Do creatures with Deathtouch take damage?

Do Creatures with Deathtouch Take Damage?

In the world of Magic: The Gathering, Deathtouch is a powerful ability that can destroy any creature that deals damage to it. But a common question that arises is: do creatures with Deathtouch take damage themselves? In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of Deathtouch and answer this question in detail.

Direct Answer

Yes, creatures with Deathtouch take damage.

When a creature with Deathtouch is dealt damage, it is destroyed, just like any other creature. This means that creatures with Deathtouch are vulnerable to damage from other creatures, spells, and abilities.

State-Based Actions

Deathtouch is a state-based ability, which means that it is triggered when a condition is met, such as a creature being dealt damage. When a creature is dealt damage, the Deathtouch ability is triggered, and the creature is destroyed. This happens before any combat damage is dealt, so the creature is destroyed immediately.

Indestructible Creatures

Indestructible creatures are not destroyed by damage, even if they have Deathtouch. This is because indestructible creatures are immune to destruction, regardless of the source of the damage. However, indestructible creatures can still be dealt damage and can have their toughness reduced.

Trample and Deathtouch

Trample is an ability that allows a creature to deal excess damage to a creature with a higher toughness. If a creature with trample deals damage to a creature with Deathtouch, the excess damage will be dealt to the Deathtouch creature. However, the Deathtouch creature will still be destroyed if the damage is enough to destroy it.

Lifelink and Deathtouch

Lifelink is an ability that causes a creature to gain life when it deals damage. If a creature with lifelink and Deathtouch deals damage to another creature, it will gain life and the other creature will be destroyed.

Deathtouch and Double Strike

Double strike is an ability that allows a creature to deal combat damage twice. If a creature with double strike and Deathtouch deals damage to another creature, it will deal double damage and destroy the other creature.

Deathtouch and First Strike

First strike is an ability that allows a creature to deal combat damage first. If a creature with first strike and Deathtouch deals damage to another creature, it will deal damage before the other creature can deal damage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creatures with Deathtouch do take damage, but they are also destroyed immediately. Indestructible creatures are immune to destruction, but can still be dealt damage. Trample and lifelink can interact with Deathtouch in interesting ways, and double strike and first strike can also affect the outcome. By understanding how Deathtouch works, players can make informed decisions when building their decks and interacting with other creatures on the battlefield.