Can You Give Double Strike Twice?
In the world of Magic: The Gathering, double strike is a powerful keyword ability that allows a creature to deal combat damage twice, once during the first strike step and again during the regular combat damage step. But have you ever wondered if it’s possible to give a creature double strike twice? In this article, we’ll dive into the details and explore the answer to this question.
Direct Answer:
No, you cannot give a creature double strike twice. According to the Magic: The Gathering Comprehensive Rulebook (C.R.) 702.4e, multiple instances of double strike (or first strike) on the same creature are redundant. This means that if a creature already has double strike, additional instances of double strike have no effect.
Understanding Double Strike:
Before we dive into the nuances of double strike, let’s take a step back and understand what it is. Double strike is a keyword ability that allows a creature to deal combat damage twice. This means that when a creature with double strike attacks, it deals combat damage to the opposing player during the first strike step, and then deals additional combat damage during the regular combat damage step.
How Double Strike Works:
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how double strike works:
- During the first strike step, the creature deals combat damage to the opposing player.
- During the regular combat damage step, the creature deals additional combat damage to the opposing player.
- The opposing player may choose to block the creature with a creature of their own, in which case the blocking creature will also deal combat damage to the attacking creature.
- The attacking creature will then receive the blocking creature’s combat damage, and if its toughness is equal to or less than the blocking creature’s power, it will be destroyed.
Is Double Strike Better Than First Strike?
Some players may wonder if double strike is better than first strike. The answer is, it depends on the situation. If you have a creature with double strike that is also more powerful than the opposing player’s creature, then double strike will give you an advantage. However, if the opposing player’s creature is also more powerful, then first strike may be a better option.
Can Deathtouch Counter Double Strike?
Another important question is whether deathtouch can counter double strike. The answer is, yes. Deathtouch is a keyword ability that allows a creature to kill any creature it deals damage to. Since double strike allows a creature to deal combat damage twice, deathtouch can kill a creature that has double strike.
Can You Give Double Strike to a Creature with Deathtouch?
If you have a creature with deathtouch, can you give it double strike? The answer is, yes. Giving a creature with deathtouch double strike will not prevent it from killing other creatures with deathtouch.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, double strike is a powerful keyword ability that allows a creature to deal combat damage twice. While it may seem appealing to give a creature double strike twice, the Magic: The Gathering Comprehensive Rulebook makes it clear that multiple instances of double strike on the same creature are redundant. Additionally, deathtouch can counter double strike, and it’s possible to give a creature with deathtouch double strike. Ultimately, understanding how double strike works and how it interacts with other keyword abilities is crucial for building a successful deck.
Table: Keyword Abilities and Their Interactions
| Keyword Ability | Description | Interactions with Double Strike |
|---|---|---|
| First Strike | Deal combat damage during the first strike step | Redundant with double strike |
| Deathtouch | Kill any creature it deals damage to | Can counter double strike |
| Double Strike | Deal combat damage twice | Redundant with additional instances of double strike |
Summary:
- Double strike is a keyword ability that allows a creature to deal combat damage twice.
- Multiple instances of double strike on the same creature are redundant.
- Deathtouch can counter double strike.
- It’s possible to give a creature with deathtouch double strike.
- Understanding how double strike works and how it interacts with other keyword abilities is crucial for building a successful deck.