Does Ward Apply to Your Own Creatures?
In Magic: The Gathering, Ward is a mechanic that can be found on some creatures, and it can be a bit tricky to understand how it works, especially when it comes to whether it applies to your own creatures. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide some examples and clarifications to help you better understand how Ward works.
Does Ward apply to your own creatures?
The answer is yes, Ward does apply to your own creatures. This means that if you control a creature with Ward, and another spell or ability targets that creature, you’ll need to pay the Ward cost before the ability resolves.
Why is this important?
Ward is an important mechanic because it can prevent creatures from being destroyed or returned to your hand, which can be a significant advantage in combat. For example, if you control a creature with Ward, and an opponent tries to destroy it with a spell, you can pay the Ward cost to prevent the destruction.
How does Ward work on your own creatures?
When you cast a spell or activate an ability that targets a creature with Ward, the ability will resolve as normal. However, if you can’t pay the Ward cost, the ability will fail to resolve, and the creature will remain on the battlefield.
Here’s an example:
- You control a creature with Ward, and an opponent casts a spell that targets it with damage.
- You’re forced to pay the Ward cost, or the ability will fail to resolve and the creature will remain on the battlefield.
Do all Ward effects work the same way?
Not all Ward effects work the same way. Some Ward effects may only apply to certain types of creatures or spells, while others may apply to all creatures with Ward. For example:
- Trigger Ward: This type of Ward trigger can only be activated in response to a spell or ability that targets a creature with Ward. The trigger can only be activated once, and it will prevent the ability from resolving.
- Cost Ward: This type of Ward requires you to pay a specific cost before the ability resolves. The cost is usually mana, but it can also be other resources, such as life.
Are there any exceptions to the Ward rule?
Yes, there are some exceptions to the Ward rule. For example:
- Indestructible: If a creature with Ward also has indestructible, it can’t be destroyed by any means, including the Ward effect.
- Deathtouch: If a creature with Ward also has deathtouch, it can deal lethal damage to creatures with Ward, even if the Ward effect is activated.
Table: Ward Effect Examples
| Ward Effect | Example | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger Ward | Activate in response to a spell that targets a creature with Ward. | Prevent the ability from resolving. |
| Cost Ward | Pay 2 life to prevent a creature with Ward from being destroyed. | Creature remains on the battlefield. |
| Indestructible | A creature with Ward and indestructible can’t be destroyed. | Creature remains on the battlefield. |
| Deathtouch | A creature with Ward and deathtouch can deal lethal damage to another creature with Ward. | Creature is destroyed. |
Conclusion
Ward is a powerful mechanic in Magic: The Gathering, and understanding how it works is crucial for building competitive decks. In this article, we’ve explored the answer to the question Does Ward apply to your own creatures?, and provided some examples and clarifications to help you better understand how Ward works. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a new player, understanding Ward can help you make the most of your creatures and gain an edge in combat.