Does a Creature Tap Before Damage in Magic: The Gathering?
No, a creature does not tap before dealing damage in Magic: The Gathering. A creature taps when it is declared as an attacker (unless it has vigilance), and this happens before the combat damage step. Tapping is a consequence of attacking, not a prerequisite to dealing damage. Let’s dive deeper into this mechanic and explore related aspects of tapping and combat.
Understanding Tapping and Combat
At its core, tapping is a fundamental mechanic in Magic: The Gathering. It signifies a creature’s exertion, restriction, or utilization of an ability. In combat, tapping a creature represents its commitment to attacking. This commitment makes the creature vulnerable during the opponent’s subsequent turn, as it can’t be used to block. However, there are nuances and corner cases that can be confusing, especially for newer players. So, let’s clarify some common questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens when a creature is tapped?
Tapping a creature effectively “turns it sideways.” A tapped creature cannot attack or block (unless an effect specifically allows it), and it cannot use any activated abilities with the tap symbol in their cost. It remains tapped until it is untapped, usually during its controller’s next untap step. However, other effects can also untap creatures, such as spells or abilities.
2. Is tapping a creature a cost to attack?
No, tapping a creature is not a cost to attack. Instead, it’s a result of declaring the creature as an attacker. This distinction is crucial because costs must be paid before an action is considered complete. Tapping simply occurs when you declare a creature as an attacker, assuming it doesn’t have vigilance.
3. Does tapping an attacking creature prevent damage?
Absolutely not! Once a creature is declared as an attacker (or blocker), tapping or untapping it does not remove it from combat. This is a common misconception. Even if you somehow tap an attacking creature after it’s declared as an attacker but before the combat damage step, it will still deal its damage.
4. Can I tap a creature before it attacks to prevent it from attacking?
Yes, you can. Tapping a creature before it’s declared as an attacker will prevent it from being declared as an attacker. Players often use this tactic to disrupt their opponent’s plans by tapping key creatures during their opponent’s pre-combat main phase. Timing is everything!
5. Can I tap a creature at any time? When can I use a tap ability in MTG?
You can activate a creature’s tap ability (an ability that requires you to tap the creature as part of the cost) at instant speed, provided the creature doesn’t have summoning sickness and you have priority. Summoning sickness prevents a creature from using tap abilities (or attacking) the turn it enters the battlefield unless it has haste. You cannot use a tap ability before your upkeep.
6. What is summoning sickness, and how does it affect tapping?
Summoning sickness is a rule that prevents a creature from attacking or using activated abilities with the tap symbol or untap symbol in their cost during the turn it enters the battlefield under your control. This is to prevent a player from immediately using a creature they just played. Haste is an ability that bypasses summoning sickness, allowing a creature to attack and use tap abilities the turn it enters the battlefield.
7. What are the rules for tapped creatures?
A tapped creature cannot attack or block (unless an effect specifically allows it, like some defender creatures), and it cannot use abilities that require tapping as a cost. Tapping the creature for an ability is a conscious choice, not a constant state. Remember that just tapping the creature (to attack, or tap down by another creature) isn’t the same thing as activating an ability.
8. Can I tap a creature before my upkeep?
No, you cannot activate abilities before your upkeep. You receive priority (the opportunity to act) for the first time during your turn only after your upkeep has begun and any triggered abilities have been placed on the stack.
9. Is tapping a creature an instant? Are Tap Abilities Instant?
The act of tapping a creature is not an instant. However, activated abilities that require tapping as a cost can often be used at instant speed, unless otherwise specified on the card. The key here is the difference between tapping a creature as a result (e.g., attacking) and tapping it as a cost to activate an ability.
10. Can you tap a creature after it’s declared as an attacker to stop it from attacking?
No. By the time attackers are declared, it’s too late to tap the creature to prevent the attack. No one has priority to do anything during the declare attackers step while attackers are being declared. However, after the declare attackers step and before the declare blockers step, players have priority and can cast spells or activate abilities. At that point, tapping the creature will not stop it from attacking but may disrupt other plans.
11. What does tapping a creature do, generally?
Creature cards tap most often in order to participate in combat, or to pay for activated abilities. Remember, creatures are affected by summoning sickness, so they cannot tap on the turn that they are played–unless they have haste, which overrules this restriction.
12. If a tapped land becomes a creature, is it still tapped?
Yes, if a land that’s already tapped becomes a creature (e.g., through an animation effect), it remains tapped. The transformation doesn’t inherently untap the land. This can be relevant when considering if the creature can attack that turn.
13. Does vigilance prevent a creature from tapping when it attacks?
Yes. A creature with vigilance does not tap when it attacks. This allows it to both attack and remain available to block during your opponent’s turn, providing a significant advantage.
14. How do tap and untap abilities work together?
Some cards have abilities that trigger when a permanent becomes untapped, using the “Inspired” mechanic. For example, “Whenever Oreskos Sun Guide becomes untapped, you gain 2 life.” This can create powerful synergies, especially in decks built around repeatedly tapping and untapping creatures.
15. Can you exile a tapped creature, or tap a tapped permanent?
Yes. Many spells can target tapped creatures, such as “Exile target tapped creature.” Furthermore, you can target a tapped permanent with an ability or spell, even if it can’t be tapped again. The rules specify “target permanent,” not “target untapped permanent.”
Tapping: A Strategic Element
Understanding tapping mechanics is essential for mastering Magic: The Gathering. It’s not just about whether a creature taps before damage, but also about how you can use tapping strategically to disrupt your opponent, activate powerful abilities, and control the flow of the game. To further enhance understanding of the game, consider looking to organizations like the Games Learning Society for more resources on the educational aspects of gaming. You can find more information at GamesLearningSociety.org. By understanding the intricacies of tapping and other mechanics, you can unlock new levels of strategic depth and enjoyment in Magic: The Gathering.