Does Infect Replace Combat Damage?
Infect, a mechanic introduced in the Magic: The Gathering’s Mirrodin set, allows creatures to deal -1/-1 counters instead of lethal damage. But does infect replace combat damage? In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of infect and explore the answers to this question.
Does Combat Damage Still Apply?
Yes, combat damage still applies when a creature with infect deals damage. Infect is not a replacement effect, but rather an additional effect that triggers after combat damage is dealt. This means that if a creature with infect deals combat damage to a player, the player will take both the combat damage and the -1/-1 counter.
Example: Imagine a creature with infect dealing 3 damage to a player. The player will take 3 points of combat damage and receive 3 -1/-1 counters.
When Does Infect Trigger?
Infect triggers whenever a creature with infect deals damage to a player, regardless of whether that damage is lethal or not. This means that infect will trigger even if the player has a way to prevent the combat damage from being lethal, such as through a lifelink ability.
Example: A player is at 5 life, and a creature with infect deals 3 damage to them. The player would normally die from the damage, but they have a lifelink ability that prevents them from dying. The infect effect still triggers, dealing the -1/-1 counter to the player.
Does Infect Affect Flying and Other Abilities?
Yes, infect does affect flying and other abilities. When a creature with infect deals damage, the flying ability is suppressed, and the creature’s abilities are affected as if it were a regular creature. This means that if a creature with infect has flying, it will lose flying when it deals damage and will be treated as a regular creature.
Table: Infect and Abilities
| Ability | Infect Affects |
|---|---|
| Flying | Suppressed |
| Haste | Unaffected |
| Lifelink | Unaffected |
| Double Strike | Unaffected |
Can Infect be Removed?
Yes, infect can be removed or prevented through various means, such as:
- Using a spell or ability to prevent the creature from dealing damage
- Using a spell or ability to destroy the creature
- Using a spell or ability to remove the infect effect
Example: A player uses a spell to destroy a creature with infect, preventing the infect effect from triggering.
Conclusion
Infect is a powerful mechanic that can be both beneficial and detrimental, depending on the situation. It’s essential to understand when and how infect triggers, as well as how it affects various abilities and situations. By mastering the intricacies of infect, you can gain a strategic edge in your Magic: The Gathering games.
Takeaways
- Infect does not replace combat damage
- Infect triggers whenever a creature with infect deals damage to a player
- Infect affects flying and other abilities
- Infect can be removed or prevented through various means