Does Hexproof Stop ETBs?
Hexproof is a popular ability in Magic: The Gathering that prevents creatures from being targeted by spells and abilities. But does it stop ETBs (Enter the Battlefield) triggers? In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of hexproof and ETBs, exploring the answers to this question.
Direct Answer: No, Hexproof Does Not Stop ETBs
Hexproof does not prevent ETBs triggers. If a creature with hexproof is targeted by an ETB trigger, the trigger will still resolve and the creature will enter the battlefield as normal. This is because ETBs triggers are a type of ability that occurs when a permanent enters the battlefield, and hexproof only prevents targeting by spells and abilities.
ETBs Triggers and Hexproof
To understand how ETBs triggers interact with hexproof, let’s break down the different types of ETBs triggers:
- Enter the battlefield abilities: These abilities are triggered when a permanent enters the battlefield and are written in the format "When [permanent] enters the battlefield, [effect]." These abilities are not prevented by hexproof.
- Enter the battlefield replacement effects: These effects replace the enters-the-battlefield ability of a permanent and are written in the format "As [permanent] enters the battlefield, [effect]." These effects are not prevented by hexproof.
- Enter the battlefield triggered abilities: These abilities are triggered when a permanent enters the battlefield and are written in the format "[Trigger] enters the battlefield." These abilities are not prevented by hexproof.
Hexproof and ETBs Triggers: A Table
Here’s a table summarizing how hexproof interacts with ETBs triggers:
| Type of ETBs Trigger | Hexproof Effect |
|---|---|
| Enter the battlefield abilities | No effect |
| Enter the battlefield replacement effects | No effect |
| Enter the battlefield triggered abilities | No effect |
Giving Hexproof to a Creature
If you give a creature hexproof, it will not be able to be targeted by spells and abilities. However, ETBs triggers will still be able to target the creature. For example, if you give a creature hexproof and it enters the battlefield, an ETBs trigger that targets the creature will still resolve.
Countering ETBs Triggers
If you want to prevent an ETBs trigger from resolving, you’ll need to use a spell or ability that can counter the trigger. This can be a challenging task, as ETBs triggers are often written in a way that makes them difficult to counter.
Flickering and Blinking
Flickering and blinking are two popular effects that can re-trigger ETBs abilities. If you flicker or blink a creature with an ETBs ability, the ability will trigger again when the creature enters the battlefield.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hexproof does not stop ETBs triggers. ETBs triggers are a type of ability that occurs when a permanent enters the battlefield, and hexproof only prevents targeting by spells and abilities. If you want to prevent an ETBs trigger from resolving, you’ll need to use a spell or ability that can counter the trigger.