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Toughness)
Power/Toughness is a rating unique to creatures and are characteristics of that creature in all zones. It denotes numerically how strong a creature is for attacking or defending.
Power is the first number printed before the slash on the lower right hand corner of creature cards. This is the amount of damage it deals in combat.
Toughness is the number printed after the slash at the bottom right corner of a creature. It is the amount of damage needed to destroy it. If the number falls to 0 at any time, without a response (like Giant Growth) then it is destroyed.
A creature with a lower power then its toughness is considered defensive. A creature with the same power and toughness is considered balanced. A creature with higher power than toughness is considered offensive or aggressive.
From the Comprehensive Rules (May 1, 2008)
- 208. Power/Toughness
- 208.1. A creature card has two numbers separated by a slash printed on its lower right corner. The first number is its power (the amount of damage it deals in combat); the second is its toughness (the amount of damage needed to destroy it). For example, 2/3 means the object has power 2 and toughness 3. Power and toughness can be modified or set to particular values by effects.
- 208.2. Some creature cards have power and/or toughness represented by a * instead of a number. The object has a characteristic-defining ability that sets its power and/or toughness according to some stated condition. This ability functions everywhere, even outside the game. If the ability needs to use a number that can't be determined, use 0 instead of that number.
- Example: Lost Order of Jarkeld has power and toughness each equal to 1+*. It says "As Lost Order of Jarkeld comes into play, choose an opponent" and "Lost Order of Jarkeld's power and toughness are each equal to 1 plus the number of creatures that opponent controls." While Lost Order of Jarkeld isn't in play, there won't be a chosen opponent. Its power and toughness will each be equal to 1 plus 0, so it's a 1/1.
- 208.3. A noncreature permanent has no power or toughness, even if it's a card with a power and toughness printed on it (such as a Licid that's become an Aura).
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