players?
Goaded creatures will still attack the player that goaded them only if there are no other viable attack options, such as in a 1v1 game.
Can a creature be goaded twice by different players?
Yes, a creature can be goaded by multiple players. Each instance creates an additional attack requirement for the creature. The creature must attack an opponent that is not one of the goading players.
Does goading work in 1v1?
Yes, goad works in 1v1. The goaded creature will be forced to attack the single opponent if it is able.
Does Propaganda stop goad?
While Propaganda can discourage attacks by requiring players to pay a cost to attack, it doesn’t nullify the goad effect. The goaded creature must still attack if able. The Propaganda player can choose to pay the cost, in which case the goaded creature can attack, and the Propaganda player is a valid target to attack if there is no other options for it to attack (such as in a 1v1 game). If the Propaganda player chooses not to pay the cost then the goaded creature can not attack that player, but if there are no other options, it has to attack a player that it can.
Can you sacrifice a creature you took control of?
Yes, if you take control of a creature, you are free to sacrifice it since you are the one controlling it.
Does attacking count as tapping a creature?
Yes, attacking inherently causes a creature to become tapped. It is a game rule, not a cost.
Are enchanted creatures goaded?
Yes, some enchantments can goad the creatures they enchant. These creatures will then have to attack each combat if able, while attacking a player that is not the controller of the enchantment if possible.
Can a creature attack twice if untapped?
No, simply untapping a creature after it has attacked does not allow it to attack again in the same combat phase. A creature can only attack once per combat phase, unless it has a specific ability that lets it do so.
What does hexproof protect from?
Hexproof protects against any spells or abilities that target. It does not protect from global effects.
What is the dying rule in MTG?
A creature dies when it has taken damage that is equal to its toughness, or if its toughness is reduced to zero or less. Sacrifice and destroy effects also cause a creature to die by sending it to the graveyard.
Can you sacrifice a creature from your hand in magic?
No, you can only sacrifice a creature that is on the battlefield under your control.
Is goad permanent?
No, goad is not a permanent effect. Typically, it lasts until the end of the goaded creature’s controller’s next turn. Some effects can extend the duration but it does have an end state.
Does goad protect Planeswalkers?
Goad does not inherently protect planeswalkers. However, because the goaded creature has to attack a player other than the one who goaded it, planeswalkers become valid attack targets only if there are no other valid targets for it to attack.
Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Goad
In summary, goad is a powerful and intricate mechanic in Magic: The Gathering. Understanding its nuanced rules, especially in situations involving multiple goads, is essential for effective play. Remember that multiple players can stack goad effects, increasing combat restrictions, while repeated goads from the same player have no added impact. By mastering this mechanic, you can gain a strategic advantage and control the battlefield with greater precision.