Combat rules answer
A -1/-1 counter made my 1/1 a 0/0 — is that the same as dying to damage?
Answer
No. It goes to the graveyard because its toughness is 0, even though it has no damage marked; that is a different state-based action from lethal damage.
Why
The -1/-1 counter lowers the 1/1's toughness to 0. A state-based action puts a creature with toughness 0 or less into its owner's graveyard.
No damage is marked on this board. Lethal damage is checked separately by comparing marked damage with a creature's positive toughness.
Rules: 700.4, 704.5f, 704.5g
Check the exact board
The link opens the live combat-dispute tool with this scenario already loaded. You can change the creatures, abilities, or damage and run it again.
Other ways players ask this
- Is zero toughness the same as lethal damage?
- Does a -1/-1 counter kill a 1/1?
- Can a counter make a creature die without damage?