Does Crawl Space Protect Planeswalkers?
Introduction
When it comes to protecting planeswalkers, Magic: The Gathering players often ask: can Crawlspace restrict opponents from attacking planeswalkers? In this article, we’ll delve into the mechanics of Crawlspace and explore whether it effectively safeguards planeswalkers.
Crawlspace Overview
Crawlspace is a type of aura that can be cast on a creature, imposing various restrictions on opposing creatures that attack. Let’s take a closer look at Crawlspace’s ability:
"Creatures can’t attack you. Noncreature spells can’t be cast."
While this ability seems to limit opposing creatures from attacking, can it also safeguard planeswalkers?
No, Crawlspace Doesn’t Protect Planeswalkers
Direct Attackability
Planeswalkers are not creatures and cannot be targeted by ability clauses that restrict attacking, including Crawlspace’s "Creatures can’t attack you" ability. Therefore, planeswalkers can still be targeted directly, and Crawlspace offers no protection against them.
Targeting Options
When attacking a player with a planeswalker, your opponent has multiple targeting options:
- They can attack the planeswalker itself (since it’s not a creature).
- They can target the player with noncreature spells.
- Alternatively, they can choose another permanent or player as their target.
Why Planeswalkers Can be Attacked
Planwalkers are not protected by Crawlspace or other aura abilities that restrict creatures. This is because they do not fit the "creature" category and cannot be targeted by those clauses.
Additional Options to Protect Planeswalkers
While Crawlspace cannot protect planeswalkers directly, there are alternative methods to safeguard them:
- Hexproof: A planeswalker with Hexproof cannot be the target of spells or abilities. However, this only affects non-creature spells; direct attacks remain possible.
- Indestructibility: Planeswalkers can have indestructibility, which prevents destruction through effects. However, damage or removal through other means may still occur.
- Board Wipes: Cards like Wrath of God, Supreme Verdict, or Vraska’s Contempt can wipe out opposing creatures, allowing you to focus on planeswalker-based strategies.
Summary and Conclusion
In summary, Crawlspace’s "Creatures can’t attack you" ability does not protect planeswalkers, as they are not creatures and can still be targeted directly. Players who seek to safeguard their planeswalkers should consider other protection strategies, such as Hexproof, indestructibility, or board wipes. While Crawlspace has its uses, it should not be relied upon to safeguard planeswalkers in most situations.
Crawlspace FAQ: A Quick Reference
- Does Crawlspace protect planeswalkers?
• No, Crawlspace does not protect planeswalkers. - Why can’t Crawlspace protect planeswalkers?
• Planeswalkers are not creatures, making them outside the scope of Crawlspace’s restriction. - Are there other ways to protect planeswalkers?
• Yes, including Hexproof, indestructibility, and board wipes.