Does Hexproof work against abilities?

Does Hexproof Work Against Abilities?

Hexproof is a popular keyword ability in Magic: The Gathering that has sparked debate among players and enthusiasts. One common question regarding Hexproof is whether it protects against abilities. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of Hexproof and its interactions with various abilities in the game.

Does Hexproof Work Against Spells?

Yes, Hexproof prevents a permanent or player from being the target of spells or abilities played by opponents.

Hexproof only stops abilities that target a creature or player. If a spell or ability does not target a creature or player with Hexproof, the ability will still resolve. For instance, if an opponent’s ability destroys all creatures with a specific color, Hexproof will not prevent this effect from destroying your creatures.

Protection from Targeting

Hexproof prevents targeting from spells and abilities, including Deathtouch.

Hexproof is distinct from Protection from Color. While Protection from Color blocks damage and effects from creatures and spells of a specific color, Hexproof specifically blocks targeting effects. This means that Deathtouch, an ability that kills creatures as soon as they deal combat damage, can still target a creature with Hexproof. However, if a creature with Deathtouch is blocked by a creature with First Strike or Double Strike, the blocker will deal combat damage to the Deathtouch creature before the Deathtouch ability can return fire.

Interaction with Planeswalkers

Planeswalker abilities can still affect creatures with Hexproof.

Planewalker abilities are distinct from regular spell and ability effects. A Planeswalker ability that targets a creature with Hexproof can still resolve and affect the creature. However, if the Planeswalker ability requires the player to choose a target, Hexproof will prevent targeting the creature.

What Can Counter Hexproof?

In general, anything that affects all creatures gets around Hexproof, while effects that target players may still affect creatures with Hexproof.

There are several ways to counter Hexproof, including:

• Auras and Equipments: These can affect creatures with Hexproof without targeting them.
• Effects that target players: These can still affect creatures with Hexproof, especially if they require the player to choose a target.
• Board wipes: These can destroy or exiled creatures with Hexproof, negating their effects.
• Indestructible creatures: These cannot be destroyed or exiled, but can still be affected by other effects.
• Deathtouch creatures: These can still deal lethal damage to creatures with Hexproof.
• First Strike or Double Strike creatures: These can still deal combat damage to creatures with Hexproof.

Conclusion

Hexproof is a powerful keyword ability that can protect creatures from spells and abilities, but it is not invincible. Planeswalker abilities can still affect creatures with Hexproof, and effects that target players can also affect them. Additionally, there are several ways to counter Hexproof, such as auras, player-targeted effects, and board wipes. Understanding how Hexproof interacts with abilities is crucial for building successful decks and making informed gameplay decisions.