What is Rule 702.19 B MTG?
Rule 702.19 B MTG, or Magic: The Gathering, is a fascinating topic that has piqued the interest of many enthusiasts and casual players alike. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of MTG and explore what this rule means, its significance, and its applications.
What does Rule 702.19 B MTG state?
According to the Magic: The Gathering Comprehensive Rules (CR) version 2021, 702.19b states:
The controller of an attacking creature with trample first assigns damage to the creature(s) blocking it.
This rule outlines the order of operations when an attacking creature with trample is being blocked. It’s essential to understand this rule, as it can greatly impact gameplay and strategy.
Understanding Trample
Trample is a keyword ability that allows a creature to deal excess damage to the opponent’s life total or planeswalker(s) they control. [Excess damage is the damage a creature would deal to a blocking creature beyond the blocking creature’s toughness]. When a creature with trample is attacking, the opponent(s) can choose to block it, and the controller of the creature would assign damage to the blocking creature(s). However, if the blocking creature(s) do not have enough toughness to withstand the total damage, the excess damage will be dealt to the opponent’s life total or planeswalker(s) they control.
Order of Operations: Trample and Damage Assignment
To clarify, when a creature with trample is blocked, the controller of the attacking creature would first assign damage to the creature(s) blocking it. This means that the excess damage is dealt to the opponent’s life total or planeswalker(s) they control, not to the blocking creature(s).
Illustration Example
Let’s consider a scenario:
- A 4/4 black Wolf creature with trample is attacking your opponent’s 2/2 blue Wizard creature.
- Your opponent chooses to block the Wolf with their Wizard creature.
According to Rule 702.19b, you would assign 4 damage to the blocking Wizard creature (2 toughness). However, the Wolf has excess damage to deal, so you would deal the remaining 2 damage (4 – 2) to your opponent’s life total.
Additional Rules and Interactions
There are several rules and interactions to consider when playing with trample creatures:
- Redirection effects: These effects allow the player to redirect the damage from a trampling creature to another creature, such as themselves or another player. Deathtouch, for instance, destroys a creature that deals damage to it, but if a creature with trample has deathtouch, the effect is redundant.
- Intangible creatures: When an intangible creature is blocking, trample doesn’t affect the creature directly, as it’s not physical.
- Multiple attackers and blockers: When multiple creatures with trample are attacking, the controller would assign damage to the blocking creatures individually. This can lead to complex interactions, and the controller must ensure that excess damage is dealt to the opponent’s life total or planeswalker(s) they control.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rule 702.19 B MTG provides insight into the order of operations when a creature with trample is being blocked. By understanding the intricacies of trample, redirection effects, and intangible creatures, you’ll be better equipped to make strategic decisions in your Magic: The Gathering matches.
Remember, trample can significantly impact gameplay, and knowing the intricacies of this rule can make a big difference in your games. Whether you’re a casual player or a seasoned pro, taking the time to learn and understand this rule can enhance your overall Magic: The Gathering experience.