Does Deathtouch work with wither?

Does Deathtouch work with Wither?

The Deathtouch mechanic, introduced in the Fifth Edition of Magic: The Gathering, allows creatures to kill other creatures simply by attacking them. Wither, on the other hand, is a damage modifier that causes creatures to get -1/-1 counters each time they deal combat damage to a player. When these two mechanics meet, the question arises: does Deathtouch work with Wither? The answer is a resounding yes.

Combining Deathtouch and Wither

Direct Damage and Wither: When a creature with Deathtouch deals direct damage to a player, it will trigger both Deathtouch’s effects and Wither. Since Deathtouch will kill the creature due to the direct damage, Wither will not matter, as the creature has already been destroyed.

Example:

• Scenario 1: A Grizzly Bears with Deathtouch attacks a creature. The creature takes lethal damage and is destroyed by Deathtouch.

In this scenario, Deathtouch kills the creature and Wither does not have a chance to activate because the creature is destroyed before it can receive a -1/-1 counter.

Combat Damage and Wither: When a creature with Deathtouch deals combat damage to a player, it triggers only the Deathtouch effect, as combat damage does not directly kill a creature. Wither kicks in, causing the dealing creature to receive -1/-1 counters.

Example:

• Scenario 2: A Slithering Mass with Deathtouch attacks an opponent’s creature. The creature takes 2 combat damage and receives -2/-2 counters due to Wither.

In this scenario, Deathtouch does not kill the creature, but Wither does its job, dealing 2 damage to the opponent’s creature and converting that damage into -1/-1 counters.

Does Deathtouch Trump Wither?

The combination of Deathtouch and Wither might seem counterintuitive at first, but considering the order of operations is key. Deathtouch is a more significant mechanic, as it allows a creature to kill its target directly. Wither is a secondary effect, merely modifying the damage received. When a creature is killed by Deathtouch, Wither never has a chance to apply its effects.

Wrapping Up

In summary, Deathtouch does work with Wither. The combination of the two mechanics can lead to complex interactions, but considering the order of operations ensures that Deathtouch always takes precedence. A creature with Deathtouch will kill its target if possible, and only if it does not destroy its target will Wither have a chance to activate, converting damage into -1/-1 counters.

FAQ

• How does Deathtouch work with Wither on direct damage?
  • Deathtouch will kill the creature first, and Wither does not have a chance to activate.
• What happens when a creature with Deathtouch deals combat damage to a creature with Wither?
  • Deathtouch will trigger, causing the creature to receive damage. Wither will apply, causing the creature to get -1/-1 counters based on the damage dealt.

In conclusion, Deathtouch and Wither work together seamlessly, albeit in a complex manner. By understanding the order of operations and the effects of each mechanic, players can master the intricacies of Magic: The Gathering.