Does Deathtouch go through shield?

Does Deathtouch Go Through Shield?

Deathtouch is a powerful ability in Magic: The Gathering that can instantly destroy an opponent’s creature. But what happens when a creature with deathtouch is blocked by a shielded creature? Does deathtouch go through shield and destroy the blocked creature, or is it prevented from doing so?

Direct Answer

Yes, deathtouch does go through shield. When a creature with deathtouch deals damage to a creature, it will destroy that creature, regardless of whether the creature has shield or not.

Why Deathtouch Goes Through Shield

There are a few reasons why deathtouch goes through shield:

• Damage prevention: Shield is a damage prevention effect, not a destruction prevention effect. Deathtouch, on the other hand, is a destruction effect. Since deathtouch is not trying to prevent damage, but rather to destroy the creature, shield does not prevent it from working.
• No targeting: Deathtouch does not target the creature it is destroying. Instead, it is an effect that is triggered by the creature dealing damage. Since shield does not have any effect on non-targeted effects, deathtouch is not blocked by shield.
• Instant destruction: Deathtouch is an instant destruction effect, which means it happens immediately when the creature deals damage. Shield does not have any effect on instant effects, so deathtouch is able to destroy the creature even if it has shield.

Examples

Here are a few examples of deathtouch going through shield:

• Sedge Scorpion: This creature has deathtouch and can destroy any creature it deals damage to. If it blocks a creature with shield, the shield will not prevent it from destroying the blocked creature.
• Ambush Viper: This creature has deathtouch and can destroy any creature it deals damage to. If it is blocked by a creature with shield, the shield will not prevent it from destroying the blocked creature.

Counterarguments

Some players may argue that shield should prevent deathtouch from destroying the creature. However, this is not the case. Deathtouch is a destruction effect that is triggered by the creature dealing damage, and shield does not have any effect on non-targeted effects.

Conclusion

In conclusion, deathtouch does go through shield. It is an instant destruction effect that is triggered by the creature dealing damage, and shield does not have any effect on non-targeted effects. If a creature with deathtouch is blocked by a creature with shield, the shield will not prevent it from destroying the blocked creature.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does deathtouch destroy the creature immediately? Yes, deathtouch destroys the creature immediately when it deals damage to it.
• Can shield prevent deathtouch from destroying the creature? No, shield does not prevent deathtouch from destroying the creature.
• Does deathtouch go through other types of protection? Yes, deathtouch goes through other types of protection, including indestructible and regeneration.

Table: Deathtouch and Shield

Note: means that deathtouch and shield have the specified effect on each other. means that deathtouch and shield do not have the specified effect on each other.