Does Sacrifice Negate Indestructible?
Sacrifice and indestructible are two crucial mechanics in Magic: The Gathering that can be easily misunderstood. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of sacrifice and indestructible, and delve into the question: Does sacrifice negate indestructible?
Indestructible: A Protection Mechanic
Indestructible is a protection mechanic that prevents a permanent from being destroyed by any effect. It does not, however, prevent a permanent from being sacrificed. When a creature with indestructible is sacrificed, it is put into its owner’s graveyard, but it is not destroyed.
Sacrifice: A Way to Get Rid of Permanents
Sacrifice is a mechanic that allows a player to put a permanent into their graveyard, often as a cost to activate an ability or spell. Sacrifice can be triggered by a variety of effects, including creature tokens, spells, and abilities.
Does Sacrifice Negate Indestructible?
So, does sacrifice negate indestructible? The answer is no. Indestructible only prevents a permanent from being destroyed, while sacrifice puts a permanent into the graveyard. These are two different outcomes, and sacrifice can still occur even if a permanent has indestructible.
Examples
Let’s look at some examples to illustrate this point.
- Example 1: A player controls a creature with indestructible. They then sacrifice it to activate an ability that gains them 3 life. In this scenario, the creature is put into its owner’s graveyard, but it is not destroyed because of its indestructible ability.
- Example 2: A player controls a creature with indestructible. They then sacrifice it to activate an ability that puts a +1/+1 counter on another creature. In this scenario, the creature is put into its owner’s graveyard, but it is not destroyed because of its indestructible ability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sacrifice does not negate indestructible. Indestructible only prevents a permanent from being destroyed, while sacrifice puts a permanent into the graveyard. These two mechanics are separate and can coexist. When a permanent with indestructible is sacrificed, it is put into its owner’s graveyard, but it is not destroyed.
Common Scenarios
Here are some common scenarios where sacrifice and indestructible come into play:
- Sacrificing a creature with indestructible: When a player sacrifices a creature with indestructible, it is put into its owner’s graveyard, but it is not destroyed.
- Sacrificing a permanent to gain life: When a player sacrifices a permanent to gain life, the permanent is put into its owner’s graveyard, but it is not destroyed.
- Sacrificing a creature to activate an ability: When a player sacrifices a creature to activate an ability, the creature is put into its owner’s graveyard, but it is not destroyed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about sacrifice and indestructible:
- Q: Can a permanent with indestructible be sacrificed?
- A: Yes, a permanent with indestructible can be sacrificed.
- Q: What happens when a permanent with indestructible is sacrificed?
- A: When a permanent with indestructible is sacrificed, it is put into its owner’s graveyard, but it is not destroyed.
- Q: Can a permanent be destroyed after being sacrificed?
- A: Yes, a permanent can be destroyed after being sacrificed.
Summary
In summary, sacrifice and indestructible are two separate mechanics in Magic: The Gathering. Indestructible prevents a permanent from being destroyed, while sacrifice puts a permanent into the graveyard. When a permanent with indestructible is sacrificed, it is put into its owner’s graveyard, but it is not destroyed. Understanding these mechanics is crucial for making strategic decisions in games.
References
- Core Set 2020, Wizards of the Coast.
- Guilds of Ravnica, Wizards of the Coast.
- Magic: The Gathering Comprehensive Rules, Wizards of the Coast.