Is Flying in MTG an Ability?
In the world of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), flying is a keyword ability that has been a part of the game since its inception. Flying is an evergreen evasion ability that allows creatures with this ability to avoid being blocked by non-flying creatures. In this article, we’ll delve into the nature of flying in MTG and explore its implications for deck-building and gameplay.
What is Flying?
Flying is a triggered ability that allows a creature with this ability to bypass blocks from non-flying creatures. It does not prevent a creature from blocking, but rather makes the blocking creature unable to reduce the attacking creature’s damage. This means that a flying creature will still deal its full damage to the blocking creature, rather than being reduced or redirected.
How Does Flying Work?
Flying interacts with other abilities in unique ways. Here are a few key points to understand:
- Deathtouch: When a creature with deathtouch deals damage to another creature, it instantly kills that creature. However, if the deathtouch creature has flying, it will still deal its damage to the blocking creature, even if it doesn’t kill it.
- Indestructible: Indestructible creatures are not destroyed by damage. They can still be dealt lethal damage, but will survive the attack. Deathtouch creatures cannot kill indestructible creatures.
- Reach: Reach is a similar ability to flying, allowing a creature to attack over other creatures. However, reach creatures can only block creatures with reach.
- First Strike: When a creature with first strike deals damage to a creature, it deals its full damage before the defending creature can block. Deathtouch creatures will still deal their damage after the first strike, regardless of whether the target was killed.
Do Flying Creatures Have Special Properties?
Flying creatures are not inherently more powerful or resilient than non-flying creatures. However, they do have unique interaction with other abilities, which can make them more desirable in certain situations.
For example, flying creatures are more likely to get around pesky blockers like Kitesail or Stone-Throwing Toxin Worm. They can also utilize abilities like Ambush Viper, which destroys creatures with flying, without worrying about being blocked by other creatures.
Dealing with Flying Creatures
So, how can you deal with flying creatures that are threatening to soar through your defenses? Here are a few strategies:
- Use creatures with flying: If you can manage to get a creature with flying on the battlefield, you can use it to block the flying creature. This is often referred to as "aerial combat".
- Use reach: If you have a creature with reach, you can use it to block the flying creature. Keep in mind that reach creatures are more vulnerable to other flyers.
- Use deathtouch or indestructible: As mentioned earlier, creatures with deathtouch can instantly kill flying creatures. Indestructible creatures, on the other hand, can survive even lethal damage.
- Use removal spells: Use removal spells like Doom Blade or Abrupt Decay to eliminate the flying creature outright.
Conclusion
In conclusion, flying in MTG is an ability that allows creatures to avoid being blocked by non-flying creatures. While flying creatures are not inherently more powerful, they do have unique interactions with other abilities, which can make them more desirable in certain situations.
By understanding how flying interacts with other abilities and creatures, you can build effective strategies to deal with these aerial threats. Remember, flying is a powerful ability, but it’s not invincible, and with the right mix of creatures and spells, you can take down even the most formidable flying foes.