Mastering Combat: Understanding Rule 702.7b in Magic: The Gathering

Rule 702.7b in Magic: The Gathering is a cornerstone of understanding how combat damage is assigned when first strike or double strike are involved. It states: “If at least one attacking or blocking creature has first strike or double strike (see rule 702.4) as the combat damage step begins, the only creatures that assign combat damage in that step are those with first strike or double strike.” This means that if any creature involved in combat possesses either first strike or double strike, a special “first combat damage step” occurs where only those creatures assign damage. Creatures without these abilities wait until the regular combat damage step to assign their damage. This simple rule significantly changes combat dynamics, making creatures with first strike and double strike strategically valuable.

Delving Deeper into Rule 702.7b

The rule’s implications are far-reaching. Let’s break it down further:

• Timing is Crucial: The determination of whether 702.7b applies is made at the beginning of the combat damage step. If a creature gains or loses first strike or double strike during the combat damage step, it doesn’t retroactively change whether or not the first combat damage step occurs.

• Affects Both Attackers and Blockers: The rule considers both attacking and blocking creatures. If any attacking creature or any blocking creature has first strike or double strike, the first combat damage step happens.

• Only Creatures with First Strike or Double Strike Deal Damage: This is the key takeaway. During the first combat damage step, only creatures with either first strike or double strike assign combat damage. This can lead to situations where creatures without these abilities are destroyed before they even get a chance to deal damage.

Impact on Combat Scenarios

Imagine an attacking creature with 3 power is blocked by a creature with first strike and 2 toughness. In the first combat damage step, the blocker deals its damage, potentially destroying the attacker. Since the attacker is now dead it won’t deal any damage back in the normal damage phase. This interaction underscores the advantage provided by first strike.

Similarly, a creature with double strike deals damage in both the first and normal combat damage steps. If it kills its blocker during the first combat damage step, it then deals its damage to the defending player in the normal combat damage step (assuming trample is not involved).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rule 702.7b

1. What happens if only the blocking creature has first strike?

If only the blocking creature has first strike, the first combat damage step still occurs. The blocking creature deals its damage, potentially destroying the attacker before it can deal damage in the regular combat damage step.

2. Does double strike count as two separate “attacks”?

No, double strike does not mean the creature attacks twice. It simply means it deals combat damage in both the first combat damage step and the regular combat damage step. An “attack” is declared in the Declare Attackers step.

3. If a creature has both first strike and double strike, what happens?

A creature with both first strike and double strike effectively just has double strike. Multiple instances of first strike or double strike on the same creature are redundant. The creature deals combat damage in both combat damage steps.

4. How does deathtouch interact with first strike and double strike?

A creature with deathtouch deals damage during the regular combat damage step unless it has first strike or double strike itself, in which case it will deal lethal damage during the first strike combat damage step. If a creature with first strike blocks a creature with deathtouch, the creature with first strike can destroy the deathtouch creature before it deals damage, preventing any damage to the first striker.

5. Does indestructible protect against damage from first strike or double strike?

Indestructible does not prevent damage. It only prevents creatures from being destroyed by damage. If a creature with indestructible is dealt lethal damage by a first strike creature, the indestructible creature survives, but if it has lifelink, it still gains life, or if it had wither, it would still apply -1/-1 counters.

6. Can you give a creature double strike twice?

No, multiple instances of double strike on the same creature are redundant (C.R. 702.4e, 702.7d). Once a creature has double strike, adding another instance doesn’t change its behavior.

7. What is the interaction between first strike/double strike and trample?

If a creature with trample and first strike deals enough damage to destroy its blocker during the first combat damage step, the remaining damage is assigned to the defending player. If a creature with trample and double strike destroys the blocker in the first strike damage step, it deals the remaining damage to the defending player in the second damage step.

8. How does lifelink work with first strike and double strike?

Lifelink triggers whenever a creature deals damage. If a creature with first strike and lifelink deals damage in the first combat damage step, its controller gains life equal to the damage dealt. The same happens in the regular combat damage step if it has double strike or survives to deal damage.

9. If a creature with double strike is blocked, does it hit the player after killing the blocker in the first strike damage step?

No, a blocked creature remains blocked even if the blocking creature dies. The creature with double strike will not deal damage to the defending player unless it also has trample and excess damage to assign.

10. What if a creature gains first strike after the Declare Blockers step but before the Combat Damage step?

If a creature gains first strike before the beginning of the combat damage step, the first combat damage step occurs. The important factor is whether any creature involved has first strike or double strike at the beginning of the combat damage step.

11. Does hexproof prevent damage from a creature with first strike and deathtouch?

Hexproof only protects a creature from being targeted by spells or abilities your opponents control. If a creature with first strike and deathtouch deals damage to a creature with hexproof, the hexproof creature is still destroyed. Deathtouch is not targeting anything so hexproof is useless in this circumstance.

12. What is the difference between first strike and vigilance?

First strike modifies when combat damage is assigned, allowing a creature to deal damage earlier in combat. Vigilance allows a creature to attack without tapping, meaning it doesn’t become tapped and remains available to block. They are completely unrelated abilities.

13. How does menace interact with first strike or double strike?

Menace requires two or more creatures to block a creature. If a creature with menace attacks and is blocked by two creatures, and the attacking creature has first strike and destroys one blocker in the first combat damage step, the attacking creature remains blocked by the remaining blocker (assuming it survives).

14. What is rule 702.15f in Magic The Gathering?

Rule 702.15f states: “Multiple instances of lifelink on the same object are redundant.”

15. Where can I learn more about the rules of Magic: The Gathering?

You can learn more about Magic: The Gathering rules from the official Magic: The Gathering website, as well as various community resources. The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) might also offer insights into the game’s mechanics and strategic elements.

Conclusion: Mastering Combat with First Strike and Double Strike

Understanding Rule 702.7b is essential for mastering combat in Magic: The Gathering. The strategic implications of first strike and double strike are significant, allowing you to control the flow of battle and dictate the outcome of engagements. By mastering these interactions, you can elevate your gameplay and dominate the battlefield.