What is the Ward Creature Ability in Magic The Gathering?
In Magic: The Gathering, Ward is a creature ability that provides a level of protection for the creature it is attached to. When a creature with Ward becomes the target of a spell or ability controlled by an opponent, the Ward ability triggers and allows the creature to avoid the effect of the spell or ability unless the opponent pays the Ward cost.
How Does Ward Work?
Ward is a Triggered ability, meaning it triggers when a specific condition is met. In this case, the condition is that the creature with Ward becomes the target of a spell or ability controlled by an opponent. When this happens, the Ward ability is triggered and the creature is essentially "shielded" from the effect of the spell or ability.
The Ward Cost
The Ward cost is the amount of mana or life that the opponent must pay in order to apply the effect of the spell or ability to the creature with Ward. The Ward cost is usually a specific amount of mana, but it can also be a life payment or another form of cost. The Ward cost is paid at the time the Ward ability is triggered, and if the opponent is unable to pay the cost, the effect of the spell or ability is countered and does not apply to the creature with Ward.
Can Ward Block Deathtouch?
One common question about Ward is whether it can block Deathtouch. Deathtouch is a type of ability that causes a creature to die when it is dealt damage. However, Ward is not capable of blocking Deathtouch. This is because Ward only applies to spells and abilities, not to physical damage. If a creature with Ward is dealt damage, it will still die unless it has another ability that prevents it from dying, such as Indestructible.
Can Ward Remove Enchantments?
Another common question about Ward is whether it can remove enchantments. Enchantments are types of permanent spells that are attached to creatures or other permanents. Ward does not have the ability to remove enchantments. Enchantments can only be removed through specific effects, such as the "Destroy" ability or the "Remove" ability.
Can Ward Block Combat Tricks?
Combat tricks are types of spells that can be played during combat to affect the outcome of the combat. Ward does not have the ability to block combat tricks. Combat tricks are able to affect creatures with Ward, and the Ward ability will not prevent them from doing so.
What Defeats Ward?
Ward can be defeated in a few ways. One way is through the use of spells and abilities that specifically target and destroy creatures with Ward. Another way is through the use of spells and abilities that can destroy or exile creatures with Ward. Additionally, Ward can be defeated through the use of permanents that have the ability to destroy or exile creatures with Ward.
Ward and Indestructible
Indestructible is a type of ability that makes a creature unable to be destroyed or exiled. Ward and Indestructible can work together in certain situations. For example, if a creature has both Ward and Indestructible, it will not be able to be destroyed or exiled unless the opponent pays the Ward cost. However, if a creature has only Ward, it can still be destroyed or exiled if the opponent pays the Ward cost.
Conclusion
Ward is a powerful and versatile creature ability in Magic: The Gathering. It provides a level of protection for the creature it is attached to, making it a valuable asset in many situations. However, Ward can be defeated through the use of specific spells and abilities, and it is not capable of blocking Deathtouch or removing enchantments.