Does Deathtouch Beat Trample?
Deathtouch and trample are two powerful abilities in Magic: The Gathering that can be game-changers in combat. But, what happens when a creature with deathtouch and trample comes into play? Does deathtouch beat trample? Let’s dive into the rules and find out.
Direct Answer
Yes, deathtouch beats trample. But, before we get into the details, let’s break down what each ability does.
Deathtouch
Deathtouch is an ability that allows a creature to destroy any creature it deals damage to. This means that if a creature with deathtouch attacks a creature and deals damage to it, the creature it attacked will die.
Trample
Trample is an ability that allows a creature to assign damage to a creature it’s attacking, and then any excess damage is assigned to the defending player. For example, if a 5/5 creature with trample attacks a 2/2 creature, it will deal 2 damage to the 2/2 creature and 3 damage to the defending player.
When Deathtouch Meets Trample
So, what happens when a creature with deathtouch and trample attacks a creature? Let’s look at an example:
- A 5/5 creature with deathtouch and trample attacks a 2/2 creature.
- The 5/5 creature deals 2 damage to the 2/2 creature, killing it.
- The 5/5 creature then assigns the remaining 3 damage to the defending player.
In this scenario, the deathtouch ability takes priority over the trample ability. The 5/5 creature with deathtouch destroys the 2/2 creature it’s attacking, and then the trample ability assigns the remaining damage to the defending player.
But Wait, There’s More!
But what if the creature with deathtouch and trample attacks a creature with indestructible? In that case, the deathtouch ability won’t be able to destroy the creature. However, the trample ability will still assign the excess damage to the defending player.
So, Does Deathtouch Beat Trample?
In the end, deathtouch does indeed beat trample. Deathtouch is a more powerful ability because it can destroy creatures outright, whereas trample is more of a "backup" ability that assigns excess damage to the defending player. However, trample can still be a powerful ability in certain situations, especially when combined with other abilities like indestructible.
Key Takeaways
- Deathtouch takes priority over trample when a creature with both abilities attacks a creature.
- Deathtouch can destroy creatures outright, while trample assigns excess damage to the defending player.
- Trample can still be a powerful ability in certain situations, especially when combined with indestructible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, deathtouch does indeed beat trample. However, both abilities have their own unique strengths and weaknesses, and can be powerful in different situations. By understanding how these abilities work together, you can make more informed decisions at the table and improve your gameplay.