Can You Play Instants During Combat MTG?
In Magic: The Gathering, instants are a type of spell that can be played at any time, including during combat. But are there any restrictions on when you can play instants during combat? Let’s dive into the world of MTG and explore the answers.
When Can You Play Instants During Combat?
Instants are the only card type in Magic: The Gathering that can be played at any time, including during combat. According to the Magic: The Gathering Comprehensive Rules (CR), you can play instants at any time you have priority (CR 116.1a). This means that during the combat phase, you can play instants at any point where you have priority, including:
- During the Declare Attackers Step: This is the step where you declare which creatures will be attacking and which player or planeswalker they will be attacking. You can play instants during this step to respond to your opponent’s creatures or to set up your own attacks.
- During the Declare Blockers Step: This is the step where your opponent declares which creatures will be blocking your attacking creatures. You can play instants during this step to respond to your opponent’s blockers or to set up your own blocks.
- After Blockers Are Declared: After your opponent has declared their blockers, you can play instants to respond to the blocking creatures or to set up your own blocks.
- During the Combat Damage Step: This is the step where creatures deal combat damage to each other. You can play instants during this step to respond to the combat damage or to set up your own attacks.
Can You Play Instants in Response to Your Own Spells?
Yes, you can play instants in response to your own spells. According to the Magic: The Gathering Comprehensive Rules (CR), each player receives priority and can cast spells, including instants, in response to any spell or ability that resolves (CR 116.2a). This means that if you cast a spell, your opponent can play an instant in response to your spell, and you can play another instant in response to their instant.
Can You Play Instants After Blockers Are Declared?
Yes, you can play instants after blockers are declared. According to the Magic: The Gathering Comprehensive Rules (CR), each player receives priority and can cast spells, including instants, after blockers are declared (CR 509.1a). This means that after your opponent has declared their blockers, you can play instants to respond to the blocking creatures or to set up your own blocks.
What Happens If You Play an Instant After Blockers Are Declared?
If you play an instant after blockers are declared, the attacking creature will still be considered blocked, even if the defender is killed or otherwise removed from combat. According to the Magic: The Gathering Comprehensive Rules (CR), a blocked creature is considered to be blocked, even if the blocking creature is no longer on the battlefield (CR 509.2a).
What Happens If You Play an Instant During the Combat Damage Step?
If you play an instant during the combat damage step, the combat damage will still resolve, even if the creature is killed or otherwise removed from combat. According to the Magic: The Gathering Comprehensive Rules (CR), combat damage is dealt before any effects that would change its amount or its target (CR 702.12b). This means that if you play an instant during the combat damage step, the combat damage will still be dealt, even if the creature is killed or otherwise removed from combat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, instants can be played at any time during combat, including during the Declare Attackers Step, the Declare Blockers Step, after blockers are declared, and during the Combat Damage Step. You can also play instants in response to your own spells, and instants can be played after blockers are declared. However, keep in mind that the attacking creature will still be considered blocked, even if the defender is killed or otherwise removed from combat, and combat damage will still resolve, even if the creature is killed or otherwise removed from combat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to Play Instants During Combat: Don’t forget that instants can be played at any time during combat, including during the Declare Attackers Step, the Declare Blockers Step, after blockers are declared, and during the Combat Damage Step.
- Not Playing Instants in Response to Your Own Spells: Don’t forget that you can play instants in response to your own spells, including spells that you’ve already cast.
- Not Accounting for Blockers Being Declared: Don’t forget that blockers are declared after the Declare Attackers Step and before the Declare Blockers Step. Make sure to account for blockers being declared when deciding when to play instants during combat.
Best Practices for Playing Instants During Combat
- Play Instants Proactively: Play instants proactively during combat to respond to your opponent’s creatures and set up your own attacks.
- Play Instants Reactively: Play instants reactively during combat to respond to your opponent’s spells and abilities.
- Keep an Eye on the Board: Keep an eye on the board during combat to anticipate what your opponent might do and plan accordingly.
- Use Instants Wisely: Use instants wisely during combat to maximize their impact. Consider the timing of your instants and the potential consequences of playing them.