What is the rule for annihilator in Magic The Gathering?

What is the Rule for Annihilator in Magic: The Gathering?

In Magic: The Gathering, Annihilator is a triggered ability that allows creatures to sacrifice a certain number of permanents when attacking. In this article, we’ll dive into the rules and regulations surrounding Annihilator, helping you understand this complex mechanic and how it affects gameplay.

Triggering Annihilator

Annihilator triggers when a creature attacks and the defending player sacrifices the required number of permanents. This ability can be found on many Eldrazi creatures, but it’s essential to note that Annihilator can also be added to other creatures through various means, such as card draw or token creation.

Resolving Annihilator

When a creature with Annihilator attacks, the triggered ability resolves immediately after the Declare Blockers step. This means that the sacrificing of permanents occurs before the combat phase, which can have significant implications on gameplay.

Permanents Affected by Annihilator

Annihilator can affect a wide range of permanents, including:

• Creatures: As expected, creatures are a primary target for Annihilator. When a creature is sacrificed, it is removed from the game, leaving the player with fewer options for the remainder of the turn.
• Planeswalkers: Annihilator can also affect planeswalkers, which can lead to devastating consequences for the defending player. Planeswalkers with loyalty counters can be sacrificed, effectively removing them from the game.
• Artifacts: Artifact permanents can be sacrificed by Annihilator, which can limit the defending player’s access to card draw, creature tokens, or other resources.
• Enchantments: Enchantments can be sacrificed by Annihilator, which can disrupt the defending player’s strategy and remove valuable permanents from the game.

Protecting Against Annihilator

While Annihilator can be a powerful tool, there are ways to protect against it:

• Removal Spells: Players can use removal spells, such as Lightning Bolt or Abrupt Decay, to destroy the creature with Annihilator before it can attack.
• Negate Spells: Negate spells, such as Spell Pierce or Mana Leak, can counter the Annihilator trigger, preventing the defending player from sacrificing permanents.
• Protective Abilities: Some permanents, such as Leyline of Anticipation or Chord of Calling, have protective abilities that can shield them from Annihilator.
• Countering Annihilator: In some cases, players can counter Annihilator directly using spells like Counterspell or Cryptic Command.

Key Takeaways

• Annihilator triggers on attack: Annihilator is a triggered ability that triggers when a creature attacks.
• Permanents can be sacrificed: Annihilator can sacrifice a wide range of permanents, including creatures, planeswalkers, artifacts, and enchantments.
• Resolve immediately: Annihilator resolves immediately after the Declare Blockers step, which can have significant implications on gameplay.
• Protection options: There are several ways to protect against Annihilator, including removal spells, negate spells, protective abilities, and countering Annihilator directly.

In conclusion, Annihilator is a complex and powerful mechanic that can greatly impact gameplay. By understanding the rules and regulations surrounding Annihilator, players can better anticipate and counter its effects, ultimately leading to more engaging and strategic matches.

Table: Annihilator Trigger Timing

Table: Permanents Affected by Annihilator

Note: This article is meant to be a general overview of Annihilator and its mechanics. For a more detailed and comprehensive explanation, players are encouraged to consult the official Magic: The Gathering rulebook.