What are the rules for indestructible in magic?

What are the rules for indestructible in Magic?

Indestructible is a powerful keyword ability in Magic: The Gathering that allows a creature or permanent to ignore destruction effects. But what exactly does it mean to be indestructible, and what are the rules surrounding this ability? In this article, we’ll dive into the world of indestructible and explore the ins and outs of this fascinating keyword ability.

What does indestructible mean?

Indestructible is a keyword ability that reads: "Damage and effects that say “destroy” don’t destroy this permanent." This means that any damage dealt to an indestructible permanent will not cause it to be destroyed, and any effects that would destroy the permanent will be ignored.

How does indestructible work?

Here are some key points to keep in mind when it comes to indestructible:

• Indestructible only applies to destruction effects: Indestructible does not prevent a permanent from being exiled or put into its owner’s graveyard due to other effects.
• Indestructible does not prevent damage: While indestructible prevents a permanent from being destroyed, it does not prevent the permanent from taking damage. A permanent can still be reduced to 0 toughness and be sent to its owner’s graveyard.
• Indestructible is not the same as regenerations: Regenerations allow a permanent to regain its life total, while indestructible allows a permanent to ignore destruction effects.

When does indestructible trigger?

Indestructible triggers when a destruction effect would normally destroy a permanent. Here are some examples:

• Creatures with deathtouch: Creatures with deathtouch deal damage to a creature when they attack, and would normally destroy it. However, if the creature is indestructible, it will not be destroyed.
• Effects that say “destroy”: Any effect that says "destroy" will be ignored if it targets an indestructible permanent.

Can indestructible be overcome?

While indestructible provides a powerful protection against destruction, there are some ways to overcome it:

• Exiling: Indestructible does not prevent a permanent from being exiled. If a permanent is exiled, it will be removed from the game and will not be able to be played again.
• Tucking: Some effects allow players to "tuck" a permanent into their hand, effectively removing it from the game. Indestructible does not prevent this.
• Other effects: Some effects, such as those that say "destroy all" or "destroy all non-land permanents," may still destroy an indestructible permanent.

Examples of indestructible permanents

Here are some examples of permanents that have the indestructible ability:

Conclusion

Indestructible is a powerful keyword ability that provides a permanent with protection against destruction effects. However, it is not a guarantee of safety, and there are still ways to remove an indestructible permanent from the game. By understanding the rules surrounding indestructible, players can make informed decisions about when to play indestructible permanents and how to overcome them.