When a Creature Enters, Destroy Target Creature? Decoding Triggered Annihilation

Yes, a card can absolutely state, “When a creature enters the battlefield, destroy target creature.” This powerful effect is a form of triggered ability, and it represents a significant control element in any game it appears in. It’s an engine of attrition, transforming the simple act of summoning a creature into a strategic exchange – a potential elimination of one of your opponent’s (or even your own) key threats.

Understanding the Mechanics

The core of this ability lies in its triggered nature. A triggered ability is, as the name suggests, triggered by a specific event. In this case, that event is “a creature entering the battlefield.” Let’s break down the components:

• The Trigger: A creature entering the battlefield. This is the event that must occur for the ability to activate. The trigger doesn’t usually discriminate between your creatures and your opponent’s, unless specifically stated.
• The Effect: “Destroy target creature.” This is the outcome once the ability resolves. It means choosing a creature on the battlefield and sending it to its owner’s graveyard (assuming it doesn’t have indestructible or another protective effect).
• The Targeting: “Target creature.” This is crucial. Targeting happens when the ability is put onto the stack. You, as the controller of the ability, must choose which creature will be affected. This gives your opponent a chance to respond before the destruction occurs.

Think of cards like Ravenous Chupacabra in Magic: The Gathering as a prime example. When it enters the battlefield, its ability triggers, allowing you to target and destroy a creature your opponent controls. The card is valuable not just for its stats, but for the immediate removal it provides.

The Stack and Priority

Understanding how this ability interacts with the stack is vital. When a creature enters the battlefield, and the triggered ability is activated, it doesn’t immediately destroy a creature. Instead, the ability goes onto the stack.

The stack is a zone where spells and abilities wait to resolve. Players can respond to spells and abilities on the stack, potentially disrupting the intended outcome. For instance, your opponent could cast an instant to give their targeted creature indestructible or flicker it (exile it and return it to the battlefield), thus dodging the destruction effect.

After each spell or ability resolves (or is countered), players get priority. The player whose turn it is gets priority first. Only when all players pass priority in succession does the top spell or ability on the stack resolve. This creates a window of opportunity for responses and counterplays.

Considerations for Deck Building

Cards with this ability have a significant impact on deck building strategy. Here are some factors to consider:

• Mana Cost: How efficient is the card in terms of mana investment compared to the effect it provides? A low-cost creature with this ability can be an early-game tempo swing.
• Creature Stats: What are the creature’s power and toughness? Is it likely to survive combat after using its ability? A creature with strong stats adds extra value.
• Synergy: Does the card work well with other cards in your deck? For example, cards that can blink (exile and return) the creature can reuse the ability multiple times.
• Vulnerability: Is the card vulnerable to common removal spells?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about cards with the “When a creature enters, destroy target creature” ability:

1. What happens if the target creature is no longer on the battlefield when the ability resolves? The ability will fizzle. If the target is illegal when the ability tries to resolve (for example, if it was exiled or destroyed in response), the ability does nothing.

2. Can I target a creature I control? Yes, unless the ability specifically states “target creature an opponent controls.” This can be a strategic choice if you need to get rid of your own creature for some reason (e.g., to trigger a death effect).

3. Does summoning sickness affect the creature with the triggered ability? Summoning sickness only affects creatures attacking or using abilities with the tap symbol. It does not prevent the triggered ability from activating when the creature enters the battlefield.

4. If I play two creatures at the same time, can the first creature’s ability destroy the second creature? If both creatures entering the battlefield cause a triggered ability, the active player (the player whose turn it is) puts their triggered abilities on the stack in the order they choose, then the non-active player does the same. It depends on the order put on the stack.

5. What if the target creature has protection from the color of the creature with the ability? The target will be illegal. “Protection” prevents the creature from being targeted by spells or abilities from sources of the specified quality (color, creature type, etc.). The triggered ability cannot target a creature with protection.

6. What if the targeted creature has indestructible? The ability will resolve, but the creature will not be destroyed. Indestructible creatures cannot be destroyed by damage or effects that say “destroy.”

7. Can this ability be countered? Yes, like any other activated or triggered ability, it can be countered by spells like Counterspell. Countering the ability prevents it from resolving and destroying the target creature.

8. Does the creature need to stay on the battlefield for the triggered ability to resolve? No. The creature with the ability only needs to be on the battlefield to trigger the ability when another creature enters. Once the ability is on the stack, its existence is independent of the source. Removing the creature with the ability after it triggers does not stop the destruction from happening (assuming the target remains legal).

9. If a creature enters the battlefield as a copy of another creature, does it trigger the ability? Yes. A creature entering the battlefield as a copy is still entering the battlefield.

10. What happens if I control multiple creatures with this triggered ability? Each ability will trigger individually when a creature enters the battlefield. You will control each triggered ability, so you can order them as you wish on the stack. You can target different creatures or the same creature with each instance.

11. Does this ability work against creatures with hexproof? No, hexproof prevents a permanent from being the target of spells or abilities your opponents control. Therefore, your opponent can’t target their hexproof creatures with the destroy effect.

12. Can I use this ability to respond to a creature entering the battlefield that would otherwise win my opponent the game? Absolutely. That’s a key tactical use for this type of ability. It acts as both a creature and a removal spell, providing versatility and board control. If a creature with a game-winning triggered ability hits the board, using the destroy ability in response can be a game-saving move.

In conclusion, understanding the intricacies of triggered abilities like “When a creature enters, destroy target creature” is essential for strategic gameplay. It’s a powerful tool that, when used correctly, can control the board, disrupt your opponent’s plans, and ultimately lead to victory. Knowing how it interacts with the stack, priority, and other card abilities will make you a more formidable player.