Can You Block Creatures with Protection?
The Basics of Protection in Magic
In the popular trading card game Magic: The Gathering, protection is a crucial concept that enables certain creatures to avoid various forms of interaction. Whether it’s blocking, destroying, or targeting, creatures with protection can’t be affected by certain types or sources of damage. So, can you block creatures with protection? The answer is nuanced, and we’ll explore it in this article.
Protection from Colors
The most common form of protection is protection from colors. A creature with protection from a specific color (e.g., blue, red, green, or white) can’t be blocked by creatures with that same color. However, it’s essential to note that this protection applies only to creatures with that specific color, not the entire color pie.
Here’s a table summarizing protection from colors:
| Creature Color | Can block | Can’t block |
|---|---|---|
| Blue | Red, Green, and White | Blue |
| Red | Green and White | Blue, Red |
| Green | White | Blue, Red, Green |
| White | Colorless | Blue, Red, Green |
Exceptions and Interactions
But what about exceptions and interactions? Can you block a creature with protection from blue if it’s being cast by a red player?
Yes, you can still block the creature
The protection from colors doesn’t apply to the specific source of the creature; it only applies to its color. So, you can still block a red-cast blue creature because it’s not being controlled by a blue player. Similarly, you can still block a green creature if it’s being cast by a white player.
However, there are some instances where protection from colors is overridden:
- Haste: Creatures with haste can attack as soon as they’re cast and won’t be blocked during the combat phase.
- First Strike: Creatures with first strike deal their combat damage before the end of the combat phase. Protection from colors won’t stop them from attacking, but it will prevent creatures from blocking them.
- Deathtouch: Creatures with deathtouch deal lethal damage to a creature, allowing it to be destroyed during combat. Protection from colors won’t protect a creature from deathtouch.
When Can You Block Creatures with Protection?
So, when can you block creatures with protection? The general rule is that you can block a creature with protection if:
- The protecting ability is not triggered, and the creature is without protection.
- The block is made by a creature with a different color, which isn’t protected by the protective ability.
- The protected creature is being cast from a different source, and the protection doesn’t override the block.
Practical Examples
Let’s illustrate these concepts with practical examples:
- Scorned Villager (1G): Can be blocked by any colored creature.
- Fearless Monk (2W): Can’t be blocked by creatures with White, but can be blocked by creatures with Blue, Red, or Green.
- Inferno Elemental (2R): Has haste and first strike; can’t be blocked due to its haste and protection from colors.
In Conclusion
In summary, protection from colors is just one aspect of the larger protection mechanic in Magic: The Gathering. While a creature with protection from colors can’t be blocked by creatures with that same color, there are exceptions, interactions, and specific conditions where protection is overridden or can be bypassed.
As a player, it’s essential to understand when and how you can block creatures with protection to strategically play your cards and maintain control on the battlefield.
Remember to always keep these concepts in mind when deck-building and playing Magic:
- Protection from colors affects blocking, but not interaction from other sources.
- Creatures with haste, first strike, or deathtouch can bypass protection.
- Blocking a protected creature requires careful consideration of its color, source, and abilities.
By doing so, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of how protection works and improve your overall gameplay experience. Happy casting!