Does Annihilator Beat Indestructible?
In the world of Magic: The Gathering, indestructible creatures can be a formidable force on the battlefield. However, some players may wonder if annihilator, a mechanic that allows a creature to sacrifice another creature, can beat an indestructible creature. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and delve into the intricacies of Magic’s rules.
What is Annihilator?
Annihilator is a mechanic that allows a creature to sacrifice another creature when it attacks or blocks. This mechanic was introduced in the "Maelstrom" set and has since become a popular way to remove creatures from the battlefield. When a creature with annihilator attacks or blocks, its controller can choose to sacrifice a creature to trigger the annihilator ability.
What is Indestructible?
Indestructible is a static ability that prevents a creature from being destroyed. This ability was introduced in the "Mirrodin" set and has since become a staple in many Magic decks. When a creature has indestructible, it cannot be destroyed by any means, including combat, spells, or abilities.
Does Annihilator Beat Indestructible?
In short, no, annihilator does not beat indestructible. Indestructible creatures are immune to destruction, including the effects of annihilator. When a creature with annihilator attacks or blocks an indestructible creature, the indestructible creature will not be destroyed, and the annihilator ability will not trigger.
Why Does Annihilator Not Beat Indestructible?
There are a few reasons why annihilator does not beat indestructible:
- Indestructible creatures are immune to destruction: As mentioned earlier, indestructible creatures are immune to destruction, including the effects of annihilator. This means that even if a creature with annihilator attacks or blocks an indestructible creature, the indestructible creature will not be destroyed.
- Annihilator is a sacrifice ability: Annihilator is a sacrifice ability that requires a creature to be sacrificed to trigger. Indestructible creatures are not affected by sacrifice abilities, so even if a creature with annihilator attacks or blocks an indestructible creature, the indestructible creature will not be destroyed.
- Indestructible creatures can still be dealt damage: While indestructible creatures cannot be destroyed, they can still be dealt damage. This means that even if a creature with annihilator attacks or blocks an indestructible creature, the indestructible creature can still be dealt damage.
Strategies for Playing Against Indestructible Creatures
While annihilator does not beat indestructible, there are still strategies that players can use to play against indestructible creatures:
- Use spells and abilities that deal damage: As mentioned earlier, indestructible creatures can still be dealt damage. Players can use spells and abilities that deal damage to an indestructible creature to try and remove it from the battlefield.
- Use tokens and other non-creature permanents: Indestructible creatures can only be destroyed by destruction effects, so players can use tokens and other non-creature permanents to try and remove them from the battlefield.
- Use life totals and other life gain effects: Indestructible creatures can still be dealt damage, so players can use life totals and other life gain effects to try and remove them from the battlefield.
Conclusion
In conclusion, annihilator does not beat indestructible. Indestructible creatures are immune to destruction, including the effects of annihilator, and can still be dealt damage. While there are strategies that players can use to play against indestructible creatures, annihilator is not one of them.