Double Blocking in Magic: The Gathering – A Comprehensive Guide

So, your opponent just swung a menacing creature your way. You’re low on life, and a single blocker simply won’t cut it. What do you do? You double block (or even triple block, if you have the creatures to spare!). But what actually happens when you commit to this strategic defense? Simply put, when you double block in MTG, you’re assigning two (or more) of your creatures to block a single attacking creature. The attacking player then gets to decide the damage assignment order for the blocking creatures. This order determines which blocker receives damage first from the attacker.

The Nitty-Gritty: How Double Blocking Works

Let’s break down the process step-by-step:

1. Declaring Attackers: The attacking player declares which creatures are attacking and who or what they are attacking (player, planeswalker, or creature).
2. Declaring Blockers: The defending player declares which of their untapped creatures are blocking which attacking creatures. This is where the decision to double block is made. You can assign multiple blockers to a single attacker.
3. Damage Assignment Order: If an attacking creature is blocked by multiple creatures, the attacking player chooses the order in which the blocking creatures will receive damage. This is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the outcome of the combat.
4. Combat Damage Step: Creatures deal combat damage simultaneously. However, the attacking creature must assign lethal damage to the first creature in the damage assignment order before assigning any damage to the second creature, and so on. “Lethal damage” equals the creature’s toughness, minus any damage already marked on it.
5. Aftermath: Creatures that have taken lethal damage are destroyed (sent to the graveyard). Any remaining damage that could not be assigned because all creatures have been destroyed is simply lost.

Strategic Considerations for Double Blocking

Double blocking is a powerful defensive tactic, but it requires careful planning. Here are some factors to consider:

• Creature Stats: The power and toughness of both the attacker and the blockers are paramount. Are you trying to kill the attacker at the cost of your blockers? Or are you simply trying to prevent damage from getting through, hoping to keep at least one blocker alive?
• Abilities: Consider abilities like first strike, double strike, trample, deathtouch, and lifelink, as these can drastically alter the outcome of combat.
• Combat Tricks: Both players have the opportunity to cast instant spells and activate abilities after blockers are declared but before combat damage is dealt. These “combat tricks” can change the power, toughness, or abilities of creatures involved in combat, potentially turning the tide of the battle.
• Damage Assignment Order: As the attacker, carefully consider the damage assignment order. Do you want to take out the weaker blocker first, or focus on the stronger one to minimize damage?

Example Scenario: Double Blocking with Trample

Imagine an opponent attacks with a 5/5 creature with trample. You block with a 2/2 and a 1/1. The attacker chooses the damage assignment order: 1/1 first, then 2/2. The attacker must assign 1 damage to the 1/1 (lethal damage) and 2 damage to the 2/2 (lethal damage). Because of trample, the remaining 2 damage is then dealt to the defending player.

If, instead, you wanted to make sure that the trampling creature took some damage, and you were not worried about the damage the attacker would do to you, you might consider a different blocking assignment. Consider this scenario: The opponent attacks with a 5/5 creature with trample. You block with a 2/2 with first strike and a 1/1. Now you will deal 2 damage to the attacking creature first. The attacker may assign 1 damage to the 1/1 (lethal damage) and the remaining 4 damage to you, the defending player.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Double Blocking

Here are some common questions about double blocking in Magic: The Gathering:

1. Can I block an attacking creature with more than two creatures? Yes! You can block with as many creatures as you want, provided you have them available and untapped.
2. Does blocking go both ways? No, blocking is a one-way action. Blocking prevents the attacking creature from dealing combat damage to the player or planeswalker it was attacking, but it doesn’t prevent the blocker from taking damage from the attacker.
3. Can a creature block twice in the same turn? Only if there are multiple combat phases. Each creature can only block one attacking creature during a single combat phase, but it can block again during a subsequent combat phase.
4. Can I sacrifice a creature that is already blocking? Yes. After blockers are declared, but before combat damage is dealt, you can sacrifice a blocking creature. The attacking creature remains blocked, but your sacrificed creature deals no damage.
5. If I sacrifice all blockers, does the attacking creature deal damage to me/my planeswalker? Yes. Once all blockers are removed (through sacrifice or other means), the attacking creature is no longer blocked and deals its combat damage to the defending player or planeswalker.
6. What happens if I double block a creature with deathtouch? Deathtouch means any amount of damage a creature deals to another creature is enough to destroy it. So, if a creature with deathtouch is blocked by multiple creatures, the attacking player only needs to assign 1 damage to each blocker to destroy them.
7. Does double blocking work against creatures with protection? It depends on what the creature has protection from. If a creature has protection from red, for example, a red creature can’t block it. But a creature with protection from creatures can be blocked by creatures; the damage will simply be prevented.
8. If an attacking creature has lifelink and I double block it, who gains the life? The attacking player gains life equal to the total damage dealt by their creature.
9. What happens if one of my blocking creatures has indestructible? The indestructible creature will take damage, but it won’t be destroyed. The attacking creature must still assign lethal damage to the indestructible creature before assigning any damage to other blockers.
10. Can you triple block in Magic? Yes, the rules that apply to double blocking also apply when blocking with three or more creatures.
11. How does double blocking interact with triggered abilities that occur when a creature blocks or becomes blocked? All relevant triggered abilities will trigger, even if the creature is involved in a double block. For example, if a creature has an ability that triggers “whenever this creature blocks,” that ability will trigger when it blocks, regardless of how many other creatures are also blocking the same attacker.
12. Does double blocking work against creatures with menace? Menace means a creature “can’t be blocked except by two or more creatures.” Double blocking is the only way to block a creature with menace unless your creature has an ability like “This creature can block any number of creatures”.
13. Can you block a flying creature with two non-flying creatures? No. Unless a creature has the reach ability, it cannot block a creature with flying. You can only block a creature with flying with a creature with flying or reach.
14. What is the purpose of blocking in Magic? The purpose of blocking is to prevent damage from being dealt to you or a planeswalker you control. Blocking can also be used to destroy an attacking creature.
15. Where can I learn more about Magic: The Gathering strategies? Consider checking out resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for more information on game strategy and learning. They offer resources that can help you improve your understanding of complex game mechanics.

Double blocking is a cornerstone of defensive play in Magic: The Gathering. Understanding the mechanics and strategic considerations involved can significantly improve your game. Master this tactic, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a formidable opponent!