Is Double Strike Also First Strike?
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Double strike is not the same as first strike, but rather a variation that allows creatures to deal damage during both the first strike and regular combat steps, effectively dealing damage twice. In essence, a creature with double strike has first strike, but also deals damage in the regular combat step, making it a more powerful ability.
Understanding Double Strike and First Strike
To grasp the concept of double strike and its relationship with first strike, it’s essential to understand how each ability works and how they interact with other abilities and game mechanics.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following FAQs provide additional insights into double strike, first strike, and other related game mechanics:
- Does Double Strike Replace First Strike?: No, double strike does not replace first strike. Instead, it’s an additional ability that allows creatures to deal damage twice, during both the first strike and regular combat steps.
- Does Double Strike Deal First Strike Damage?: Yes, double strike is a variation of first strike that allows creatures to deal damage during both the first strike and regular combat steps.
- What Defines Double Strike?: Double strike is a keyword ability that allows creatures to deal damage twice, during both the first strike and regular combat steps.
- Is Double Strike a Second Attack?: No, double strike is not a second attack. It’s a single attack that deals damage twice, during both the first strike and regular combat steps.
- What Are First and Double Strike?: First strike and double strike are keyword abilities that affect how creatures deal combat damage. First strike allows creatures to deal damage before creatures without first strike, while double strike allows creatures to deal damage twice.
- Does Double Strike Beat Deathtouch?: Yes, double strike can beat deathtouch if the creature with double strike deals lethal damage to the creature with deathtouch before it has a chance to deal damage.
- Does Double Strike Count as Fighting?: No, double strike does not affect how fighting works. Fighting is a separate game mechanic that is not affected by double strike or first strike.
- How Does First Strike Work?: First strike allows creatures to deal damage before creatures without first strike. If a creature with first strike attacks and is blocked by a creature without first strike, the creature with first strike will deal damage first.
- Is Deathtouch First Strike?: No, deathtouch is not first strike. Deathtouch is a separate keyword ability that causes creatures to be destroyed if they deal damage to them.
- Does Deathtouch Cancel Deathtouch?: No, deathtouch does not cancel deathtouch. If two creatures with deathtouch deal damage to each other, both creatures will be destroyed.
- Can You Give Double Strike Twice?: No, giving double strike twice is redundant, as a creature with double strike already deals damage twice.
- Does First Strike Deal Damage?: Yes, first strike allows creatures to deal damage before creatures without first strike.
- Is a Planeswalker Considered a Permanent?: Yes, planeswalkers are permanents and can be affected by game mechanics that affect permanents.
- How Does Double Strike Work with Menace?: Double strike does not interact with menace. Menace is a separate keyword ability that affects how creatures block.
- Does Deathtouch Beat Indestructible?: No, deathtouch does not beat indestructible. Indestructible creatures are immune to destruction and cannot be destroyed by deathtouch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, double strike is not the same as first strike, but rather a variation that allows creatures to deal damage twice, during both the first strike and regular combat steps. Understanding the differences between double strike and first strike, as well as how they interact with other abilities and game mechanics, is essential for mastering the game. By familiarizing yourself with the FAQs and game mechanics outlined above, you’ll be better equipped to make strategic decisions and improve your gameplay.