Are Creatures Still Attacking at the End of Combat?
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No, creatures are no longer considered attacking at the very end of the combat phase. The state of being an “attacking creature” is tied directly to the combat phase itself. As soon as the end of combat step concludes, all creatures, battles, and planeswalkers are removed from combat. The game then transitions into the post-combat main phase. So, the short answer is: they were attacking, but not anymore.
Understanding the Combat Phase
To really grasp this, we need to understand the structure of the combat phase in a game like Magic: The Gathering. It’s not just one big brawl; it’s broken down into distinct steps:
- Beginning of Combat Step: Spells and abilities can be played here.
- Declare Attackers Step: The active player chooses which creatures they control will attack and declares which player, planeswalker, or battle each is attacking. These creatures become “attacking creatures” and are typically tapped unless they have vigilance.
- Declare Blockers Step: The defending player(s) declare which creatures they control will block the attacking creatures. Creatures that are blocking become “blocking creatures.”
- Combat Damage Step: Combat damage is dealt. If any creatures have first strike or double strike, there will be two combat damage steps.
- End of Combat Step: This is where things get interesting. This is the final step of the combat phase. Effects that last “until end of combat” expire here. After this step is completed, the game moves to the post-combat main phase.
The Transition: Attacking to…Not Attacking
It’s crucial to understand that the status of “attacking creature” is a temporary one, tied to the combat phase. Once the end of combat step is over, creatures are no longer considered to be in combat. This means:
- They can be tapped for other abilities during your post-combat main phase.
- Any “attacking creature” triggers that have not yet resolved will resolve.
- Any effects that specifically target “attacking creatures” will no longer apply.
FAQs: Deep Diving into the Combat Phase
Here are some frequently asked questions to clarify common points of confusion about the combat phase and attacking creatures:
1. What happens if a creature is attacking a planeswalker, and that planeswalker is removed before the combat damage step?
The creature continues to be an attacking creature, but it is not attacking any player, planeswalker, or battle. It may still be blocked. This is defined in rule 506.4c. Even if its target is gone, it’s still in the process of attacking until the end of combat.
2. How long does a creature remain an “attacking creature”?
A chosen creature remains an attacking creature until it’s removed from combat or the combat phase ends, whichever comes first (508.1k).
3. Should I play creatures before or after combat?
It’s generally best to play creatures after combat, unless you have a specific reason to do so before. For example, if you have a creature with haste that you want to attack with immediately, you would need to play it before the declare attackers step. Holding back lets you see how combat plays out before committing more resources.
4. When do creatures tap when attacking?
The creature becomes tapped during the declare attackers step, specifically during the action of declaring it as an attacker. Unless, of course, it has vigilance!
5. Do all creatures deal combat damage at the same time?
Yes, all creatures in combat deal combat damage at the same time, except when one or more creatures have first strike or double strike. In those cases, there are two damage assignment steps.
6. Can I sacrifice a creature during combat?
Yes, you can sacrifice a creature any time you have priority. This is the same rule that lets you play instants during combat.
7. Do blocking creatures tap after defending?
No, blocking doesn’t cause the blocking creature to tap. Tapping a creature when blocking with it is a common mistake.
8. Do creatures with vigilance ever tap when attacking?
No. Vigilance is a keyword ability that allows creatures to attack without tapping.
9. What happens when an effect lasts “until end of combat”?
Effects that last “until end of combat” expire at the end of the end of combat step.
10. Can you play an instant during combat?
Absolutely! Players can cast instants and activate abilities throughout the combat phase, including before attackers are declared, after blockers are declared, and during the combat damage step.
11. Can a creature with summoning sickness block?
Yes, a creature with summoning sickness can block. Summoning sickness only prevents a creature from attacking or using abilities with the tap or untap symbol in their cost.
12. Are attacking creatures considered tapped?
Yes, the creature is tapped when it’s declared as an attacker, unless it has vigilance.
13. Does first strike work when blocking?
Yes, you can block a creature with first strike. The blocking creature will just need to be prepared to take damage before it deals its own damage.
14. Does deathtouch work when creatures fight?
Yes, the damage is dealt simultaneously, and it is dealt by the creatures themselves, so abilities like deathtouch, lifelink, and infect will work as normal. Damage dealt while fighting is not combat damage, so abilities like first strike or double strike won’t have any effect.
15. Can you sacrifice a creature you own but don’t control?
No, you can only sacrifice a permanent you control.
Importance of Understanding Combat Mechanics
Mastering the nuances of the combat phase is crucial for strategic play. Knowing when effects expire, how priority works, and the timing of damage can give you a significant edge over your opponents. It allows you to make informed decisions, maximize your resources, and outmaneuver your rivals. This knowledge is also crucial for understanding how complex card interactions play out and how to best utilize your deck’s synergies.
Furthermore, understanding these rules demonstrates how games can provide useful educational tools. As evidenced by the Games Learning Society, even complex games can support the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The GamesLearningSociety.org is an important resource for anyone interested in the intersection of games and learning.
By understanding when creatures are attacking and when they are not, you can make better decisions and improve your chances of victory. Good luck, and may your combat phases always be in your favor!