Can You Redirect Player Damage to Planeswalkers?
In Magic: The Gathering, dealing damage to a planeswalker can be a crucial strategic decision. However, not all spells and abilities that deal damage can target planeswalkers. In this article, we’ll delve into the rules surrounding planeswalker damage and explore whether you can redirect player damage to planeswalkers.
Direct Answer: No, You Can’t Redirect Combat Damage
The short answer is no, you cannot redirect combat damage to a planeswalker. Planeswalkers, like players, can be attacked and take combat damage. If a planeswalker is attacked and takes damage, it’s removed from the game and put into the graveyard, just like a player who takes 21 points of damage.
Redirecting Non-Combat Damage: A Possibility
While you can’t redirect combat damage, you can redirect non-combat damage dealt to an opponent to a planeswalker they control. This can be done with spells or abilities that target an opponent and deal non-combat damage. When such a spell or ability resolves, you can choose to redirect the damage from the opponent to a planeswalker they control.
Key Rules to Keep in Mind
Here are the key rules to keep in mind when redirecting non-combat damage to planeswalkers:
- The spell or ability must target an opponent.
- The spell or ability must deal non-combat damage (i.e., not 21 or more points of damage).
- The spell or ability doesn’t need to target a planeswalker.
- The planeswalker the damage is redirected to must be controlled by the opponent who was the original target.
Boros Charm: A Special Case
Boros Charm, a popular spell in many decks, deals 4 damage to target player or planeswalker. While Boros Charm can target planeswalkers, it’s important to note that this spell only deals non-combat damage. If the planeswalker is attacked and takes combat damage, the Boros Charm damage is not enough to remove the planeswalker from the game.
Indestructible vs. Deathtouch
When dealing with indestructible creatures or planeswalkers, keep in mind that indestructible can’t be destroyed by rules, including deathtouch. In this case, deathtouch becomes irrelevant, and the planeswalker remains alive.
Double Strike: A Trick Up Your Sleeve
When blocking a creature with deathtouch, double strike can give you an advantage. Double strike allows your creature to deal damage during the first strike damage step, before the deathtouch creature can return fire.
Consequences of Planeswalker Damage
Planewalker damage can have significant consequences, including:
- Removing the planeswalker from the game
- Allowing the opponent to gain life or draw cards
- Creating an opening for the opponent to attack your life total
Strategic Considerations
When deciding whether to redirect damage to a planeswalker, consider the following strategic implications:
- Will the opponent be able to gain an advantage by removing the planeswalker?
- Will redirecting the damage create an opening for the opponent to attack your life total?
- Are there other creatures or planeswalkers in play that could benefit from the damage?
Conclusion
Redirecting player damage to planeswalkers is a powerful strategic tool in Magic: The Gathering. By understanding the rules and key concepts surrounding planeswalker damage, you can make informed decisions about when and how to redirect damage. Whether you’re playing a combo deck or a control deck, redirecting damage can be a crucial part of your overall strategy.