It’s a question that many Magic: The Gathering players ponder, especially those new to the game. Can a color’s protection abilities truly shield a creature from the devastating effect of a board wipe? This article delves into the complexities of protection, board wipes, and how they interact within the game, offering insights to help you make informed decisions during your next match.
Understanding Protection
In Magic: The Gathering, protection grants a creature immunity to a specific source of damage or effect. For example, a creature with “protection from white” will not be affected by any white source of damage or effect. This seemingly straightforward concept becomes intricate when considering board wipes.
The Challenge of Board Wipes
Board wipes, powerful spells capable of eliminating multiple creatures on the battlefield, are a staple in many Magic decks. The most common board wipes affect all creatures regardless of color. However, some board wipes target specific types of creatures, such as “destroy all creatures with flying.”
Does Protection Work Against Board Wipes?
So, does protection actually prevent creatures from being affected by board wipes? The answer is: It depends!
1. Generic Board Wipes
Generic board wipes, which target all creatures, cannot be prevented by protection. For instance, a creature with “protection from red” will still be destroyed by a red board wipe like “Wrath of God.”
2. Targeted Board Wipes
Targeted board wipes, however, can be affected by protection. If a board wipe specifically targets creatures with “flying,” a creature with “protection from red” and “flying” will survive if the board wipe is red. This is because the creature is protected from the effect of the red spell.
3. Protection’s Limitations
It’s important to remember that protection only prevents damage and effects from the specified color. If a board wipe is not of the protected color, even if it targets a specific characteristic, it will still affect the protected creature.
Real-world Examples
Example 1:
“My opponent played a ‘Wrath of God,’ which is red. My creature has ‘protection from black.’ Will my creature survive?”
Answer: No. “Wrath of God” is a generic board wipe and will destroy all creatures, regardless of their color or protection.
Example 2:
“My opponent played a ‘Doom Blade,’ which is black. My creature has ‘protection from black’ and ‘flying.’ Will my creature survive?”
Answer: Yes. “Doom Blade” specifically targets creatures with flying, but the protected creature is immune to black effects.
Expert Insight
“Understanding protection and board wipes is crucial for constructing effective decks,” states renowned Magic strategist, Professor Alistair Thorne. “Analyzing your deck’s composition and predicting your opponent’s strategies can help you make crucial decisions regarding creature protection and board control.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a creature with protection from a specific color be targeted by an enchantment of that color?
A: Yes, protection does not prevent a creature from being targeted by enchantments of the protected color.
Q: Does protection prevent a creature from being exiled?
A: No, protection only prevents damage and effects. Exiling is not considered damage or an effect, so a creature with protection can still be exiled.
Q: What are some common board wipes used in Magic?
A: Some popular board wipes include “Wrath of God,” “Damnation,” “Supreme Verdict,” and “Day of Judgment.”
Q: What are some tips for using protection strategically?
A: Consider your opponent’s deck and common board wipes when deciding which creatures to protect. Use protection to shield key creatures that contribute to your game plan.
Q: What are some strategies for playing around board wipes?
A: Run creatures with high toughness to withstand board wipes, utilize creatures with regeneration or abilities that allow them to re-enter the battlefield, or play cards that can counter board wipes.
Conclusion
Protection offers a powerful shield against specific sources of damage or effects, but it’s not an absolute guarantee against all board wipes. By understanding how protection interacts with board wipes, you can make informed decisions and strategize your deck effectively. Remember, knowledge is power in the world of Magic: The Gathering, and understanding the intricacies of protection can give you a significant edge on the battlefield.
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