Can Shock Target a Planeswalker?
In the world of Magic: The Gathering, spells can be quite versatile and complex. One of the most common spells in every player’s arsenal is Shock. This damage-dealing spell is able to target creatures, players, and even planeswalkers. But can Shock target a planeswalker, and if so, under what circumstances?
Can Shock Target a Planeswalker?
YES, Shock can target a planeswalker. Shocked says "Any target" which includes any player, creature, or planeswalker that can receive damage. This means that planeswalkers are not excluded from being targeted by Shock.
Important Point
- Shocked is a non-target specific spell, which means it can target any permanent that can receive damage, including planeswalkers.
What Are the Consequences of Shocking a Planeswalker?
When you cast Shock on a planeswalker, the planeswalker will redirect the damage from the player who controlled the planeswalker to the player who cast the Shock spell. This is according to the Planeswalker Redirection Rule, which states that a planeswalker can only be targeted with damage by another player or planeswalker, and any damage dealt to a planeswalker is redirected to the player who controlled it.
| Scenario | Result |
|---|---|
| Planeswalker A is attacked by Shock cast by player B | The planeswalker redirects the damage to player B |
| Planeswalker A is attacked by Shock cast by another planeswalker | The planeswalker redirects the damage to the player who controlled the other planeswalker |
More Examples
Let’s look at some examples to make this clearer:
- Suppose player A has a planeswalker, Karn, in play. Player B casts Shock on Karn. According to the planeswalker redirection rule, Karn will redirect the damage to player B.
- If player A has a planeswalker, Jace, in play and player B casts another planeswalker, Chandra, that has a red mana ability, Chandra can cast Shock on Jace. In this scenario, Jace will redirect the damage to player B, who controlled Chandra.
In Conclusion
In summary, Yes, Shock can target a planeswalker, and any damage dealt to a planeswalker will be redirected to the player who controlled the planeswalker according to the Planeswalker Redirection Rule. Remember to take into account the complex interplay between spells, permanents, and planeswalkers when making strategic decisions in your Magic: The Gathering games.
Next Steps
Now that we’ve covered the basics, it’s time to put your newfound knowledge to the test. Try experimenting with different scenarios and spells in your next game to gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of Magic: The Gathering.