General Rules
* Damage Step: During the Damage Step, a monster is destroyed if its ATK is less than or equal to 0. This happens after damage calculation.
* Attack Gain: If a monster gains ATK during the Damage Step, it's crucial to understand *when* it gains ATK relative to the damage calculation.
Alien Monsters and A-Counters
* A-Counter Ability: Many Alien monsters gain ATK based on the number of A-Counters they have. The exact wording varies, but it usually works like this: "This monster gains ATK equal to 1000 x the number of A-Counters on it."
* Timing is Key: The A-Counter ability might be triggered *before* or *after* the damage calculation. Here's how each scenario plays out:
* A-Counter Gain Before Damage Calculation: If the monster gains A-Counters *before* damage is calculated, the added ATK will be considered during the damage calculation. If the monster's ATK is still 0 or less after damage calculation, it is destroyed.
* A-Counter Gain After Damage Calculation: If the monster gains A-Counters *after* damage is calculated, it's too late! The monster is already destroyed, and the ATK gain has no effect.
Example:
Let's say your Alien monster has 0 ATK and 1 A-Counter. Your opponent's monster attacks.
* Scenario 1: If the A-Counter ability triggers *before* damage calculation, the monster gains 1000 ATK and survives.
* Scenario 2: If the A-Counter ability triggers *after* damage calculation, the monster is destroyed, even though it would have gained ATK.
Important Note: Always check the exact wording of the A-Counter ability on the monster card to determine when it triggers. Some cards may have specific timing effects that change this interaction.
Let me know if you have a specific Alien monster card in mind, and I can help analyze its ability!