Does Hexproof stop targeting?

Does Hexproof Stop Targeting?

In the world of Magic: The Gathering, understanding the intricacies of spell and ability interactions is crucial to playing the game effectively. One often misunderstood mechanic is Hexproof, which can have significant implications for gameplay. In this article, we’ll delve into the workings of Hexproof and answer the question: Does Hexproof stop targeting?

What is Hexproof?

Hexproof is a keyword ability that prevents a permanent from being the target of spells or abilities controlled by opponents. In other words, it shields a permanent from being targeted by an opponent’s spell or ability. This means that if an opponent tries to target a permanent with Hexproof with a spell or ability, the ability will not resolve.

Does Hexproof Stop Targeting?

So, does Hexproof stop targeting altogether? The answer is no, it doesn’t completely stop targeting. Hexproof only prevents a permanent from being targeted by spells or abilities controlled by opponents. It does not prevent a permanent from being targeted by spells or abilities controlled by the same player or their teammates.

Targeting and Hexproof

Here’s a breakdown of how Hexproof interacts with targeting:

• Opponent’s spells and abilities: Hexproof prevents a permanent from being targeted by spells or abilities controlled by opponents.
• Player’s spells and abilities: Hexproof does not prevent a permanent from being targeted by spells or abilities controlled by the same player or their teammates.
• Aura spells: Aura spells target a permanent or player. Hexproof only prevents an opponent from targeting a permanent with an Aura spell, but the player themselves can still target the permanent with the Aura spell.
• Equipment: Hexproof does not prevent a player from attaching Equipment to a permanent, even if that permanent has Hexproof. This means that a player can still attach Lightning Greaves to a creature with Hexproof, for example.

Consequences of Hexproof

The consequences of Hexproof are far-reaching and can significantly impact gameplay. Here are a few key takeaways:

• Immunity to removal: Hexproof can make a permanent immune to removal, as opponents cannot target it with removal spells or abilities.
• No effect on damage: Hexproof does not prevent damage from being dealt to a permanent. If a creature with Hexproof is attacked, it will still take damage.
• Interaction with other abilities: Hexproof can interact with other abilities in unexpected ways. For example, a creature with Hexproof cannot be targeted by a creature with deathtouch, but it can still be targeted by a player with an ability that destroys it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hexproof does not completely stop targeting, but it does prevent a permanent from being targeted by spells or abilities controlled by opponents. Understanding the nuances of Hexproof is crucial for playing the game effectively, as it can significantly impact the interactions between permanents and spells and abilities. By recognizing the limitations and consequences of Hexproof, players can make informed decisions on the battlefield and outmaneuver their opponents.