Does Trample Do Damage When Defending?
Direct Answer:
No, trample does not do damage when defending. Trample is a keyword ability that changes the rules for assigning damage in the Combat Damage Step. Only an attacking creature with trample can assign excess damage to the defending player once the blocking creature(s) have been assigned lethal damage.
Trample and Defense: What You Need to Know
When a creature with trample attacks, it checks if the blocking creature(s) have enough toughness to withstand the attack. If the blocking creature(s) have enough toughness, the trampling creature will assign lethal damage to them and then stop assigning damage. If the blocking creature(s) do not have enough toughness, the trampling creature will continue to assign damage to the defending player.
Shield Counters and Trample
Shield counters, as seen in cards like Pathway Arrows and Malakir Familiar, do not affect trample. Trample only cares about the toughness of the blocking creature(s) and not the defending player’s life total.
Indestructible Creatures and Trample
Indestructible creatures, such as those with indestructible or shroud, are immune to damage from trample. Trample does not target the indestructible creature, so it will not deal damage.
First Strike vs Deathtouch
When a creature with first strike attacks, it will hit first and potentially kill the deathtouch creature before it has a chance to deal damage. If the first strike creature kills the deathtouch creature, the deathtouch ability will not trigger.
Trample and Lifelink
When a creature with lifelink deals damage, it gains life equal to the amount of damage dealt. Trample does not trigger lifelink, as it does not deal damage to the defending player.
Conclusion
In summary, trample does not do damage when defending. It only affects the blocking creature(s) and does not target the defending player’s life total. Shield counters, indestructible creatures, and first strike creatures can all affect trample in different ways. Understanding these interactions is crucial for building a competitive deck and making informed gameplay decisions.
Additional Resources
- MTG Fandom: Official Magic: The Gathering Wiki Article on Trample
- Draftsim: Draftsim’s Guide to Trample
- Magic: The Gathering: Official Magic: The Gathering Website
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