Does the Attacker Choose the Blocking Order in MTG?

The attacker does not choose the blocking order in Magic: The Gathering (MTG); instead, the defending player decides which creatures to block with and in which order. This is a crucial aspect of the game, as it allows the defender to strategically assign blockers to minimize damage and protect their life total.

Understanding Blocking in MTG

In MTG, a creature must be untapped to block, and each creature can only block a single attacker, but multiple defending creatures can block the same attacker. The defender chooses the blocking order, and the attacker then assigns combat damage to the blockers in the order specified by the defender.

Key Concepts in Blocking

It’s essential to understand the basics of blocking in MTG, including the rules for assigning damage and the interactions between blockers. The attacker assigns combat damage to the blockers, and the defender can choose to assign damage from their blockers to the attacking creature.

FAQs About Blocking in MTG

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about blocking in MTG:

1. Can 2 creatures block 1 attacker?: Yes, the base rules of the game allow for multiple creatures to block a single attacker.
2. Who assigns damage to blockers?: The attacking player assigns damage to the blockers, and the defending player assigns damage from their blockers to the attacking creature.
3. How does blocking with two creatures work?: The defender chooses which creatures block which attackers, and the attacker then assigns combat damage to the blockers in the order specified by the defender.
4. Can you stack blockers in MTG?: Yes, multiple creatures can block a single attacker, and the attacker assigns combat damage to the blockers in the order specified by the defender.
5. Who has priority when attacking MTG?: The player whose turn it is, known as the active player, has priority first.
6. What is the rule of defender in MTG?: A creature with defender can’t attack, but it can still block or use its abilities.
7. What is the order of attacks in Magic The Gathering?: The combat phase has five steps: beginning of combat, declare attackers, declare blockers, combat damage, and end of combat.
8. Do defenders have to block MTG?: No, a creature with defender can choose not to block, but it can’t attack.
9. Can I respond to declaring blockers?: No, declaring blockers is a turn-based action that doesn’t use the stack.
10. Do you have to crew a vehicle to block MTG?: Yes, a vehicle must be crewed by a creature to attack or block.
11. What happens if you double block a creature with first strike?: The creature with first strike will deal its damage first, and if it kills one of the blockers, the remaining blocker will still deal its damage.
12. How does blocking work in MTG?: The blocking creatures all deal their damage to the attacking creature together, with first strike and double strike applying as usual.
13. What is the rule 702.7 in Magic The Gathering?: This rule governs the first strike ability, allowing a creature with first strike to assign combat damage before creatures without first strike.
14. Can you have more than 7 cards in your hand in magic?: Yes, but as part of the cleanup step, the player must discard excess cards down to the maximum hand size of 7.
15. Does first strike beat Deathtouch?: A creature with first strike will hit first, and if it kills the deathtouch creature, the deathtouch creature’s ability won’t trigger.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the blocking order in MTG is crucial for players to make informed decisions during combat. By knowing who chooses the blocking order and how damage is assigned, players can develop effective strategies to outmaneuver their opponents. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, mastering the basics of blocking will help you improve your gameplay and enjoy the game more.