Blocking Double Strike: A Comprehensive Guide

How does blocking double strike work? When a creature with double strike is blocked, it deals combat damage twice: once during the first strike damage step and again during the normal combat damage step. The critical point here is that even if the blocking creature is destroyed during the first strike damage step, the attacking creature remains blocked for the remainder of combat, and the second instance of damage during the normal combat damage step is still blocked. This means the creature with double strike will not deal its remaining damage to the defending player or planeswalker unless it also has trample. Understanding the nuances of blocking double strike requires a clear understanding of how combat damage works, the implications of first strike, and the importance of trample.

How Combat Damage Works With Double Strike

To fully understand how blocking double strike functions, let’s break down the relevant combat steps:

1. Declare Attackers: The attacking player chooses which of their creatures will attack.

2. Declare Blockers: The defending player chooses which of their untapped creatures will block the attacking creatures.

3. First Strike Damage Step: If at least one creature in combat has first strike or double strike, the creatures with first strike or double strike deal combat damage simultaneously.

4. Normal Combat Damage Step: All creatures that did not deal damage in the first strike damage step, and those with double strike deal combat damage simultaneously again.

When a creature with double strike is blocked, it first deals its damage during the first strike damage step. If that damage is enough to destroy the blocker, the blocker is removed from combat. However, the attacking double strike creature is still considered blocked. Consequently, during the normal combat damage step, the attacking creature will attempt to deal damage again, but it is still blocked, so it won’t hit the player directly. If the attacking creature also has trample, excess damage from the first strike can be passed through to the player, and if enough damage wasn’t enough to kill the blocker then trample can carry any remaining power onto the defending player. In the normal damage step, since trample is an ability that continues through the whole combat, any damage not assigned to blocking creatures gets assigned to the player.

The Crucial Role of Trample

The interaction of double strike and trample is essential when facing blockers. If an attacker with double strike and trample is blocked, and the first strike damage kills the blocker, the second instance of damage will then be assigned to the defending player. Without trample, an attacker with double strike is still considered blocked and any damage after the first instance is negated. Trample ensures that excess damage, which would normally be wasted, is redirected to the defending player. For example, a 3/3 creature with double strike and trample, blocked by a 2/2 creature, will deal 3 damage to the blocker and 1 damage to the defending player (since 3 damage is assigned in the first instance to the blocker, killing it, and then 3 damage again in the second instance, with 2 being assigned to what was the blocker, the remaining damage is trampled onto the player).

How Double Strike Works As A Blocker

A creature with double strike is also effective as a blocker. When blocking, a creature with double strike deals its damage during both the first strike damage step and the normal combat damage step, potentially eliminating an attacker before that attacker has a chance to retaliate, or simply ensuring that it deals more damage than it otherwise would. It is important to note this does not mean it blocks twice or has additional blocking capabilities beyond any other creature.

First Strike vs. Double Strike Blocking

When a creature with first strike blocks a creature with double strike, the first strike creature deals damage during the first strike damage step. If this damage is lethal, then the double strike creature is destroyed before it has a chance to deal damage at all and the battle is over. However, if the first strike creature is destroyed by the first hit of the double strike, the creature with double strike will attempt to deal damage again in the normal damage step but will not deal this damage to the player, it remains blocked.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does Double Strike Go Through If Blocked?

No, double strike does not go through if blocked, unless the attacker also has trample. It remains blocked regardless of whether the blocker is destroyed by the first strike damage step.

2. How Does Double Strike Work as a Blocker?

A creature with double strike as a blocker deals damage during both the first strike damage step and the normal combat damage step. However, it does not block more than once.

3. What Happens When a First Strike Creature Blocks a Double Strike Creature?

The first strike creature deals damage first during the first strike damage step. If this damage is lethal, the double strike creature dies before dealing any damage. If the first strike creature is destroyed, the double strike creature still is blocked and deals no damage to the player.

4. Can You Block a Creature with First Strike?

Yes, you can block a creature with first strike. Be mindful that the creature with first strike will deal its damage before the creature it blocks.

5. Does Deathtouch Stop Double Strike?

Deathtouch does not stop double strike, but if a creature with deathtouch blocks, it deals damage during the normal combat damage step, and if blocked by a creature with double strike, the double strike creature deals damage in both damage steps.

6. How Does Double Strike Work Without Trample?

Without trample, a creature with double strike will be blocked and will not deal any damage to the defending player, even if the blocker is destroyed during the first strike damage step.

7. Is Double Strike Only for Attacking?

No, double strike works when blocking. Any damage dealt by a creature with double strike will trigger the ability during either combat damage step.

8. Can You Double Double Strike?

No, multiple instances of double strike are redundant. A creature can only deal combat damage during the two damage steps.

9. What Is the Difference Between Trample and Multiple Blockers?

Blockers form a chain, and trample allows the attacker to deal damage to the defending player after assigning lethal damage to all blockers.

10. Does Deathtouch Work with Fight?

Yes, in a fight, a creature with deathtouch will kill the other creature regardless of how little damage it actually deals.

11. Does First Strike Beat Deathtouch?

Yes, a creature with first strike can potentially kill a creature with deathtouch before it gets a chance to deal damage, but if both are dealing damage in the first damage step, then deathtouch will also apply.

12. Does Lifelink Work When Blocking?

Yes, lifelink works when blocking. Any damage dealt by the creature will gain its controller that much life.

13. Does Trample Work While Blocking?

No, trample only functions when a creature is attacking. A blocking creature with trample will still block as usual, it just isn’t able to deal its damage to the player.

14. Does Protection Counter Trample?

Protection can counter trample if the creature with protection is blocking. The damage it takes will be equal to the creature’s toughness, and the remaining damage will trample over to the player.

15. Does Indestructible Prevent Deathtouch?

Yes, indestructible prevents creatures from being destroyed by deathtouch, but they still take damage from deathtouch sources.

Conclusion

Blocking a creature with double strike is a critical aspect of Magic: The Gathering. Understanding the interactions of double strike, first strike, trample, and other combat mechanics is essential for effective gameplay. The core takeaway is that double strike provides two opportunities to deal damage but does not guarantee that damage will reach the player unless the attacker also has trample. By understanding the rules thoroughly, players can make informed strategic decisions when blocking and maximize their chances of winning the game.