Can lava spike target planeswalkers?

Can Lava Spike Target Planeswalkers?

Lava Spike is a popular removal spell in Magic: The Gathering that deals 3 damage to a target player or planeswalker. In this article, we will delve into the specifics of targeting planeswalkers with Lava Spike and explore the possibilities and limitations of this spell.

Direct Answer

Yes, Lava Spike can target a planeswalker. According to the spell’s wording, it deals 3 damage to a target player or planeswalker, making it a viable option for removing a planeswalker from the game.

Targeting a Planeswalker

Lava Spike’s targeting mechanic allows you to choose a planeswalker as a legal target. When you play the spell, you can choose a planeswalker under your opponent’s control and deal 3 damage to it. This can be particularly effective in combo decks that rely on planeswalkers to generate card advantage or generate threats on the battlefield.

Redirecting Damage

Some players may be concerned about redirecting damage from Lava Spike to a planeswalker’s controller. However, Lava Spike’s wording explicitly states that it deals 3 damage to a target player or planeswalker, making it impossible to redirect the damage to a planeswalker’s controller.

Comparison to Other Spells

Lava Spike’s ability to target planeswalkers makes it a more effective removal spell compared to other spells that only target creatures. For example, Fireball can deal 1 damage to a target player or planeswalker and 1 damage to a target creature that player or planeswalker’s controller controls. While Fireball can target a planeswalker, it is not as effective at removing a planeswalker as Lava Spike.

Limitations

While Lava Spike is an effective removal spell, it has some limitations to consider. Firstly, it can only deal 3 damage to a planeswalker, which may not be enough to remove a powerful planeswalker. Secondly, Lava Spike does not have any additional effects that can help you in the long run. For example, Searing Blaze deals 1 damage to a target player or planeswalker and 1 damage to a target creature that player or planeswalker’s controller controls, while also providing a bonus to your own life total.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lava Spike can indeed target planeswalkers and is a viable option for removal in many decks. Its ability to deal 3 damage to a target player or planeswalker makes it a more effective removal spell compared to other spells that only target creatures. While it has some limitations, Lava Spike remains a popular and powerful removal spell in Magic: The Gathering.

Lava Spike’s Wording

Here is the wording of Lava Spike for reference:

"Deals 3 damage to target player or planeswalker."

Planewalkers That Can Be Targeted

Here is a list of some planeswalkers that can be targeted by Lava Spike:

• Jace, the Mind Sculptor
• Karn, the Blood Curse
• Chandra, Torch of Defiance
• Liliana, the Last Hope

Planewalkers That Cannot Be Targeted

Here is a list of some planeswalkers that cannot be targeted by Lava Spike:

• Amonkhet gods (such as Nahiri, the Lithomancer)
• Ixalan planeswalkers (such as Meren of Clan Nel Toth)
• Guildgates (such as Azor’s Gateway)

Note: This list is not exhaustive and may not include all planeswalkers that can or cannot be targeted by Lava Spike.