Does Oblivion Ring Work on Emrakul?
Oblivion Ring is a powerful sorcery in Magic: the Gathering that has been a staple in many decks for a long time. Its unique ability to exile a creature or planeswalker permanently can be game-changing in a match. But one common question arises: does Oblivion Ring work on Emrakul, the Aeons Torn, a formidable planeswalker card? In this article, we will delve into the details of Oblivion Ring’s interaction with Emrakul and explore other relevant points.
Main Question: Does Oblivion Ring Work on Emrakul?
At first glance, it seems unclear whether Oblivion Ring can exile Emrakul. However, the main trigger ability of Oblivion Ring is not a spell, but rather an ability that triggers when it enters the battlefield. According to the Gatherer website, a triggered ability like this does not target any permanent, including Emrakul.
Key points:
- Oblivion Ring’s trigger ability is not a spell but a triggered ability.
- Triggered abilities do not target permanents, which means Emrakul can be exiled by Oblivion Ring.
- Oblivion Ring works on Emrakul, the Aeons Torn.
Let’s explore some more facts about Oblivion Ring and Emrakul in the next section.
Other Interactions with Oblivion Ring
Other interactions with Oblivion Ring can affect its ability to exile Emrakul, so let’s take a closer look.
- Counterspells and spells: Oblivion Ring can be countered like any other spell, including countering spells that have a specific target. But this means that if the opponent casts a counterspell that targets Oblivion Ring, it will remain on the battlefield and prevent the ability from triggering, which would prevent Emrakul from being exiled.
- Protection effects: If Emrakul has a protection effect attached to it, such as Emrakul’s natural protection from colored spells, Oblivion Ring might not be able to trigger its ability. However, protection effects usually don’t prevent triggered abilities.
- Ability counters: Some cards specifically counter triggered abilities, known as "ability counters" or "ability blockers." If the opponent has one of these cards, Oblivion Ring’s triggered ability could be countered. But again, a protection effect would not trigger, allowing Oblivion Ring to exile Emrakul.
Here are some specific examples of scenarios:
| Scenario | Counterspell | Protection effects | Ability counters | Ability trigger | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1: Opponent casts a Counterspell targeting Oblivion Ring | None | None | No triggering | Emrakul stays on the battlefield | |
| 2: Opponent has protection effect on Emrakul | None | None | No triggered ability | Emrakul stays on the battlefield but can still be killed by other means |
In scenario 1, the counterspell prevents the triggered ability from triggering and keeps Emrakul safe. In scenario 2, the protection effect wouldn’t prevent the triggered ability from triggering, but rather the triggered ability wouldn’t be able to target Emrakul.
Putting it All Together
From the points above, Oblivion Ring can indeed exile Emrakul, the Aeons Torn. In the most common scenario without any external interference, Obvlivion Ring triggers its ability and exiles Emrakul. When dealing with protection effects and counterspells, always keep in mind that triggers and abilities have specific interactions that might change the outcome.
To recap, here are some key takeaways:
• Oblivion Ring’s main trigger ability is not targeted towards permanents, but rather is a triggered ability that enters the battlefield at the same time.
• Protection effects usually don’t prevent triggered abilities, unless explicitly stated.
• Counts spells can prevent the ability from triggering, but once triggered, the ability may still resolve.
• There are other cards that directly counter triggered abilities, affecting the interaction between Oblivion Ring and Emrakul.
In conclusion, Oblivion Ring does work on Emrakul, the Aeons Torn, so if you’re looking for a reliable way to permanently exile a planeswalker from the game, Oblivion Ring is a prime choice.