Decoding Magic: The Gathering Combat – Is It a Simultaneous Scrum?

Yes, and no. It’s more nuanced than a simple “yes” or “no” answer. In Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the concept of creatures attacking simultaneously hinges on the presence of first strike or double strike. If neither of these abilities are in play, all combat damage is indeed dealt simultaneously. However, when creatures with first strike or double strike enter the fray, the combat sequence becomes segmented, introducing separate damage steps. Let’s dive deep into the intricacies of MTG combat to fully understand this mechanic.

Understanding the Phases of Combat

To grasp the concept of simultaneous damage, it’s essential to understand the different phases of combat:

• Beginning of Combat: This is the last chance for players to cast spells or activate abilities before attackers are declared.
• Declare Attackers: The active player (the player whose turn it is) chooses which creatures will attack and which player or planeswalker they are attacking.
• Declare Blockers: The defending player declares which of their creatures will block the attacking creatures.
• Combat Damage: This is where the actual damage dealing happens. This can happen in one step or two steps.
• End of Combat: The phase concludes, and players can again cast spells or activate abilities.

The Simultaneous Damage Rule (Without First Strike/Double Strike)

In the absence of first strike or double strike, the combat damage step resolves with all creatures dealing their damage at the same time. This means that attacking creatures deal damage to blocking creatures (if blocked) or the defending player/planeswalker (if unblocked). Simultaneously, blocking creatures deal damage to the creatures they are blocking. This occurs based on the power of each creature. Any creature receiving damage equal to or greater than its toughness is destroyed.

Example:

• Player A attacks with a 3/3 Grizzly Bears (3 power, 3 toughness).
• Player B blocks with a 2/2 Elite Vanguard (2 power, 2 toughness).
• During the combat damage step, the Grizzly Bears deals 3 damage to the Elite Vanguard, and the Elite Vanguard deals 2 damage to the Grizzly Bears.
• The Elite Vanguard is destroyed (3 damage is greater than its 2 toughness).
• The Grizzly Bears survives with 2 damage marked on it, which will remain until the cleanup step.

The Impact of First Strike and Double Strike

First strike and double strike introduce complexity. Creatures with first strike deal combat damage before creatures without it. A creature with double strike deals damage in both the first-strike combat damage step and the normal combat damage step.

• First-Strike Combat Damage Step: Only creatures with first strike or double strike deal damage. If a creature with first strike deals lethal damage to a creature without it, the latter creature won’t deal any damage in the later, normal combat damage step.
• Normal Combat Damage Step: Creatures without first strike deal damage, and creatures with double strike deal damage again.

Example:

• Player A attacks with a 2/2 Goblin Piker with first strike.
• Player B blocks with a 2/2 Elite Vanguard.
• In the first-strike combat damage step, the Goblin Piker deals 2 damage to the Elite Vanguard, destroying it.
• Because the Elite Vanguard is already destroyed, it doesn’t deal any damage back in a subsequent combat damage step.
• In the normal combat damage step, the Goblin Piker doesn’t deal or receive any additional damage.

Example with Double Strike

• Player A attacks with a 2/2 Goblin Piker with double strike.
• Player B blocks with a 2/2 Elite Vanguard.
• In the first-strike combat damage step, the Goblin Piker deals 2 damage to the Elite Vanguard, destroying it.
• Because the Elite Vanguard is already destroyed, it doesn’t deal any damage back in a subsequent combat damage step.
• In the normal combat damage step, the Goblin Piker deals another 2 damage to the defending player.

Blocking with Multiple Creatures

When multiple creatures block a single attacker, the attacking player assigns a damage order to the blocking creatures. The attacking creature must deal lethal damage to the first blocker in the order before assigning any damage to the next blocker.

Example:

• Player A attacks with a 5/5 Hill Giant.
• Player B blocks with a 2/2 Elite Vanguard and a 2/2 Savannah Lions. Player A assigns damage to the Elite Vanguard first, then the Savannah Lions.
• The Hill Giant must assign at least 2 damage to the Elite Vanguard, destroying it. The remaining 3 damage from the Hill Giant’s power is then assigned to the Savannah Lions, destroying it as well.

Practical Implications

Understanding these rules is crucial for strategic gameplay. Knowing when damage is simultaneous and how first strike and double strike affect combat allows players to make informed decisions about attacking, blocking, and casting spells. Correctly sequencing damage assignment is vital for maximizing your board presence and minimizing losses.

Consider the Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) for more insights into game mechanics and learning. As demonstrated by the Games Learning Society, the study of games enhances our understanding of strategic thinking and decision-making.

FAQs: Mastering Magic: The Gathering Combat

How many creatures can attack at once in Magic?

There’s no limit to the number of creatures that can attack at once, provided they are not restricted by effects like summoning sickness (not being able to attack the turn they enter the battlefield) or abilities like Defender.

Can you attack creatures directly in Magic?

No, you cannot attack creatures directly. You can only attack a player or a planeswalker controlled by a player. The defending player then has the opportunity to block the attacking creatures with their own creatures.

Is fighting the same as attacking in Magic: The Gathering?

No, fighting is a separate action from attacking. When creatures “fight,” they deal damage to each other simultaneously equal to their power. This is considered noncombat damage.

Can you block with multiple creatures in Magic?

Yes, you can block an attacking creature with multiple creatures, also called multi-blocking. The attacking player then decides the order in which the blocking creatures receive damage.

Can a 0/1 creature attack in Magic The Gathering?

Yes, a creature with 0 power can attack, unless it has the Defender ability, which prevents it from attacking.

Do you tap a creature after defending?

No, blocking does not cause a creature to tap. Tapping only occurs when a creature attacks, pays a cost for an activated ability, or is affected by a spell or ability that causes it to tap.

How many times can you block in MTG?

Each blocking creature can block only one attacking creature, but multiple creatures can block the same attacker.

What is the double damage rule in Magic The Gathering?

The double damage rule means that if a source would deal damage to a permanent or player, it deals double that damage instead. This effect is usually created by spells, abilities, or permanents.

Do blocking creatures deal damage?

Yes, blocking creatures deal damage equal to their power to the creature they are blocking during the combat damage step.

Can you be attacked in MTG if you have protection from creatures?

No, a creature with protection from creatures cannot be targeted, blocked, or damaged by creatures.

Can a creature attack twice?

Typically, a creature can attack only once per turn. However, certain cards and abilities can grant an additional combat phase, allowing creatures to attack multiple times.

What happens when two creatures fight MTG?

When two creatures fight, each deals damage equal to its power to the other. This is considered noncombat damage, and the damage occurs simultaneously.

Can you attack a Planeswalker and a player at the same time?

No, you cannot attack both a planeswalker and a player simultaneously with the same creature. Each attacking creature must be designated to attack either a player or a planeswalker.

Can you boast while attacking MTG?

Boast abilities can be activated during combat or even after combat—any time in the turn after the creature was declared as an attacker, provided the conditions for the boast ability are met (typically paying a cost).

What are the rules for creature damage in Magic The Gathering?

Creature damage is dealt during the combat damage step, with the power of the attacking or blocking creature determining the amount of damage dealt. Damage marked on a creature remains until the cleanup step unless it’s removed, and if the damage equals or exceeds the creature’s toughness, the creature is destroyed.