How Do You Damage Planeswalkers?
In the world of Magic: The Gathering, planeswalkers are powerful cards that can greatly impact the game. However, they can also be vulnerable to damage, which can be a key strategy in winning a game. In this article, we will explore the various ways to damage planeswalkers and provide some valuable tips and strategies for using them effectively.
Attacking Planeswalkers
One of the most straightforward ways to damage planeswalkers is to attack them directly. When a planeswalker is attacked, it will take damage equal to the attacking creature’s power. For example, if a 3/3 creature attacks a 2/2 planeswalker, the planeswalker will take 1 point of damage.
Redirecting Damage
Another way to damage planeswalkers is to redirect damage from another source. This can be done using spells or abilities that allow you to redirect damage to a planeswalker. For example, Stifle is a spell that allows you to redirect damage from a creature to a planeswalker. This can be a powerful way to deal damage to a planeswalker that would otherwise be difficult to target.
Deathtouch
Deathtouch is a keyword ability that allows a creature to deal lethal damage to a planeswalker. When a creature with deathtouch attacks a planeswalker, it will deal damage equal to the planeswalker’s toughness. For example, if a 3/3 creature with deathtouch attacks a 2/2 planeswalker, the planeswalker will be destroyed.
Trample
Trample is a keyword ability that allows a creature to deal excess damage to a planeswalker. When a creature with trample attacks a planeswalker, it will deal damage equal to the planeswalker’s toughness. If the creature has excess damage, it will be dealt to the planeswalker. For example, if a 4/4 creature with trample attacks a 2/2 planeswalker, the planeswalker will take 2 points of damage.
Table: Planeswalker Damage
| Planeswalker | Toughness | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| 2/2 | 2 | 1 |
| 3/3 | 3 | 2 |
| 4/4 | 4 | 3 |
Strategies for Damaging Planeswalkers
Here are some general strategies for damaging planeswalkers:
- Play creatures with deathtouch: Creatures with deathtouch are effective at dealing lethal damage to planeswalkers.
- Play creatures with trample: Creatures with trample can deal excess damage to planeswalkers.
- Use spells that redirect damage: Spells that redirect damage can be used to deal damage to planeswalkers that would otherwise be difficult to target.
- Use abilities that deal damage: Abilities that deal damage can be used to deal damage to planeswalkers.
- Play around with life totals: Pay attention to your opponent’s life total and plan your attacks accordingly. For example, if your opponent has a low life total, you may want to focus on dealing the final points of damage rather than trying to deal a lot of damage at once.
Conclusion
In conclusion, damaging planeswalkers can be a key strategy in winning a game of Magic: The Gathering. By using creatures with deathtouch, trample, or abilities that redirect damage, you can deal damage to planeswalkers and bring them closer to destruction. Remember to always pay attention to your opponent’s life total and plan your attacks accordingly. With practice and patience, you can develop the skills necessary to damage planeswalkers effectively.