What is Trample Used For?
Trample is a keyword ability found on creatures in the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. It allows the creature to deal excess combat damage to the player it’s attacking, even if the creature is blocked. In this article, we’ll explore the various ways trample is used and its benefits in the game.
How Does Trample Work?
When a creature with trample attacks a player, it deals damage to the player equal to its power. If the creature is blocked by a creature or a planeswalker, the defending player or planeswalker must assign its toughness to the blocking creature or planeswalker. The excess damage not assigned to the blocking creature or planeswalker is dealt to the defending player.
Benefits of Trample
There are several benefits to playing a creature with trample:
- Dealing extra damage: Trample allows a creature to deal damage to the defending player even if it’s blocked. This can be particularly effective in a game where the opponent is trying to defend against a large or powerful creature.
- Avoiding blocking: When a creature has trample, opponents are less likely to block it, as they know they’ll take extra damage if they do. This can make it easier to get through with a powerful creature.
- Creating threats: Creatures with trample can be particularly threatening, as they can deal damage to the opponent even if they’re blocked. This can make it difficult for the opponent to defend against them.
Types of Trample
There are several types of trample, each with its own unique effects:
- Regular Trample: This is the standard trample ability found on most creatures. It allows the creature to deal excess damage to the defending player.
- Double Strike Trample: This type of trample allows a creature to deal excess damage to the defending player during both combat damage steps. This can be particularly effective in a game where the opponent is trying to defend against a large or powerful creature.
- Super Trample: This type of trample allows a creature to deal excess damage to the defending player regardless of the number of blocking creatures or planeswalkers. This can be particularly effective in a game where the opponent is trying to defend against a large or powerful creature.
When to Use Trample
There are several situations where trample can be particularly effective:
- In a aggressive deck: Trample can be particularly effective in an aggressive deck that’s looking to deal as much damage as possible to the opponent.
- Against a defensive deck: Trample can be particularly effective against a defensive deck that’s trying to defend against a large or powerful creature.
- In a multiplayer game: Trample can be particularly effective in a multiplayer game where there are multiple players trying to defend against a single creature.
Converting Trample to a Disadvantage
There are several ways to convert trample into a disadvantage for the opponent:
- Using a removal spell: Using a removal spell, such as Lightning Bolt, can remove a creature with trample from the battlefield, preventing it from dealing damage to the opponent.
- Using a token: Creating a token with trample can allow you to deal excess damage to the opponent even if your original creature is removed.
- Using a card with a triggered ability: Cards with triggered abilities, such as Keldon Marauders, can convert trample into a disadvantage for the opponent by dealing excess damage to them.
Conclusion
Trample is a powerful keyword ability found on creatures in the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. It allows a creature to deal excess damage to the defending player even if it’s blocked, making it a valuable tool in any deck. Whether you’re playing an aggressive deck or trying to defend against a powerful creature, trample can be a valuable addition to your strategy.
Common Trample Creatures
Here are some common trample creatures in Magic: The Gathering:
| Creature | Power/Toughness | Trample |
|---|---|---|
| Akroma’s Memorial | 4/4 | |
| Beast Whisperer | 2/2 | |
| Chandra, Torch of Defiance | 2/2 | |
| Eldrazi Scourge | 4/4 | |
| Flamboyant Firecat | 2/2 | |
| Goblin War Drums | 2/2 | |
| Keldon Marauders | 2/2 | |
| Mwonvuli Acid-Moss | 4/4 | |
| Rhox Faithmender | 2/2 | |
| Stoneforge Mystic | 2/2 |
Note: The above table only shows a selection of trample creatures and is not exhaustive.