In Magic, announced damage is not always damage dealt. An effect may prevent, double, redirect or replace the event. State the event first: “this source would deal X damage to this object or player.”
This complements our guides to combat, the stack and priority, and Magic zones.
Prevention
Text using “prevent” modifies damage before it is dealt. If five damage would be dealt and three is prevented, two is dealt. Prevented damage was not dealt and does not satisfy triggers that require damage to be dealt.
Replacement
Replacement effects often use “instead” or “would.” They transform the event rather than triggering afterward. Doubling or redirecting damage are common examples.
Choosing an order
If several prevention or replacement effects affect the same damage, the affected player chooses their order; for damage to a permanent, its controller chooses. Apply one effect, then check which effects still apply to the modified event.
| Wording | Type |
|---|---|
| Prevent the next N damage | Prevention |
| Would deal, deals double instead | Replacement |
| Whenever damage is dealt | Triggered ability |
Six-step routine
- Identify source and recipient.
- Record the original amount.
- List applicable effects.
- Identify who chooses.
- Apply one effect and reassess.
- Record only the final damage.
Common mistakes
- Changing life totals too early.
- Treating a trigger as replacement.
- Counting prevented damage as dealt.
- Confusing damage prevention with reducing power or destroying.
Name the source, original amount and each applicable effect before changing life totals.