Deathtouch
From MTG Salvation Wiki
Deathtouch is a triggered keyword ability. It was introduced in Future Sight, as a preview for Lorwyn, in which it featured more prominently.
From the Comprehensive Rules
- 502.63. Deathtouch
- 502.63a Deathtouch is a triggered ability. "Deathtouch" means "Whenever this permanent deals damage to a creature, destroy that creature."
- 502.63b If a permanent has multiple instances of deathtouch, each triggers separately.
[edit] Rulings
- The ability triggers whenever a permanent with deathtouch deals any damage to a creature, not just combat damage.
- If all damage that a permanent with deathtouch would deal to a creature is prevented, deathtouch won't trigger.
- If a permanent with deathtouch deals lethal damage to a creature, first the creature is destroyed as a state-based effect, then deathtouch triggers. If the creature is still in play (because it regenerated, for example), it will be destroyed due to deathtouch (and would need to be regenerated again to remain in play).
- Although many older cards have abilities that are similar to deathtouch, none have exactly this ability.
