Can You Block Indestructible Creatures?
When it comes to Magic: The Gathering, blocking is a crucial aspect of the game. However, indestructible creatures can be a game-changer, making it difficult to remove them from the battlefield. In this article, we’ll explore whether you can block indestructible creatures and what the implications are.
Direct Answer: Yes, You Can Block Indestructible Creatures
The short answer is yes, you can block indestructible creatures. Indestructible does not prevent a creature from being blocked. According to the official Magic: The Gathering rules, a creature with indestructible can still be blocked, but it will not be destroyed by the combat damage.
How Indestructible Creatures Work
Indestructible is a static ability that means a permanent cannot be destroyed, and cannot be destroyed as a result of lethal damage. This means that indestructible creatures will survive combat damage, but they can still be blocked. When a creature with indestructible is blocked, the combat damage is assigned to the blocking creature, and the indestructible creature will not be destroyed.
Blocking Indestructible Creatures: The Implications
Blocking indestructible creatures has some significant implications:
- Combat Damage: When a creature with indestructible is blocked, the combat damage is assigned to the blocking creature, not the indestructible creature. This means that the indestructible creature will not take any damage.
- Lethal Damage: Indestructible creatures are not affected by lethal damage. They will not be destroyed even if they would normally take lethal damage.
- Removal: Indestructible creatures can still be removed from the game using removal spells or abilities that specifically target them.
When to Block Indestructible Creatures
So, when should you block indestructible creatures? Here are some scenarios to consider:
- Stalling for Time: If you’re trying to buy time for your life total to recover, blocking an indestructible creature can be a good strategy. The indestructible creature will not be destroyed, but you’ll still be able to gain some time.
- Preventing Trample: If an indestructible creature has trample, blocking it can prevent the trample damage from being dealt.
- Gaining Life: If you have a way to gain life when a creature dies, blocking an indestructible creature can be a good way to gain some life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, indestructible creatures can be blocked, but they will not be destroyed by combat damage. This means that indestructible creatures can still be a threat on the battlefield, but they can also be managed through clever blocking and removal strategies. Remember to consider the implications of blocking indestructible creatures and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can indestructible creatures be destroyed?
- A: No, indestructible creatures cannot be destroyed, but they can still be removed from the game using removal spells or abilities.
- Q: Can indestructible creatures be blocked?
- A: Yes, indestructible creatures can be blocked, but they will not be destroyed by combat damage.
- Q: What happens when an indestructible creature is blocked?
- A: The combat damage is assigned to the blocking creature, and the indestructible creature will not take any damage.
Additional Resources
- Magic: The Gathering Official Rules: For a comprehensive overview of the official Magic: The Gathering rules, visit the official website.
- MTG Salvation: For a detailed analysis of Magic: The Gathering strategy and gameplay, visit MTG Salvation.
- Reddit: For a community-driven discussion of Magic: The Gathering, visit the Magic: The Gathering subreddit.
Table: Indestructible Creatures and Blocking
| Indestructible Creature | Blocked? | Destroyed by Combat Damage? | Removed from Game? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Bullets: Key Points
- Indestructible creatures can be blocked.
- Indestructible creatures will not be destroyed by combat damage.
- Indestructible creatures can still be removed from the game using removal spells or abilities.
- Blocking indestructible creatures can be a good strategy for stalling for time or preventing trample.
- Consider the implications of blocking indestructible creatures and adjust your strategy accordingly.