Does Protection from White Stop a Board Wipe?
In the world of Magic: The Gathering, protection is a powerful ability that can save a creature from destruction. But, when it comes to board wipes, does protection from white stop the destruction? In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of protection and board wipes to provide a comprehensive answer.
What is Protection?
Protection is an ability that prevents a creature from being damaged by any sources, enchanted or equipped by any sources, targeted by any source, or blocked by any creatures. This means that a creature with protection cannot be killed by a spell, ability, or attack, unless the protection is specifically overridden or removed.
What is a Board Wipe?
A board wipe is a type of spell or ability that destroys all creatures on the battlefield. These spells are often used to clear the way for a player’s next attack or to disrupt their opponent’s plans. Examples of board wipes include Wrath of God, Day of Judgment, and Damnation.
Does Protection from White Stop a Board Wipe?
The short answer is no, protection from white does not stop a board wipe. Board wipes do not target individual creatures, they target all creatures on the battlefield. Since protection from white only prevents damage to a creature, it does not protect against a board wipe.
Why Doesn’t Protection from White Stop a Board Wipe?
There are a few reasons why protection from white does not stop a board wipe:
- Board wipes do not target individual creatures: As mentioned earlier, board wipes target all creatures on the battlefield, not individual creatures. Protection from white only prevents damage to a creature, not destruction.
- Protection from white does not prevent destruction: While protection from white prevents damage to a creature, it does not prevent destruction. Board wipes destroy creatures, which is a different type of effect than damage.
- Board wipes are not considered "damage": Board wipes are not considered "damage" in the sense that they do not deal damage to a creature. Instead, they destroy the creature. Protection from white only prevents damage, not destruction.
Other Ways to Deal with Board Wipes
While protection from white does not stop a board wipe, there are other ways to deal with these types of spells:
- Use creatures with hexproof or shroud: Creatures with hexproof or shroud are immune to board wipes, as they cannot be targeted by these spells.
- Use spells that counter board wipes: Spells like Echoing Truth or Cancel can counter board wipes, preventing them from resolving.
- Use abilities that sacrifice creatures: Abilities like Regrowth or Rebirth can sacrifice creatures to prevent them from being destroyed by a board wipe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, protection from white does not stop a board wipe. Board wipes target all creatures on the battlefield, not individual creatures, and protection from white only prevents damage to a creature, not destruction. While protection from white is a powerful ability, it is not effective against board wipes. Instead, players can use creatures with hexproof or shroud, spells that counter board wipes, or abilities that sacrifice creatures to deal with these types of spells.
Additional Tips and Tricks
- Use protection wisely: While protection from white is not effective against board wipes, it can still be a powerful ability in other situations. Use it wisely to protect your creatures from damage.
- Be aware of your opponent’s board wipes: If you know your opponent has a board wipe in their hand, be prepared to take action to protect your creatures.
- Use your creatures’ abilities: Many creatures have abilities that can help them survive a board wipe. Use these abilities to your advantage.
Table: Protection from White vs. Board Wipes
| Protection from White | Board Wipes | |
|---|---|---|
| Targeted Creatures | Prevents damage to individual creatures | Targets all creatures on the battlefield |
| Prevents Destruction | No | Yes |
| Effect on Creatures | Prevents damage | Destroys creatures |
| Counter Measures | Use creatures with hexproof or shroud, spells that counter board wipes, or abilities that sacrifice creatures | Use spells that counter board wipes, abilities that sacrifice creatures, or creatures with hexproof or shroud |
By understanding the differences between protection from white and board wipes, players can make informed decisions about how to protect their creatures and outmaneuver their opponents.