What are the rules for Lifelink in Magic?
Lifelink is a game-changing mechanic in Magic: The Gathering that allows players to gain life whenever they deal damage to an opponent or themselves. But did you know that there are specific rules that govern when and how Lifelink triggers? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the rules of Lifelink and explore when and how it works.
What is Lifelink?
Lifelink is a static ability that allows the creature or spell that possesses it to gain life when it deals damage to an opponent or itself. The damage can come from a variety of sources, including combat, triggered abilities, or even damage dealt through a spell or ability. Whenever Lifelink is triggered, the player who controls the creature or casts the spell gains the specified amount of life.
How does Lifelink work?
Here are the key points to keep in mind when it comes to Lifelink:
• Any amount of damage: Lifelink triggers whenever the creature or spell deals any amount of damage, regardless of the amount.
• Triggered by damage: Lifelink only triggers when the creature or spell deals damage. If the creature or spell does not deal damage, Lifelink will not trigger.
• Gaining life: Whenever Lifelink triggers, the player who controls the creature or casts the spell gains the specified amount of life.
• No stacking: Lifelink does not stack with itself. If a creature has multiple sources of Lifelink, it will only trigger once.
Does Lifelink work in combat?
Yes, Lifelink works in combat! When a creature with Lifelink attacks or is blocked, it will gain life equal to the damage it deals. For example, if a 3/3 creature with Lifelink attacks and deals 3 damage to an opponent, the player who controls the creature will gain 3 life.
What about triggered abilities?
Lifelink does not trigger on triggered abilities, only on damage dealt. For example, if a creature with Lifelink has a triggered ability that says "Whenever I deal damage, gain 2 life," the trigger will not occur because Lifelink is not being triggered by damage.
Does Lifelink work with instant and sorcery spells?
Yes, Lifelink works with instant and sorcery spells! When a spell with Lifelink resolves and deals damage to an opponent, the player who casts the spell gains life equal to the damage dealt. For example, if an instant spell with Lifelink deals 2 damage to an opponent, the player who casts the spell will gain 2 life.
What about Double Strike?
When a creature with Lifelink and Double Strike deals combat damage, it will trigger Lifelink twice – once for the initial combat damage and once for the second combat damage. In this case, the player who controls the creature will gain life equal to the total amount of damage dealt.
Does First Strike beat Deathtouch?
Yes, a creature with First Strike can beat a creature with Deathtouch. The First Strike creature will hit first and deal its damage before the Deathtouch creature can deal damage. If the First Strike creature deals enough damage to kill the Deathtouch creature, the Deathtouch ability will not trigger.
Concluding Thoughts
Lifelink is a powerful and versatile mechanic that can give players a significant advantage in the game. By understanding the rules of Lifelink and how it interacts with other mechanics, players can make informed decisions and build strategies that incorporate Lifelink to great effect. Remember to keep in mind the key points mentioned above and to practice, practice, practice to master the rules of Lifelink in Magic.
Table of Lifelink Rules
| Scenario | What happens |
|---|---|
| Dealing damage in combat | The player who controls the creature gains life equal to the damage dealt. |
| Triggered ability triggers damage | Lifelink does not trigger. |
| Instant or sorcery spell deals damage | The player who casts the spell gains life equal to the damage dealt. |
| Double Strike creature deals combat damage | Lifelink triggers twice, once for the initial combat damage and once for the second combat damage. |
| First Strike creature deals damage before Deathtouch | The First Strike creature wins, and the Deathtouch ability does not trigger. |
I hope this article helps you to better understand the rules of Lifelink in Magic!