Does a board wipe destroy indestructible?

Does a Board Wipe Destroy Indestructible?

A question that has puzzled many Magic: The Gathering players and theorists: does a board wipe destroy indestructible creatures? The answer may seem straightforward, but it’s essential to dive deeper into the intricacies of Magic’s rules and mechanics to provide a comprehensive answer.

What is Indestructible?

Indestructible is a keyword ability that was introduced in Magic’s early days. It grants a creature immunity to destruction, making it resistant to effects that would normally destroy it. Indestructible creatures can still be exiled, sacrificed, or removed from the game through other means, but they cannot be destroyed by any effect that destroys creatures.

How Do Board Wipes Work?

Board wipes are spells or abilities that destroy all creatures on the battlefield. They typically have a global effect, wiping out all creatures without distinguishing between indestructible and non-indestructible ones. But does this mean that board wipes automatically destroy indestructible creatures?

The Short Answer

No, board wipes do not automatically destroy indestructible creatures.

While board wipes can destroy non-indestructible creatures, they do not affect indestructible creatures. Indestructible creatures remain on the battlefield, unharmed and unaffected by the board wipe.

Why?

The reason is rooted in the definition of indestructible. As mentioned earlier, indestructible creatures are immune to destruction. Destruction is the primary effect of board wipes, so if a creature is indestructible, it cannot be destroyed by the board wipe. Additionally, indestructible creatures are not targeted by the board wipe’s effect, which means they are not affected by the spell’s resolution.

The DEBT Acronym

To further clarify this concept, we can use the DEBT acronym, which stands for:

• D: Destroy
• E: Exile
• B: Block
• T: Target

Indestructible creatures are not targeted by board wipes, which means they are not affected by the D (destroy) part of the DEBT acronym. However, they may still be exiled, sacrificed, or removed from the game through other means.

Examples

Here are a few examples to illustrate this concept:

• Infect: This board wipe destroys all creatures with infect. If you have an indestructible creature with infect, it will not be destroyed by the board wipe.
• Baneslayer’s Wrath: This board wipe destroys all creatures with power 4 or greater. If you have an indestructible creature with power 3, it will not be destroyed by the board wipe.

What Happens When an Indestructible Creature is Wiped?

When an indestructible creature is wiped by a board wipe, it does not die. Instead, it remains on the battlefield, unaffected by the board wipe’s effect. The indestructible creature can still attack, block, or be affected by other spells and abilities as normal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, board wipes do not destroy indestructible creatures. Indestructible creatures are immune to destruction and are not targeted by board wipes. While board wipes can destroy non-indestructible creatures, indestructible creatures remain unaffected, remaining on the battlefield and continuing to interact with the game as normal.

Additional Notes

• Counterexamples: While board wipes do not destroy indestructible creatures, some effects can still affect indestructible creatures. For example, some abilities may exile or sacrifice indestructible creatures, while others may force them to lose loyalty counters. Be aware of these exceptions when building your decks and making gameplay decisions.
• In-Game Implications: Indestructible creatures can have significant implications on game strategy. By preserving indestructible creatures, players can maintain a strong presence on the battlefield, protecting their life total and threatening their opponents.
• Ruling on Indestructible Creatures: In rare cases where the rules are unclear or ambiguous, consult the official Magic: The Gathering comprehensive rules document or contact a tournament judge for guidance.

I hope this article has provided a comprehensive and informative answer to the question of whether board wipes destroy indestructible creatures. Remember to always keep an eye on the DEBT acronym and understand the intricacies of Magic’s rules to make informed decisions at the table.