Related to my previous post on removal, today we look at targets.
The official rules handle targets in section 115. Of them, the following are most relevant for beginners:
You see from the above that objects (creatures, enchantments, artifacts, planeswalkers, etc.) players, and spells can be targets. The phrase "any target" (like in Shock) means any legal target (damage can be done only to creatures, players, and planeswalkers). Good stuff . . . but what about this guy:
He has 'hexproof', meaning he cannot be targeted by an opponent's spells or abilities. This is powerful, but if you encounter it, remember rule 115.10: there are ways to affect objects or players without targeting them. Examples:
Plaguecrafter forces all players to sacrifice a creature of planeswalker. Since these objects aren't being targeted, objects with hexproof can be affected. Similarly, Pharika's Libation targets and opponent, but not a creature or enchantment; it simply forces that opponent to sacrifice a creature or enchantment. In each case, if that player has only one, then great! The hexproof permanent is gone. Planar Cleansing is even more powerful- it destroys everything in play except lands. Since the word "target" is never used, it would destroy hexproof permanents as well.
Targeting is an intuitive concept once you get the hang of it, but know the nuances- especially where the hexproof ability is concerned.
The official rules handle targets in section 115. Of them, the following are most relevant for beginners:
115.1. Some spells and abilities require their controller to choose one or more targets for them. The targets are object(s) and/or player(s) the spell or ability will affect. These targets are declared as part of the process of putting the spell or ability on the stack. The targets can’t be changed except by another spell or ability that explicitly says it can do so.
115.10. Spells and abilities can affect objects and players they don’t target. In general, those objects and players aren’t chosen until the spell or ability resolves. See rule 608, “Resolving Spells and Abilities.”Understanding targets is important; you'll see the word frequently on cards. Some examples:
You see from the above that objects (creatures, enchantments, artifacts, planeswalkers, etc.) players, and spells can be targets. The phrase "any target" (like in Shock) means any legal target (damage can be done only to creatures, players, and planeswalkers). Good stuff . . . but what about this guy:
He has 'hexproof', meaning he cannot be targeted by an opponent's spells or abilities. This is powerful, but if you encounter it, remember rule 115.10: there are ways to affect objects or players without targeting them. Examples:
Plaguecrafter forces all players to sacrifice a creature of planeswalker. Since these objects aren't being targeted, objects with hexproof can be affected. Similarly, Pharika's Libation targets and opponent, but not a creature or enchantment; it simply forces that opponent to sacrifice a creature or enchantment. In each case, if that player has only one, then great! The hexproof permanent is gone. Planar Cleansing is even more powerful- it destroys everything in play except lands. Since the word "target" is never used, it would destroy hexproof permanents as well.
Targeting is an intuitive concept once you get the hang of it, but know the nuances- especially where the hexproof ability is concerned.
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