Do planeswalkers count as target permanent?

Do Planeswalkers Count as Target Permanent?

In the world of Magic: The Gathering, a target permanent refers to any permanent that is being affected by a spell or ability. This includes creatures, artifacts, enchantments, and lands, among other things. However, there is often debate about whether planeswalkers count as target permanents. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and delve into the world of MTG to understand the complexities surrounding target permanents and planeswalkers.

The Definition of a Target Permanent

Before we dive into the discussion about planeswalkers, let’s first define what a target permanent is. According to the official MTG rulebook, a target permanent is any permanent that is being affected by a spell or ability. This includes permanents that are being dealt damage, being changed, being destroyed, or being transformed.

Do Planeswalkers Count as Target Permanent?

The answer to this question is yes, planeswalkers do count as target permanents. According to the rulebook, any permanent, including planeswalkers, can be the target of a spell or ability.

Examples

Here are some examples that illustrate why planeswalkers count as target permanents:

• Attacking with Creatures: When you attack with a creature, the defending player can choose to target that creature with a spell or ability. Similarly, if a planeswalker is attacking, the defending player can also choose to target that planeswalker with a spell or ability.
• Dealing Damage: When you deal damage to a planeswalker, that planeswalker is considered to be a target permanent. For instance, if a spell deals 2 damage to a planeswalker, that planeswalker is now at -2 life, and any additional damage would be excess damage.
• Activating Abilities: When a planeswalker has an activated ability, such as its loyalty ability, that ability can target that planeswalker. For example, a planeswalker’s ability that says "At the beginning of your upkeep, create a 1/1 white Human Warrior creature token" can only target that planeswalker itself.

Conclusion

In conclusion, planeswalkers do count as target permanents. Any permanent, including planeswalkers, can be the target of a spell or ability, and they can be affected by a variety of spells and abilities, such as dealing damage, changing properties, and destroying them. By understanding how planeswalkers fit into the definition of target permanents, you can better navigate the complex world of MTG and make more informed decisions during gameplay.

Table: Permanents That Can be Targeted

By recognizing that planeswalkers are target permanents, you can more effectively understand how they interact with spells and abilities. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a new player, having a solid grasp of MTG terminology will help you improve your gameplay and strategy.