Does Hitting a Planeswalker Count as Hitting a Player?
In the world of Magic: The Gathering, planeswalkers are a unique type of game piece that can be played as a card on the battlefield. While they are not creatures, they can be attacked and defended against, just like creatures. However, there are some key differences between planeswalkers and creatures, and one of the most important questions is whether hitting a planeswalker counts as hitting a player.
Direct Answer
No, hitting a planeswalker does not count as hitting a player. According to the official Magic: The Gathering rules, damage dealt to a planeswalker is not considered damage dealt to the player controlling the planeswalker. This means that spells and abilities that target a player will not affect a planeswalker, and vice versa.
Combat Damage and Planeswalkers
When a creature attacks a planeswalker, the damage dealt is considered combat damage, just like when a creature attacks a player. However, combat damage dealt to a planeswalker does not trigger any abilities that care about damage dealt to a player. This is because planeswalkers are not considered players, and damage dealt to them is not considered damage dealt to the player controlling them.
Trample and Planeswalkers
Trample is a mechanic that allows a creature to deal excess damage to a player or planeswalker. When a creature with trample attacks a planeswalker, the excess damage dealt is not considered damage dealt to the player controlling the planeswalker. Instead, it is dealt to the planeswalker itself.
Blinking and Planeswalkers
Blinking is a mechanic that allows a creature to be returned to its owner’s hand, and then immediately returned to the battlefield. When a creature is blinked while attacking a planeswalker, it will return to its owner’s hand and then immediately return to the battlefield, attacking the same planeswalker.
Ninjutsu and Planeswalkers
Ninjutsu is a mechanic that allows a creature to be played as an instant and attack a planeswalker or player. When a creature with ninjutsu is played and attacks a planeswalker, it will deal damage to the planeswalker, not the player controlling it.
Summary
In summary, hitting a planeswalker does not count as hitting a player. Combat damage dealt to a planeswalker is not considered damage dealt to the player controlling it, and spells and abilities that target a player will not affect a planeswalker. Trample and blinking work differently with planeswalkers, and ninjutsu allows creatures to attack planeswalkers directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I target a planeswalker with a spell or ability that targets a player?
- No, planeswalkers are not considered players, and spells and abilities that target players will not affect them.
- Can I use trample to deal damage to a planeswalker?
- Yes, trample allows a creature to deal excess damage to a planeswalker, but the excess damage is not considered damage dealt to the player controlling the planeswalker.
- Can I blink a creature while it is attacking a planeswalker?
- Yes, blinking a creature while it is attacking a planeswalker will return it to its owner’s hand and then immediately return it to the battlefield, attacking the same planeswalker.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hitting a planeswalker does not count as hitting a player. While planeswalkers can be attacked and defended against, they are not considered players and are treated differently in many situations. Understanding how planeswalkers interact with other game pieces and mechanics is crucial for playing Magic: The Gathering effectively.