What Counts as Combat Damage in Magic The Gathering?

Combat damage in Magic The Gathering (MTG) refers to the damage dealt by an attacking or blocking creature to another source, specifically during the “damage step” of the combat phase, and does not include damage dealt by abilities or spells like those seen on Prodigal Pyromancer. This type of damage is a crucial aspect of the game, as it can lead to the destruction of permanents, the loss of life, or even the defeat of a player, and understanding what constitutes combat damage is essential for MTG players to navigate the game effectively.

Understanding Combat Damage

To grasp the concept of combat damage, it’s essential to distinguish it from other types of damage in MTG, such as non-combat damage, which can occur at any time and is not limited to the combat phase. Combat damage is only dealt during the damage step, and it’s the result of an attacking or blocking creature dealing damage to another creature, player, or planeswalker.

Combat Damage FAQs

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about combat damage in MTG:

1. What counts as combat damage to a player in MTG?: Combat damage is only the damage dealt at the very beginning of a combat damage step as a direct result of attacking or blocking.
2. Does destroy count as combat damage?: No, destroy is a function that puts a permanent directly into the graveyard, assuming it isn’t either indestructible or has a regeneration shield.
3. What is combat in Magic The Gathering?: During the combat phase, the active player is the attacking player, and creatures that player controls may attack.
4. How do you deal combat damage in Magic The Gathering?: The way this works is as follows: the attacking player declares attackers, the defending player declares blockers, and then damage is dealt.
5. Is infect considered combat damage in Magic The Gathering?: Combat damage by a creature with infect is combat damage all the same.
6. What does prevent all combat damage mean MTG?: Prevent all damage refers to spells that negate any damage done to all of a player’s permanents and possibly that player.
7. What is an example of combat magic?: Combat magic involves conjuring defensive force fields, throwing around fireballs, telekinetically hurling objects at opponents, and disintegrating obstacles.
8. Is fighting the same as combat MTG?: No, damage from a fight is non-combat damage, and combat damage only happens during the combat step.
9. Can you enter combat without attacking?: Yes, you enter combat before declaring attackers, so you always enter it regardless of if you even have creatures.
10. Do infect counters count as combat damage?: Infect’s effect applies to any damage, not just combat damage.
11. What is the difference between commander damage and combat damage?: Commander damage is a specific type of combat damage that occurs when a commander deals damage to a player.
12. Does losing life count as non-combat damage?: Spells that cause loss of life do not cause damage, but instead, directly reduce a player’s life total.
13. What is the 21 damage rule in EDH?: A player that’s been dealt 21 or more combat damage by the same commander over the course of the game loses the game.
14. Do blockers assign combat damage?: Yes, blocking counts as combat damage, but only if the blocker is dealt damage by the attacker.
15. Does first strike beat Deathtouch?: A creature with first strike will hit first and can possibly kill the Deathtouch creature before it has a chance to hit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, combat damage is a critical aspect of Magic The Gathering, and understanding what constitutes combat damage is essential for players to navigate the game effectively. By grasping the concept of combat damage and how it differs from other types of damage, players can improve their gameplay and make more informed decisions during the combat phase. Whether you’re a seasoned MTG player or just starting out, recognizing the importance of combat damage will help you become a better player and enhance your overall gaming experience.