Can you play an instant after attackers are declared?

Can You Play an Instant After Attackers are Declared?

In Magic: The Gathering, the turn structure is divided into several phases, each with its own set of rules and opportunities for players to interact with the game. One of the most critical phases is the combat phase, where players declare attackers and blockers, and then assign damage to the opposing player or planeswalker. However, there is a common question that arises during this phase: can you play an instant after attackers are declared?

Direct Answer

Yes, you can play an instant after attackers are declared. According to the Magic: The Gathering rules, instants can be played at any time during the turn, including during the combat phase. This means that you can play an instant after attackers are declared, but before any damage is assigned.

When Can You Play Instants?

Instants can be played at several points during the turn:

• During the beginning of your turn, before your draw step
• Between the beginning and end of your main phase
• During the combat phase, before any damage is assigned
• During the end of your turn, after your discard step

Key Points to Remember

• Instants can be played at any time during the turn, including during the combat phase
• You can play an instant after attackers are declared, but before any damage is assigned
• Instants can be played to change the outcome of the combat phase, such as removing blockers or increasing the toughness of attacking creatures
• Instants can also be played to affect the opponent’s side of the board, such as destroying planeswalkers or removing their creatures

Examples of Instants That Can Be Played After Attackers are Declared

• Path to Exile: This instant can be played to exile a creature with toughness 2 or less, removing it from combat and preventing it from blocking.
• Abrupt Decay: This instant can be played to destroy a creature or planeswalker, removing it from the game and preventing it from dealing damage.
• Spell Pierce: This instant can be played to counter an instant or sorcery spell, preventing it from resolving and affecting the game state.

Consequences of Playing an Instant After Attackers are Declared

• Blocking: If you play an instant to remove a blocker, the attacking creature will no longer be blocked and will deal its combat damage to the opponent.
• Damaging: If you play an instant to increase the toughness of an attacking creature, it will deal its combat damage to the opponent.
• Removing creatures: If you play an instant to destroy a creature, it will be removed from the game and will no longer deal combat damage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you can play an instant after attackers are declared. Instants can be played at any time during the turn, including during the combat phase, and can be used to change the outcome of the combat phase, affect the opponent’s side of the board, or remove creatures from the game. By understanding when you can play instants, you can improve your game and make more informed decisions during the combat phase.

Table: Instants That Can Be Played After Attackers are Declared

I hope this article helps to clarify the rules surrounding playing instants after attackers are declared. Remember to always keep in mind the current game state and the timing of your instants to make the most of this powerful card type.