Can You Target a Planeswalker in Combat?
In the world of Magic: The Gathering, planeswalkers are powerful, legendary creatures that can be a crucial part of any deck. But can you target a planeswalker in combat? The answer is yes, and in this article, we’ll explore the rules and strategies surrounding targeting planeswalkers in combat.
Direct Answer
According to the Comprehensive Rules (CR) of Magic: The Gathering, a planeswalker can be attacked, just like a player. This means that you can target a planeswalker with an attacker in combat, dealing combat damage to it. (CR 510.1b)
How to Attack a Planeswalker
When you enter the Declare Attackers step on your turn, you choose which creatures are attacking, and then which players or planeswalkers each creature is attacking. (CR 510.1a) To attack a planeswalker, simply choose the planeswalker as the target of your attacking creature.
Types of Damage
There are two types of damage that can be dealt to a planeswalker: combat damage and non-combat damage. Combat damage is dealt to a planeswalker when it is attacked and is removed from the game when the planeswalker has no loyalty counters left. Non-combat damage is dealt to a planeswalker when an opponent redirects the damage one of their spells would deal to the player controlling the planeswalker.
Loyalty Counters
Planeswalkers have a loyalty counter total, which starts at three. Each time a planeswalker is dealt damage, one or more loyalty counters are removed from the game. If a planeswalker has no loyalty counters left, it is put into the graveyard. (CR 702.23)
Strategies for Targeting Planeswalkers
Here are some strategies to keep in mind when targeting planeswalkers in combat:
- Use removal spells: Spells like Lightning Strike or Fireball can deal direct damage to a planeswalker, removing loyalty counters and potentially putting the planeswalker into the graveyard.
- Use creatures with high power: Creatures with high power, such as dragons or angels, can deal significant combat damage to a planeswalker.
- Use abilities that trigger on planeswalker damage: Some cards have abilities that trigger when a planeswalker is dealt damage. These abilities can be powerful and can give you an advantage in the game.
Table: Planeswalker Loyalty Counter Removal
| Damage Dealt | Loyalty Counters Removed |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1 |
| 2 | 2 |
| 3 | 3 |
| 4 | 4 |
| 5 | 5 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, yes, you can target a planeswalker in combat. Planeswalkers can be attacked and dealt combat damage, just like players. Remember to keep an eye on the loyalty counter total of the planeswalker you’re targeting, as it can be removed from the game if it has no loyalty counters left. By using removal spells, creatures with high power, and abilities that trigger on planeswalker damage, you can effectively target planeswalkers in combat and gain an advantage in the game.