How to Counter a Board Wipe in Magic: The Gathering
Board wipes are a powerful and popular strategy in Magic: The Gathering, capable of clearing the board of all creatures and other permanents. However, they can be devastating if you’re not prepared. In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to counter a board wipe and keep your creatures safe.
Keep Some Creatures in Your Hand
The simplest way to counter a board wipe is to keep some creatures in your hand instead of playing them all out. This way, when the board wipe resolves, you’ll have creatures waiting in the wings to play. This strategy is especially effective if you have a mix of creatures with different mana costs, allowing you to play them as soon as the board wipe resolves.
Use Indestructible Creatures
Another way to counter a board wipe is to use indestructible creatures. These creatures are unaffected by board wipes and will survive the removal. Some popular indestructible creatures include Kemba, Kha Regent and Estrid, the Masked.
Use Shroud
Shroud is a keyword ability that protects creatures from being targeted by spells and abilities. While it doesn’t protect creatures from board wipes, it can help prevent them from being targeted by other removal spells. Some popular creatures with shroud include Griselbrand and Liliana, the Last Hope.
Use Hexproof
Hexproof is a keyword ability that protects creatures from being targeted by spells and abilities. Like shroud, it doesn’t protect creatures from board wipes, but it can help prevent them from being targeted by other removal spells. Some popular creatures with hexproof include Gideon, Ally of Zendikar and Kiora, the Crashing Wave.
Use Enchantments and Artifacts
Enchantments and artifacts can also help you counter a board wipe. For example, Mwonvuli Acid-Moss is an enchantment that destroys all creatures with a specific power or toughness. Jester’s Cap is an artifact that gives a creature hexproof until end of turn. These kinds of cards can help you control the board and prevent your opponent from wiping it.
Use Removal Spells
Removal spells are a great way to counter a board wipe. These spells can target and remove creatures, preventing your opponent from wiping the board. Some popular removal spells include Path to Exile, Swords to Plowshares, and Abrupt Decay.
Use Board Control
Board control is a strategy that focuses on controlling the board with creatures and spells. This can help you prevent your opponent from wiping the board and give you an advantage. Some popular board control cards include Sylvan Library, Tainted Wood, and Griselbrand.
Conclusion
Board wipes are a powerful strategy in Magic: The Gathering, but they can be countered with the right cards and strategies. By keeping some creatures in your hand, using indestructible creatures, shroud, and hexproof, using enchantments and artifacts, using removal spells, and using board control, you can keep your creatures safe and maintain an advantage on the board.
Table: Counter Strategies
| Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Keep Some Creatures in Your Hand | Keep some creatures in your hand instead of playing them all out. |
| Use Indestructible Creatures | Use indestructible creatures that are unaffected by board wipes. |
| Use Shroud | Use creatures with shroud that are protected from being targeted by spells and abilities. |
| Use Hexproof | Use creatures with hexproof that are protected from being targeted by spells and abilities. |
| Use Enchantments and Artifacts | Use enchantments and artifacts that can help control the board and prevent board wipes. |
| Use Removal Spells | Use removal spells that can target and remove creatures. |
| Use Board Control | Use board control cards that can help control the board and prevent board wipes. |
Additional Tips
- Always keep a few removal spells in your hand to respond to board wipes.
- Use your creatures to block and trade with your opponent’s creatures to reduce the number of creatures on the board.
- Use your enchantments and artifacts to control the board and prevent your opponent from wiping it.
- Be prepared to adapt your strategy to your opponent’s board wipes.