Does Deathtouch Override Trample?
In the world of Magic: The Gathering, creatures with deathtouch and trample abilities can be a game-changer. But what happens when these two abilities collide? Does deathtouch override trample, or do they work together in harmony? In this article, we’ll delve into the rules and mechanics of deathtouch and trample to find out.
Direct Answer:
Deathtouch does not override trample. In fact, trample allows a creature to deal excess damage to the defending player, even if the deathtouch ability would normally destroy the creature. This means that a creature with trample can deal damage to the defending player, even if it’s destroyed by deathtouch.
How Deathtouch Works:
Deathtouch is a static ability that modifies the rules for assigning combat damage. Whenever a source with deathtouch deals damage to a creature, that creature is destroyed. Deathtouch only applies to creatures, and it doesn’t affect other types of permanents.
How Trample Works:
Trample is a static ability that modifies the rules for assigning combat damage. Whenever a creature with trample deals combat damage to a player, that player must assign that damage to a creature they control. If the creature would assign more damage than its toughness, the excess damage is dealt to the player.
The Interaction Between Deathtouch and Trample:
When a creature with deathtouch and trample deals damage to a creature, the deathtouch ability will first apply, destroying the creature. However, the trample ability will still allow the creature to deal excess damage to the defending player. This means that even if the creature is destroyed by deathtouch, it can still deal damage to the defending player through trample.
Example Scenario:
Let’s say you have a 3/3 creature with deathtouch and trample attacking a 2/2 creature controlled by your opponent. Your creature deals 3 damage to the 2/2 creature, destroying it. However, your creature still has 1 damage left over, which is dealt to your opponent through trample.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, deathtouch and trample are two powerful abilities that can work together in interesting ways. While deathtouch will destroy a creature, trample will still allow it to deal excess damage to the defending player. This means that a creature with both deathtouch and trample can be a formidable force on the battlefield, even if it’s destroyed by deathtouch.
Additional Considerations:
- Indestructible Creatures: If a creature with deathtouch and trample is indestructible, it will not be destroyed by deathtouch. However, trample will still allow it to deal excess damage to the defending player.
- Loyalty Counters: If a planeswalker with deathtouch and trample is dealt damage, it will lose loyalty counters. However, trample will still allow it to deal excess damage to the defending player.
- Sacrifice: If a creature with deathtouch and trample is sacrificed, it will not be destroyed by deathtouch. However, trample will still allow it to deal excess damage to the defending player.
Common Questions:
- Does deathtouch override trample? No, deathtouch does not override trample. Trample will still allow a creature to deal excess damage to the defending player, even if it’s destroyed by deathtouch.
- Can a creature with deathtouch and trample deal damage to the defending player? Yes, a creature with deathtouch and trample can deal damage to the defending player, even if it’s destroyed by deathtouch.
- How does indestructible affect deathtouch and trample? If a creature with deathtouch and trample is indestructible, it will not be destroyed by deathtouch. However, trample will still allow it to deal excess damage to the defending player.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, deathtouch and trample are two powerful abilities that can work together in interesting ways. While deathtouch will destroy a creature, trample will still allow it to deal excess damage to the defending player. This means that a creature with both deathtouch and trample can be a formidable force on the battlefield, even if it’s destroyed by deathtouch.