Does Hexproof stop card abilities?

Does Hexproof Stop Card Abilities?

Hexproof is a fascinating keyword ability in Magic: The Gathering that protects creatures from being targeted by spells and abilities. But what does it actually mean? Does hexproof stop card abilities entirely, or is there more to it? In this article, we’ll dive into the intricacies of hexproof and explore its effects on various types of card abilities.

Direct Answer

Yes, hexproof stops card abilities. According to the official Magic: The Gathering rules, hexproof prevents a creature from being targeted by spells and abilities controlled by opponents. This means that if an opponent tries to target a creature with hexproof with a spell or ability, the target is illegal, and the effect fails.

What is Hexproof?

Hexproof is a keyword ability that prevents a creature from being targeted by spells and abilities controlled by opponents. It doesn’t protect the creature from being targeted by abilities controlled by the same player, though. In other words, a creature with hexproof can still be targeted by an ability controlled by the same player that owns the creature.

Planar Shepherd

Planar Shepherd is a great example of a card that has hexproof. Its ability states that it has hexproof as long as it’s on the battlefield. This means that any opponent-controlled spells or abilities that target Planar Shepherd are illegal, and the effect fails.

Triggers and Abilities

So, what happens when a creature with hexproof is targeted by an ability? The answer is that the ability can’t target the creature. This applies to all types of abilities, including triggers, spells, and other abilities.

Example 1: Skinrender’s Trigger

Let’s say Skinrender’s trigger ability says "Creatures with power 2 or less get +2/+2." If a creature with hexproof has a power of 2 or less, it can’t be targeted by Skinrender’s trigger ability. The ability is illegal, and the effect fails.

Example 2: Spell

Suppose a player casts a spell that says "Target creature gets -2/-2." If a creature with hexproof is on the battlefield, the player can’t target it with the spell. The spell is illegal, and the effect fails.

What About Deathtouch?

Deathtouch is another popular keyword ability that deals damage to creatures. Does deathtouch work on creatures with hexproof? The answer is yes, but with a twist. Deathtouch deals damage to the creature, but the creature is not destroyed because it’s indestructible. In other words, deathtouch doesn’t care about hexproof.

Comparison Table

Indestructible Creatures

What about creatures with indestructible? Can deathtouch destroy them? The answer is no, deathtouch can’t destroy indestructible creatures, even if they have hexproof.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hexproof is a powerful ability that prevents creatures from being targeted by opponent-controlled spells and abilities. While it doesn’t stop deathtouch from dealing damage, it does prevent opponent-controlled abilities from targeting the creature. By understanding how hexproof interacts with different types of abilities, you can build a more effective deck and make better strategic decisions during gameplay.