Decoding First Strike: A Comprehensive Guide to Blocking and Combat
Does first strike trigger blocking? The answer is a resounding no. First strike doesn’t “trigger” blocking; blocking happens during the Declare Blockers step of combat, before any combat damage is dealt. First strike merely modifies when damage is dealt. Blocking is declared independently of whether any creature involved has first strike. Understanding this fundamental difference is crucial for mastering combat in Magic: The Gathering.
Understanding the Mechanics
Before we dive into the nuances, let’s solidify the basics. Combat in Magic progresses through distinct steps:
- Beginning of Combat Step: Triggers happen.
- Declare Attackers Step: The active player (the player whose turn it is) chooses which creatures will attack.
- Declare Blockers Step: The defending player chooses which of their untapped creatures will block the attacking creatures.
- Combat Damage Step(s): This is where first strike makes its grand appearance.
- End of Combat Step: Clean up and triggers.
First strike splits the Combat Damage Step into two phases. In the first combat damage step, creatures with first strike or double strike deal their combat damage. Then, in the regular combat damage step, all remaining creatures (those without first strike or double strike) deal their damage. Creatures with double strike deal combat damage during both steps.
Blocking occurs in step 3, the Declare Blockers Step, before either of these combat damage steps occur. You can’t block a creature because it has first strike, or to try to negate it; the decision to block is made before you even know how that ability will affect the turn. Your assessment of if you are going to block is a tactical choice, based on the states of the board and the cards in your hand.
Now, let’s tackle some common questions:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About First Strike and Blocking
How Does First Strike Affect Combat Damage Assignment?
First strike significantly alters the order of combat damage. Creatures with first strike deal their combat damage first. If a first strike creature deals enough damage to a blocking creature to destroy it, the blocking creature will be removed before it has a chance to deal its own combat damage. This can be a huge advantage.
Can a Creature Block a Creature With First Strike?
Absolutely! Any untapped creature you control can block an attacking creature with first strike, provided all other blocking requirements are met. However, you must be aware that the creature with first strike will deal combat damage before the blocking creature. This means your blocker might not survive the encounter.
Does First Strike Work When Defending?
Yes! First strike is effective whether your creature is attacking or blocking. If your creature with first strike blocks an attacking creature without first strike, your creature will deal its damage first. This can often lead to your creature surviving the combat while eliminating the attacker.
What Happens If a Double Strike Creature Kills the Blocker in the First Strike Step?
If a creature with double strike deals enough damage to destroy its blocker during the first combat damage step, the blocker is removed. Crucially, the double strike creature does not then deal damage to the player being attacked (unless it also has trample, and even then, only if it had excess damage). It remains blocked.
Does Double Strike Work When Blocking?
Yes, double strike works when blocking. A creature with double strike deals combat damage in both the first strike combat damage step and the regular combat damage step. This makes double strike an extremely powerful defensive ability, potentially eliminating multiple attackers or overwhelming a single blocker.
How Does First Strike Work With Multiple Blockers?
When an attacking creature with first strike is blocked by multiple creatures, the attacker’s controller assigns combat damage during the first strike combat damage step. Lethal damage must be assigned to one blocker before any damage can be assigned to another. After that, damage occurs.
Is Double Strike Better Than First Strike?
Generally, yes. Double strike is a strict upgrade to first strike. It allows a creature to deal combat damage in both combat damage steps, essentially doubling its damage output in combat. If a creature has 2 power and double strike, it deals 2 damage during the first combat damage step and 2 damage again during the regular combat damage step.
Can You Stack First Strike?
No. Multiple instances of first strike on the same creature are redundant. Having two or more instances of first strike doesn’t give any additional advantage. However, it’s worth noting that effects that remove first strike won’t remove double strike.
Does Double Strike Trigger Two “Attacks”?
No. The trigger “Whenever ~ attacks” only triggers once when the creature is declared as an attacker. Double strike simply allows the creature to deal damage twice during combat; it doesn’t count as attacking twice.
Does First Strike Beat Deathtouch?
It depends on who is attacking! If a creature with first strike attacks and is blocked by a creature with deathtouch, the first strike creature will deal its damage first. If that damage is lethal, the deathtouch creature is destroyed before it can deal damage, preventing the first strike creature from being destroyed by the deathtouch ability. This is a huge tactical advantage.
However, if the deathtouch creature attacks and is blocked by a creature with first strike, the blocker will still die!
What are the Basic Rules for Blocking in Magic: The Gathering?
- A creature must be untapped to block.
- Each creature can only block a single attacker.
- Multiple creatures can block the same attacker.
- Players can cast instants and activate abilities after blockers are declared.
How Does First Strike Interact With Shield Counters?
If a creature with first strike attacks a creature with a shield counter, the shield counter will be removed during the first strike combat damage step. If the attacker deals enough damage to remove the shield counter, and can deal enough damage to get through an additional shield counter, the second shield counter will be removed in the regular combat damage step (assuming the defending creature had more than one shield counter to begin with).
How Does First Strike Work With Trample?
Trample works as normal with first strike. If an attacking creature with first strike and trample deals enough damage to destroy its blocker during the first strike combat damage step, any excess damage is then dealt to the defending player.
Can You Ninjutsu After First Strike Damage?
Yes, if a creature in combat has first strike or double strike, you can activate the ninjutsu ability during the first strike combat damage step. The Ninja will then deal combat damage during the regular combat damage step.
Where Can I Learn More About Magic: The Gathering?
For deeper dives into game mechanics, strategy, and the broader gaming community, consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. This organization offers valuable insights into the educational and social aspects of gaming.