Title: When a Creature Enters the Battlefield: Mastering Game Strategies in Battlefield
Introduction:
Every gamer knows the thrill of entering a battlefield and strategically maneuvering through obstacles to get to the top. In games, creatures entering the battlefield can make or break the game. If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve already faced the challenge of dealing with opponent creatures entering the battlefield, and you know just how frustrating it can be. But don’t worry! In this article, we’ll dive into the ins and outs of dealing with creatures entering the battlefield, providing you with tips and strategies to master the battlefield.
Section 1: What does “When a Creature Enters the Battlefield” Mean
When a creature enters the battlefield is a term used in some games to describe an ability that occurs when a creature card appears on the battlefield. This could happen when a player casts a creature spell, or when a creature card is put onto the battlefield from another zone, like a graveyard, exile, or a player’s hand. An important thing to note is that the ability that triggers when a creature enters the battlefield can vary depending on the card. Some creatures may have specific abilities that give them an advantage when they enter the battlefield, while others may trigger an effect in other cards or players.
Section 2: Different Types of “When a Creature Enters the Battlefield” Abilities
There are various “when a creature enters the battlefield” abilities that you might encounter when playing games. Understanding different abilities and what they do can be very helpful when planning your game strategy.
Subsection 2.1: Creature ETB Triggers
Creature ETB triggers, as their name suggests, are abilities that trigger when a creature enters the battlefield. These abilities can target different cards and players, for example, drawing a card, dealing damage, gaining life, or making tokens. A few examples of creature ETB trigger cards are:
- Charming Prince: a 2/2 creature that lets you choose one of three abilities when it enters the battlefield.
- Agent of Treachery: a 2/3 creature that targets a nonland permanent when it enters the battlefield.
- Plaguecrafter: a 3/2 creature that forces you and your opponent to sacrifice a creature or planeswalker when it enters the battlefield.
Subsection 2.2: Creature ETB Replacement Effects
Creature ETB replacement effects occur when a creature enters the battlefield, but its effect differs from its printed effect. It can happen when a creature enters with a +1/+1 counter, when it copies abilities of another creature, or when it enters with tokens. Here are a few examples of creatures with ETB replacement effects:
- Blade Splicer: a 1/1 creature that gives a 3/3 Golem token with first strike when it enters the battlefield.
- Clone: a creature that enters the battlefield as a copy of any creature.
Subsection 2.3: Creature ETB Continuous Effects
Creature ETB continuous effects apply while creatures are on the battlefield, depending on certain conditions, such as the number of creatures on the battlefield or the color of creatures on the battlefield. Some examples of Creature ETB continuous effect cards are:
- Grimoire of the Dead: an artifact that lets you spend mana and tap it to target creature cards in your graveyard and your opponents’ graveyards. If you do, create a creature token with the same creature type as the targeted card(s).
- Mikaeus, the Unhallowed: a legendary 5/5 creature with undying – a mechanic that lets it return to the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter on it when it dies.
Section 3: Strategies for Dealing with “When a Creature Enters the Battlefield”
Devising a strategy to deal with creatures that enter the battlefield is key to winning the game. Here are some tips to help you navigate through these challenges:
Subsection 3.1: Counter Spells
Counter Spells are the easiest way to deal with creature cards with ETB triggers. When your opponent casts a creature spell, counter-spelling it can prevent the creature from entering the battlefield or triggering its ETB trigger.
Subsection 3.2: Removal Spells
Removal spells are a quick and decisive way to deal with creatures that have entered the battlefield. They can target different types of permanent, including creatures. Some of the best removal spells out there are:
- Terminate: a spell that deals 2 damage to target creature or planeswalker and can’t regenerate.
- Path to Exile: an instant spell that exiles target creature and can also let its owner search their library for a basic land card and put it onto the battlefield tapped.
Subsection 3.3: Preventative Measures
Effective preventative measures can limit the power of player creatures and prevent creatures from reaching the battlefield in the first place. Some preventative measure strategies for dealing with creatures entering the battlefield are:
- Board wipes: a tactic that removes all creatures on the battlefield, such as Damnation, or Wrath of God. It helps prevent creatures from entering the battlefield and triggering their ETB effects.
- Counterspells: a way of negating spells that would enable the caster’s creatures from entering the battlefield.
FAQ:
Q: Can creatures with ETB effects trigger more than once?
A: No. A creature’s ETB trigger can only trigger once unless specified on the card or by other cards’ abilities.
Q: If a creature is destroyed or exiled by a spell, will it still trigger its ETB effect?
A: No, the creature must enter the battlefield for its ETB effect to trigger.
Conclusion:
Creatures entering the battlefield can drastically affect the course of a game, and understanding different types of ETB triggers can help you devise strong strategies for dealing with them. By taking preventative measures, utilizing counter- and removal spells, and devising smart strategies, you can master the battlefield and come out on top.