What Stops Annihilator?
Annihilator is a popular Magic: The Gathering ability that allows a creature to sacrifice all permanents as it attacks. While it may seem like a game-ending ability, there are several ways to stop Annihilator from being a problem. In this article, we’ll explore what stops Annihilator and provide some strategies for players to counter it.
Get Rid of the Creature Before it Attacks
The easiest way to stop Annihilator is to eliminate the creature before it has a chance to attack. This can be done through various means, such as:
- Removing it from the game: If the creature is in your opponent’s graveyard, it’s no longer a threat. You can use removal spells or abilities to exile it or send it to the graveyard.
- Banding or blocking: If the creature is on the battlefield, you can try to band or block it with one of your creatures. This will prevent it from attacking and eliminate it from the game.
- Countering the attack: If the creature is about to attack, you can use a spell or ability to counter its attack. This will prevent it from attacking and stop it from sacrificing permanents.
Protection from Annihilator
Some cards have protection from Annihilator, which means they can’t be sacrificed by Annihilator. These cards include:
- Indestructible creatures: Creatures with indestructible have a toughness of 0 but can’t be destroyed by Annihilator.
- Regenerating creatures: Creatures with regeneration can heal themselves and regain life.
- Lifelink creatures: Creatures with lifelink gain life whenever they deal damage to an opponent.
Hexproof and Annihilator
Hexproof is an ability that prevents a creature from being targeted by spells and abilities. However, it doesn’t prevent Annihilator from sacrificing it. If a creature with hexproof is attacked, Annihilator can still sacrifice it.
Board Wipes and Annihilator
Board wipes are cards that destroy all creatures on the battlefield. They can be effective against Annihilator, as they remove the creature and its permanents from the game. However, some board wipes may not affect indestructible creatures.
Table: Annihilator’s Weaknesses
| Weakness | Effect |
|---|---|
| Get rid of the creature | Remove the creature from the game |
| Protection from Annihilator | Creatures with indestructible, regeneration, or lifelink can’t be sacrificed |
| Board wipes | Some board wipes can destroy Annihilator’s permanents |
| Countering the attack | Counter the attack to prevent the creature from attacking |
Conclusion
Annihilator is a powerful ability that can be a problem in Magic: The Gathering. However, there are several ways to stop it, including getting rid of the creature, using protection from Annihilator, using board wipes, and countering the attack. By understanding Annihilator’s weaknesses, players can develop strategies to counter it and gain an advantage in the game.
What are some common cards that have Annihilator?
Some common cards that have Annihilator include:
- Kozilek, the Great Distortion: A powerful Eldrazi creature that has Annihilator.
- Estrid, the Masked: A powerful Merfolk creature that has Annihilator.
- Griselbrand: A powerful Zombie creature that has Annihilator.
What are some common cards that counter Annihilator?
Some common cards that counter Annihilator include:
- Path to Exile: A removal spell that can exile a creature.
- Abrupt Decay: A removal spell that can destroy a permanent.
- Sylvan Library: A spell that can counter an opponent’s spell.
- Baneslayer Angel: A creature with lifelink that can gain life when it deals damage to an opponent.
I hope this article helps you understand what stops Annihilator and provides some strategies for players to counter it.