Does Crewing Count as Attacking in MTG?
Crewing is a fascinating mechanic in Magic: The Gathering that allows players to turn vehicles into powerful creatures. But have you ever wondered if crewing a vehicle counts as attacking? In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of crewing and explore the answer to this question.
Direct Answer: No, Crewing Does Not Count as Attacking
According to the official Magic: The Gathering rules, crewing a vehicle does not count as attacking. Crewing is an activated ability that allows you to turn a vehicle into a creature, but it does not trigger the Declare Attackers step, which is when you declare which creatures will be attacking your opponent.
Why Does Crewing Not Count as Attacking?
There are a few reasons why crewing a vehicle does not count as attacking:
- Crewing is an activated ability: When you crew a vehicle, you’re using an activated ability to turn it into a creature. This ability is separate from the Declare Attackers step, which is a separate phase in the game.
- Crewing does not trigger the Declare Attackers step: Even though you’re turning a vehicle into a creature, you’re not declaring it as an attacker. This means that the vehicle will not be included in the Declare Attackers step, and it will not trigger any abilities that rely on attacking.
- Crewing is a separate action: Crewing a vehicle is a separate action from attacking. You can crew a vehicle without attacking, and you can attack without crewing a vehicle.
When Does Crewing Matter?
While crewing a vehicle does not count as attacking, it does have significant implications for the game. Here are a few scenarios where crewing matters:
- Defense: When you crew a vehicle, you’re creating a powerful creature that can defend against your opponent’s attacks. This can be especially important in games where you’re facing a aggressive opponent.
- Token generation: Some vehicles have abilities that generate tokens when they’re crewed. These tokens can be used to fuel your board or attack your opponent.
- Combat: When you crew a vehicle, you’re creating a creature that can participate in combat. This can be especially important in games where you’re facing a defensive opponent.
Best Practices for Crewing
Here are a few best practices to keep in mind when crewing vehicles:
- Crew your vehicles strategically: Don’t crew a vehicle just for the sake of crewing it. Make sure you have a plan for how you’ll use the creature it becomes.
- Keep your opponent’s board in mind: When you’re deciding whether to crew a vehicle, consider your opponent’s board state. If they have a lot of creatures, you may want to hold off on crewing to avoid putting more targets on the board.
- Use your creatures wisely: When you do crew a vehicle, use the creature it becomes wisely. Consider using it to block an opponent’s attack or to attack your opponent directly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, crewing a vehicle does not count as attacking in Magic: The Gathering. While this may seem counterintuitive at first, it’s an important distinction to make in order to understand how to use vehicles effectively in the game. By following the best practices outlined above and keeping your opponent’s board in mind, you can use crewing to gain a strategic advantage in your games.