How to Counter Deathtouch in MTG
Deathtouch is a devastating ability that can quickly end the game if not managed properly. In this article, we’ll explore various ways to counter Deathtouch in Magic: The Gathering (MTG).
First Strike is a Game-Changer
One of the most effective ways to counter Deathtouch is to use creatures with First Strike. This ability allows your creature to deal damage to the opponent’s creature before it can deal damage to your creature, effectively "killing" the opponent’s creature without allowing Deathtouch to take effect.
- Key Takeaway: Creatures with First Strike can bypass Deathtouch and remove the opponent’s creature from the game without allowing the Deathtouch effect to trigger.
Protection and Indestructibility
Protection and Indestructibility can also be used to counter Deathtouch. Protection prevents Deathtouch from being applied, while Indestructibility allows the creature to survive lethal damage.
- Protection: Creatures with Protection cannot be the target of abilities that deal damage, including Deathtouch. This means that even if an opponent has a creature with Deathtouch, they won’t be able to target your Protected creature with Deathtouch.
- Indestructibility: Creatures with Indestructibility will not be destroyed by lethal damage. This means that even if an opponent deals lethal damage to your Indestructible creature, it will remain on the battlefield and will not be killed by the Deathtouch effect.
Remove the Source of Deathtouch
Another strategy to counter Deathtouch is to remove the source of the Deathtouch ability. This can be done by targeting the opponent’s creature with a spell or ability that destroys it, or by using a removal spell to exile the creature.
- Destroying the Creature: Use a spell or ability to destroy the opponent’s creature with Deathtouch. This will remove the source of the Deathtouch ability and prevent it from taking effect.
- Exiling the Creature: Use a removal spell to exile the opponent’s creature with Deathtouch. This will remove the source of the Deathtouch ability and prevent it from taking effect.
Board Wipes and Clearance
Board wipes and clearance spells can also be used to counter Deathtouch. These spells will remove all creatures from the battlefield, including those with Deathtouch, and will prevent them from taking effect.
- Board Wipes: Board wipes will remove all creatures from the battlefield, including those with Deathtouch.
- Clearance Spells: Clearance spells will remove specific creatures from the battlefield, including those with Deathtouch.
Other Strategies
Other strategies to counter Deathtouch include:
- Countering Spells: Countering the spell that targets your creature with Deathtouch will prevent the Deathtouch effect from taking effect.
- Blocking with a creature: Blocking the opponent’s creature with a creature that has a higher toughness will prevent the Deathtouch effect from taking effect.
- Using Planeswalkers: Planeswalkers can provide additional protection and removal options to counter Deathtouch.
Conclusion
Deathtouch is a powerful ability that can quickly end the game if not managed properly. By using First Strike, Protection, Indestructibility, removing the source of Deathtouch, and using board wipes and clearance spells, you can counter Deathtouch and maintain a competitive edge in your MTG games.
Table of Contents:
- How to Counter Deathtouch in MTG
- First Strike is a Game-Changer
- Protection and Indestructibility
- Remove the Source of Deathtouch
- Board Wipes and Clearance
- Other Strategies
Key Takeaways:
- Creatures with First Strike can bypass Deathtouch and remove the opponent’s creature from the game without allowing the Deathtouch effect to trigger.
- Protection prevents Deathtouch from being applied, while Indestructibility allows the creature to survive lethal damage.
- Removing the source of Deathtouch by destroying or exiling the creature will prevent the Deathtouch effect from taking effect.
- Board wipes and clearance spells will remove all creatures from the battlefield, including those with Deathtouch.
- Other strategies to counter Deathtouch include countering spells, blocking with a creature, and using Planeswalkers.