Can a Creature Target a Creature in Magic The Gathering?
In the world of Magic: The Gathering, the concept of targeting is crucial in understanding how spells and abilities interact with creatures. A target is a recipient of the effects of a spell or ability chosen by its controller. This article will delve into the rules and nuances of targeting creatures in Magic, answering the question: Can a creature target a creature in Magic The Gathering?
What Does It Mean to Target?
Before we dive into the specifics of targeting creatures, let’s define what it means to target in general. In Magic, targeting refers to the process of choosing a specific player, object, or creature as the recipient of the effects of a spell or ability. This targeting process is governed by the specific rules of the game, including the card text, the Magic Comprehensive Rules, and the Magic Error Policy.
What Can Target a Creature?
In Magic, various spell and ability types can target creatures, including:
- Instants: Instant spells can target creatures to deal damage, apply status effects, or perform other actions.
- Sorceries: Sorceries can also target creatures to deal damage, apply status effects, or perform other actions.
- Activated Abilities: Activated abilities, such as creature abilities, can target other creatures or players.
- Triggers: Triggers, such as those on enchantments or artifacts, can target creatures or players.
- State-based Effects: State-based effects, such as those that arise from a creature’s ability, can target specific creatures or players.
Can a Creature Target Another Creature?
Now that we’ve established what can target creatures, let’s address the question at hand: Can a creature target another creature? The answer is yes. Creatures can target other creatures, either through their abilities or as a result of spell or ability interactions. Here are some examples:
- Enters-the-Battlefield Abilities: Some creatures have enters-the-battlefield abilities that target other creatures. For example, Kitchen Finks‘s enters-the-battlefield ability reads, "Creatures you control get +2/+2 until end of turn."
- Attack Abilities: Some creatures have attack abilities that target specific creatures. For example, Goblin King‘s attack ability reads, "Whenever Goblin King attacks, it gets +X/+X until end of turn, where X is the number of creatures attacking."
- Triggered Abilities: Some creatures have triggered abilities that target specific creatures. For example, Vivien’s Grapple‘s triggered ability reads, "When Vivien’s Grapple enters the battlefield, creatures can’t block this turn."
Targeting Considerations
When targeting a creature, it’s essential to consider the following factors:
- Protection from: Some creatures have protection from specific types of creatures or spells. For example, Phantasmal Terrain grants a creature protection from creatures as long as it’s untapped.
- Hexproof: Some creatures have hexproof, which makes them immune to targeting.
- Shroud: Some creatures have shroud, which makes them untargetable.
Summary and Conclusion
In summary, can a creature target a creature in Magic The Gathering? The answer is yes, under specific circumstances. Creatures can target other creatures through their abilities or as a result of spell or ability interactions. It’s crucial to consider factors such as protection from, hexproof, and shroud when targeting creatures to ensure accurate game play.
By understanding the rules and nuances of targeting creatures, players can better navigate the complex world of Magic: The Gathering, making informed decisions about spell and ability play, and ultimately, improving their chances of victory.