Can You Double Double Strike?
In the world of Magic: The Gathering, keywords like Double Strike and First Strike can turn the tide of battle in your favor. But, have you ever wondered what happens when a creature already has Double Strike and you give it another instance of Double Strike? Can a creature really double double strike? In this article, we’ll dive into the rules of Magic: The Gathering to find out.
No; Multiple Instances of Double Strike are Redundant
According to the Magic: The Gathering Comprehensive Rulebook (C.R.), 702.4e and 702.7d, multiple instances of Double Strike on the same creature are redundant. This means that if a creature already has Double Strike and you give it another instance of Double Strike, the additional ability has no effect.
Why is that?
The reason behind this rule is that the first instance of Double Strike already changes the damage step, allowing the creature to deal combat damage twice. Adding another instance of Double Strike doesn’t change this behavior, as the damage step is already altered. In essence, the creature is already "double-striking" once it has Double Strike, making additional instances redundant.
Table: Redundancy of Double Strike
| Creature has Double Strike | Another instance of Double Strike |
|---|---|
| Deal combat damage twice | No additional effect |
| Deal combat damage only once | No effect |
Does this Apply to Other Keywords?
So, what about other keywords like First Strike? Are they also redundant if you give a creature multiple instances of First Strike? The answer is no. First Strike and Double Strike work differently, and multiple instances of First Strike can still trigger the ability to deal damage before the combat damage step.
Why are these Keywords Different?
The main difference between First Strike and Double Strike is that First Strike only changes when a creature deals combat damage, whereas Double Strike changes the damage step itself. This means that multiple instances of First Strike can still trigger the ability to deal damage before the combat damage step, whereas additional instances of Double Strike don’t change the damage step anymore.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a creature with Double Strike cannot double double strike. Additional instances of Double Strike are redundant, as the first instance has already changed the damage step. However, other keywords like First Strike can still benefit from multiple instances. When it comes to stacking abilities, it’s essential to understand how each keyword works to maximize your benefits on the battlefield.
Key Takeaways
• Multiple instances of Double Strike on the same creature are redundant.
• First Strike and Double Strike work differently, and multiple instances of First Strike can still trigger the ability to deal damage before the combat damage step.
• Understanding how keywords interact is crucial for success in Magic: The Gathering.
Final Thoughts
Magic: The Gathering is a game of strategy, and understanding the rules is essential to building powerful decks and making informed decisions during gameplay. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a new player, learning about the intricacies of keywords like Double Strike and First Strike can help you take your gameplay to the next level.