Does First Strike Overcome Deathtouch? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, first strike can overcome deathtouch, but it’s not a guaranteed victory. The creature with first strike effectively gets the first “shot” in combat. If its damage is enough to destroy the deathtouch creature, the deathtouch creature will be removed from combat before it gets a chance to deal damage. However, if the first strike damage isn’t lethal, the deathtouch creature will still deal its damage in the normal combat damage step, and any amount of damage from a deathtouch creature is lethal. Think of it as a speed advantage, but only if that speed translates to a knockout blow. Let’s delve deeper into this interaction and explore some common scenarios.
Understanding the Mechanics
First Strike: The Early Bird Gets the Worm (Sometimes)
First strike is an ability that alters the sequence of combat. Creatures with first strike deal combat damage before creatures without it. If two creatures both have first strike, they deal damage simultaneously. This gives creatures with first strike a distinct advantage in many combat situations.
Deathtouch: One Touch, You’re Out
Deathtouch is a brutal ability. Any amount of damage dealt by a creature with deathtouch to another creature is considered lethal damage. This means a 1/1 with deathtouch can take down a 10/10 behemoth. However, it does require that the damage actually be dealt.
The Dance of Death: First Strike vs. Deathtouch in Action
The outcome of a combat between a creature with first strike and a creature with deathtouch depends entirely on the power of the first strike creature. Consider these scenarios:
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Scenario 1: First Strike wins decisively: A 3/3 creature with first strike attacks a 2/2 creature with deathtouch. The first strike creature deals 3 damage first, destroying the deathtouch creature. The deathtouch creature doesn’t get to deal any damage. The first strike creature survives unscathed.
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Scenario 2: Deathtouch gets a hit in: A 1/1 creature with first strike attacks a 2/2 creature with deathtouch. The first strike creature deals 1 damage. The deathtouch creature survives (it needs to take more damage to be destroyed). Then, in the normal combat damage step, the deathtouch creature deals 2 damage to the first strike creature. Since deathtouch is in effect, the 1/1 creature with first strike is instantly destroyed even though it only took 2 damage.
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Scenario 3: Both creatures have first strike: A 2/2 with first strike attacks a 2/2 with first strike and deathtouch. Both creatures deal damage simultaneously in the first strike combat damage step. The 2/2 with first strike and deathtouch kills the 2/2 with first strike because it only needs to deal 1 damage. Then, even though the 2/2 with first strike and deathtouch is already dead, the first strike still deals 2 damage, because the damage is dealt simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can a creature with first strike block a creature with deathtouch?
Yes, a creature with first strike can block a creature with deathtouch. The same principles apply: if the first strike blocker deals enough damage to destroy the attacking deathtouch creature during the first strike damage step, it will survive. Otherwise, it will be destroyed in the regular combat damage step.
2. What happens if both creatures have deathtouch and first strike?
They deal damage simultaneously during the first strike damage step. In that case, both creatures are destroyed. “Any two instances of the Deathtouch ability against one another cancel out the Deathtouch ability.”
3. Does indestructible protect against deathtouch when facing first strike?
Yes. Indestructible creatures are immune to destruction by deathtouch, regardless of whether the deathtouch creature has first strike or not.
4. Does first strike work with fight spells and Deathtouch?
No. First strike does not affect fight spells. Fight spells have creatures deal damage simultaneously, so there is no first strike step. Deathtouch will work normally during fight spells.
5. If a creature has double strike and I’m blocking a creature with deathtouch, does my creature survive?
If your creature with double strike deals lethal damage to the creature with deathtouch during the first strike combat damage step, your creature survives.
6. Does first strike negate trample damage when blocking?
It depends. If your creature with first strike destroys the attacking creature with trample before the normal combat damage step, no trample damage is dealt. However, if the first strike damage is insufficient to destroy the attacking creature, the remaining trample damage is applied as normal.
7. Is there a card that gives all my creatures deathtouch?
Yes, there are several cards that can grant deathtouch to your creatures, either temporarily or permanently. One example is Venom Connoisseur.
8. Can you double block a first strike creature?
Yes, you can double block a first strike creature. The blocking creatures will assign their damage as normal in the combat damage step, but may not deal any damage if the first strike creature destroys one of them.
9. Does first strike deal damage twice?
No, first strike only changes when the damage is dealt. It does not cause a creature to deal damage multiple times. A creature with double strike, on the other hand, does deal damage twice.
10. Does first strike beat lifelink?
The creature with first strike will deal its damage before a creature with lifelink. For example, if a 2/2 with first strike attacks and is blocked by a 2/2 with lifelink. The 2/2 with first strike will take no damage as it’s blocker takes lethal damage before it has a chance to apply it’s damage.
11. Can Planeswalkers be indestructible?
No, they can’t naturally be indestructible. However, there are workarounds to keeping them in play. For example, you could make them indestructible with a spell or ability, like the enchantment card, “Myrkul’s Edict”, from Commander.
12. What happens if my first strike creature has Lifelink, and blocks a creature with Deathtouch?
If your first strike creature has Lifelink, and deals enough damage to kill the Deathtouch creature, you gain life equal to the damage it dealt. It will not take any damage from the deathtouch creature because you have killed it. However, if your creature fails to kill the deathtouch creature, your first strike creature will die.
13. How does double strike interact with deathtouch?
Double strike allows a creature to deal combat damage in both the first-strike combat damage step and the normal combat damage step. If a double strike creature deals lethal damage (or any amount of damage if it also has deathtouch) in the first-strike step, the other creature is destroyed and doesn’t deal damage in the normal combat damage step.
14. If my opponent controls a creature with Deathtouch, and I give my creature protection from creatures, can I block it?
Yes, you can block the creature. Having protection from creatures prevents all damage and effects as if the creature had no abilities. Your creature will still deal damage as normal to the deathtouch creature if it survives.
15. What are some strategies for playing around deathtouch and first strike?
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Overwhelm with size: Use creatures with high toughness to survive a single hit from deathtouch.
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Removal spells: Use spells and abilities to remove deathtouch creatures before combat.
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First strike or Double Strike: As we’ve discussed, first strike and double strike can neutralize deathtouch by taking out the deathtouch creature before it has a chance to strike.
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Indestructible or Protection: These abilities make your creatures immune to deathtouch.
Understanding the interplay between first strike and deathtouch is crucial for strategic gameplay in Magic: The Gathering. By mastering these mechanics, you can make more informed decisions in combat and improve your chances of victory. And for more in-depth analysis of games and learning, explore the resources available at the Games Learning Society website: GamesLearningSociety.org.