Does Sleep Work on Hexproof?
Hexproof is a powerful ability that can protect a creature from removal spells and abilities. But what happens when we encounter a sleep spell, like Sleep? Can it affect a creature with hexproof? Let’s dive into the world of Magic: The Gathering to find out.
What is Hexproof?
Hexproof is a static ability that means a permanent can’t be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control. This means that opponents cannot target a creature with hexproof with spells or abilities, unless the spell or ability is one that can target both players and permanents. In other words, a creature with hexproof cannot be targeted by spells or abilities that can only target permanents, but can be targeted by spells or abilities that can target both players and permanents.
What is Sleep?
Sleep is a spell that targets a player, forcing them to skip their next two turns. It is a way to disrupt the opponent’s turn sequence, preventing them from playing lands or casting spells for a few turns.
Does Sleep Target a Creature?
No, Sleep does not target a creature. It targets a player, making it an exception to the hexproof ability. When Sleep is cast, it is targeting the player, not the creature with hexproof. Therefore, hexproof does not prevent the Sleep spell from affecting the player.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sleep can affect a creature with hexproof because it targets the player, not the creature. Hexproof only protects the creature from being targeted by spells or abilities that target permanents, but does not prevent the player from being targeted. Therefore, a creature with hexproof can still be affected by Sleep, just like any other creature.
When is Hexproof Useful?
Hexproof is particularly useful when:
- A creature with hexproof is attacking and needs protection from removal spells
- A creature with hexproof is on the battlefield and needs to stay alive for a turn or two
- A player is building a token-generating strategy and needs a way to protect their tokens
Examples of Creatures with Hexproof
- Emrakul, the Aeons Torn
- Estrid, the Masked
- Grenzo, Dungeon Warden
- Kami, Honored One
- Rhys the Redeemed
How to Counter Hexproof Creatures
- Use removal spells that target the player, such as Sleep or Fatal Push
- Use creatures with Deathtouch, such as Kataki, War’s Wage or Goreclaw, Terrorclaw
- Use cards that can target both players and permanents, such as Abrupt Decay or Destructive Revelry
- Use planeswalkers that can target creatures, such as Nissa, Vastwood Seer or Chandra, Torch of Defiance
Table: Comparison of Hexproof and Sleep
| Hexproof | Sleep | |
|---|---|---|
| Targeted Creature | No | No |
| Targeted Player | No | Yes |
| Prevents Targeting | Permanent-targeting spells/abilities | Permanent-targeting spells/abilities |
| Useful Against | Removal spells that target permanents | Removal spells that target players |
Final Thoughts
Hexproof is a powerful ability that can protect creatures from removal spells and abilities. However, it is not foolproof and can be bypassed by cards that target players, such as Sleep. When playing against creatures with hexproof, it’s essential to use removal spells that target the player, such as Sleep, or cards that can target both players and permanents. Remember, hexproof is just one of the many strategies available in Magic: The Gathering, and understanding its strengths and weaknesses is key to building a successful deck.