How Does Trample Work in Magic?
Trample is a keyword ability found on creatures in the popular trading card game Magic: The Gathering. It allows a creature to deal excess combat damage to the player it’s attacking, even if the creature is blocked. In this article, we’ll delve into the rules of trample and explore how it works in the game.
What is Trample?
Trample is a keyword ability that changes the way combat damage is assigned. When a creature with trample attacks, it deals its combat damage to the player it’s attacking. If the creature is blocked by one or more creatures, the player controlling the blocking creatures assigns the combat damage to them. If the blocking creatures would be dealt lethal damage, the trample damage is assigned to the player they’re defending.
How is Trample Damage Assigned?
When a creature with trample attacks, the player controlling the creature assigns its combat damage to the blocking creatures first. If the blocking creatures would be dealt lethal damage, the trample damage is assigned to the player they’re defending. This means that if a creature with trample is blocked by multiple creatures, the player controlling the blocking creatures can choose which creatures to assign the damage to.
Do Shield Counters Stop Trample?
No, shield counters do not stop trample. Any two instances of the Deathtouch ability against one another cancel out the Deathtouch ability. This means that if a creature with trample is blocked by a creature with Deathtouch, the trample damage will still be assigned to the player the blocking creature is defending.
Does Prevent Combat Damage Stop Trample?
Yes, prevent combat damage does stop trample. If a player has a spell or ability that prevents combat damage, the trample damage will not be assigned to the player the creature is attacking.
Do Multiple Creatures with Trample Deal Extra Damage?
Yes, multiple creatures with trample can deal extra damage to the player they’re attacking. Each creature with trample deals its combat damage to the player it’s attacking, and any excess damage is assigned to the player.
How Does Trample Interact with Other Abilities?
Trample interacts with other abilities in the following ways:
- Deathtouch: As mentioned earlier, Deathtouch cancels out Deathtouch. Any two instances of the Deathtouch ability against one another cancel out the Deathtouch ability.
- Prevent Combat Damage: Prevent combat damage stops trample. If a player has a spell or ability that prevents combat damage, the trample damage will not be assigned to the player the creature is attacking.
- Shield Counters: Shield counters do not stop trample. Any two instances of the Deathtouch ability against one another cancel out the Deathtouch ability.
Table: Trample Interactions
| Ability | Interaction with Trample |
|---|---|
| Deathtouch | Cancels out Deathtouch |
| Prevent Combat Damage | Stops trample |
| Shield Counters | Does not stop trample |
Conclusion
Trample is a powerful keyword ability that allows creatures to deal excess combat damage to the player they’re attacking. If the blocking creatures would be dealt lethal damage, the trample damage is assigned to the player they’re defending. By understanding how trample interacts with other abilities, players can make informed decisions about which creatures to play and how to defend against them.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Does trample deal extra damage to the player it’s attacking?
A: Yes, trample deals excess combat damage to the player it’s attacking. - Q: Does prevent combat damage stop trample?
A: Yes, prevent combat damage stops trample. - Q: Do multiple creatures with trample deal extra damage?
A: Yes, multiple creatures with trample can deal extra damage to the player they’re attacking.
By understanding the rules of trample, players can improve their gameplay and make more informed decisions about which creatures to play and how to defend against them.