Does deathtouch and 0 do anything?

Asked by dude1818 14 years ago

I have a 3/5 deathtouch. My opponent gives it -4/-4 and attacks with a 3/2. I block. My creature obviously dies, but does it kill the attacking creature? Deathtouch means "any amount of damage is lethal," and 0 is an amount, so would 0 damage be lethal?

Legendinc says... #1

no, because your blocking creature didn't deal damage to the attack creature.

0 is nothing, nada, nil, zilch

November 15, 2010 4:27 p.m.

Zanven says... #2

0 only counts as a number, not an amount. Amounts must have values exceeding 0; even fractions like 1/2 etc (oh Unglued) would be enough, but it cannot be 0 for the purpose of Deathtouch.

Example : You can choose 0 in cards that say "any number", like deciding how much to rearrange with Augury Owl , because 0 is a valid number, but when it comes to a set amount, it must be 1 or more, as 0 is not an amount.

A little confusing, but Magic is reeeeally picky about the specific words used.

November 15, 2010 4:32 p.m.

Legendinc says... Accepted answer #3

think of it this way, if your creature has 0 power and you choose to block an attacking creature with it, your creature "deals damage" to the attacking creature in the form of a fluffy hug, complete with a bowl of jello.

nothing happens to the attack creature or (unless the attack creature's power was more than your creatures toughness) your creature. they just sit down and have share a bowl of jello.

and in this case of deathtouch ability, your creature must actually deal damage for the opposing creature for it to die. and last we checked, your 0/whatever toughness creature was eating a bowl of jello the with the attack creature

November 15, 2010 4:37 p.m.

Zanven says... #4

Although there is at least one amusing use for an unblocked 0 damage attacker, which would be ninjutsu.

Awww yeeeah boooy, Ninja of the Deep Hours off of Ornithopter .

November 15, 2010 4:41 p.m.

cardcoin says... #5

Don't forget thats attacking with 0/whatever cretures power up the players Beastmaster Ascension hence another possible reason to attack! :)

November 15, 2010 6:59 p.m.

KrazyCaley says... #6

I miss the creatures that had the "stoning" ability and DID work this way, i.e. Thicket Basilisk .

November 15, 2010 7:13 p.m.

supernick says... #7

and its not even poisonous jello, just jello.

November 15, 2010 9:59 p.m.