What is the Rule for Double Strike in MTG?
In Magic: The Gathering, Double Strike is an evergreen keyword ability that allows a creature to deal combat damage twice during the combat damage step. This means that the creature will deal damage to the opponent’s life total once during the first strike and again during the regular combat damage step. In this article, we’ll dive into the rules of Double Strike and explore how it interacts with other keywords and abilities.
How Does Double Strike Work?
When a creature with Double Strike attacks, it will deal damage to the opponent’s life total once during the first strike. This damage is considered regular combat damage and will be assigned as normal. During the regular combat damage step, the creature will deal additional damage to the opponent’s life total. This additional damage is also considered regular combat damage and will be assigned as normal.
Key Points to Note
- Double Strike only affects the combat damage step: Double Strike only affects the combat damage step and does not affect any other step in the combat phase.
- Double Strike is not the same as First Strike: While both First Strike and Double Strike allow a creature to deal damage during the combat damage step, they are two separate abilities with different effects. First Strike allows a creature to deal damage during the first strike, while Double Strike allows a creature to deal damage during the regular combat damage step.
- Double Strike can be combined with other abilities: Double Strike can be combined with other abilities such as Trample, which allows a creature to deal excess damage to the opponent’s life total.
How Does Double Strike Interact with Other Keywords and Abilities?
- First Strike: As mentioned earlier, First Strike allows a creature to deal damage during the first strike. If a creature has both First Strike and Double Strike, it will deal damage during the first strike and again during the regular combat damage step.
- Trample: Trample allows a creature to deal excess damage to the opponent’s life total. If a creature with Trample also has Double Strike, the excess damage will be dealt during the regular combat damage step.
- Flying: Flying allows a creature to avoid being blocked. If a creature with Flying also has Double Strike, it will deal damage to the opponent’s life total during the regular combat damage step even if it is not blocked.
Double Strike and Blocking
When a creature with Double Strike is blocked, the blocking creature will be dealt damage during the first strike. The excess damage will then be dealt to the blocking creature during the regular combat damage step.
Examples of Double Strike in Action
| Creature | Abilities | Damage Dealt |
|---|---|---|
| Tolarian Warlord | Double Strike | 4 damage during first strike, 4 damage during regular combat damage step |
| Thunderbreak Regent | First Strike, Double Strike | 2 damage during first strike, 2 damage during regular combat damage step |
| Atraxa, Praetors’ Voice | Flying, Double Strike | 4 damage during regular combat damage step, even if unblocked |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Double Strike is a powerful ability in Magic: The Gathering that allows a creature to deal combat damage twice during the combat damage step. While it may seem complex at first, understanding how Double Strike interacts with other keywords and abilities can help you make the most of it in your games. With this knowledge, you can build powerful decks and outmaneuver your opponents.