Double Strike and Blocking: A Comprehensive Guide for MTG Players

Double strike in Magic: The Gathering is an evergreen keyword ability that lets a creature deal combat damage twice during a combat phase. When combined with blocking, the interaction becomes a bit more complex, but ultimately revolves around one key principle: a creature with double strike deals damage in both the first combat damage step (alongside creatures with first strike) and the regular combat damage step. If a double strike creature is blocked, it remains blocked, even if its blocker is destroyed during the first combat damage step. The second instance of damage does not go through to the defending player unless the attacker has trample and deals more damage than the defending creatures toughness.

Understanding the Mechanics

To fully grasp how double strike works with blocking, consider these key aspects:

• Combat Damage Steps: A typical combat phase involves a single combat damage step. Double strike effectively splits this into two: a first combat damage step and a regular combat damage step.

• Damage Assignment: During the first combat damage step, only creatures with first strike or double strike assign combat damage. Creatures without these abilities wait until the regular combat damage step.

• Blocking’s Persistence: Once a creature is declared as a blocker, the creature it blocks remains blocked for the rest of the combat, regardless of whether the blocker survives the first combat damage step (unless the attacking creature has trample).

• Trample Interaction: If the attacking creature also has trample, then after dealing lethal damage to the blocking creature, the remaining damage may be assigned to the defending player. For example, a 5/5 with double strike and trample is blocked by a 2/2. During the first combat damage step, the 5/5 deals 2 damage to the 2/2 and 3 damage to the defending player. Then during the regular combat damage step, the 5/5 deals an additional 5 damage to the defending player, for a total of 8 damage to the defending player.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of double strike and blocking:

Does Double Strike Count as Attacking Twice?

No. Double strike only allows a creature to deal damage twice during combat. The “Whenever ~ attacks” triggers occur only when the creature is initially declared as an attacker, not each time it deals damage.

Does Double Strike Work During a “Fight” Effect?

Yes, double strike will work with a fight effect. All double strike and first strike does is cause there to be two combat damage steps instead of one.

If a Double Strike Creature Kills Its Blocker in the First Strike Damage Step, Does the Remaining Damage Go Through to the Player?

No. Unless the double strike creature also has trample, damage is not assigned to the player.

If a Creature with Double Strike is Blocked by Two Creatures, How Is Damage Assigned?

The attacking creature with double strike assigns damage as it chooses among the blockers. During the first combat damage step, it must assign lethal damage to at least one blocker before assigning any damage to another. The same applies during the regular combat damage step.

How Does First Strike Interact with Blocking?

First strike means a creature deals combat damage before creatures without first strike. If a creature with first strike blocks a creature without first strike, the first strike creature will deal damage first, potentially destroying the attacker before it can deal damage.

Do I Have to Block a Creature with Menace?

A player faced with an attacking menace creature must block with at least two creatures. If they only have one blocker, they cannot block, and must take the damage.

Do You Have to Double Block a Double Strike Creature?

No, you do not have to. Blocking a creature with double strike is no different than blocking any other creature. However, double blocking can be an effective strategy to prevent damage from getting through, especially if your blockers have high toughness or relevant abilities.

Does Double Strike Beat Deathtouch?

Yes, double strike can effectively “beat” deathtouch in certain blocking scenarios. If a creature with double strike blocks a creature with deathtouch, the double strike creature deals damage during the first strike damage step and the creature with deathtouch dies, before the creature with deathtouch can deal any damage.

Do “Whenever This Creature Deals Combat Damage” Abilities Trigger Twice with Double Strike?

Yes, unless the ability specifically limits triggers to once per turn or combat, abilities that trigger when a creature deals combat damage will trigger twice if the creature has double strike and successfully deals damage.

How Does Commander Damage Work with Double Strike?

Commander damage accumulates throughout the game. If a creature with double strike is a commander, each instance of damage it deals to an opponent is counted separately towards the 21-damage threshold.

What Happens if My Blocker Gains Indestructible After the First Strike Damage Step?

If a blocker gains indestructible after the first strike damage step, the attacking creature with double strike will still deal its regular combat damage to the now indestructible blocker. Indestructible only prevents destruction, not damage.

Can I Use an Instant to Remove a Blocker Before the Regular Combat Damage Step?

Yes, you can use instants and abilities after the first combat damage step resolves and before the regular combat damage step begins. Removing a blocker in this way does not cause the attacking creature to become unblocked unless the attacking creature has trample.

If I Give a Creature Double Strike After Blockers Have Been Declared, What Happens?

If you grant double strike to a creature after blockers have been declared, it will deal damage during both the first combat damage step and the regular combat damage step. The timing of the ability being granted is crucial.

Does Lifelink Work with Both Instances of Damage from Double Strike?

Yes, lifelink works with all damage dealt by a creature, including both instances of damage from double strike. You gain life equal to the total damage dealt by the creature.

What Is the Most Effective Strategy When Dealing with Double Strike Creatures?

The most effective strategy for dealing with double strike creatures depends on the specific board state and available resources. Generally, prioritize removing the creature before combat, using blockers with high toughness or relevant abilities (like deathtouch), or employing spells and abilities that prevent damage. If playing Commander, consider cards that prevent combat damage all together.

Conclusion

Double strike is a powerful ability that significantly enhances a creature’s combat potential. Understanding how it interacts with blocking is essential for both offensive and defensive strategies. By mastering these mechanics, players can effectively utilize double strike to their advantage and navigate complex combat scenarios. You can learn more about game mechanics and design through resources like the Games Learning Society, committed to advancing understanding of games and learning at GamesLearningSociety.org.