Do Blocking Creatures Deal Combat Damage?
In Magic: The Gathering, the concept of blocking is crucial in determining the outcome of a combat phase. However, there is a common misconception among players about whether blocking creatures deal combat damage. In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and provide a comprehensive explanation of how blocking works.
Direct Answer:
Yes, blocking creatures do deal combat damage. When a creature blocks an attacking creature, it becomes the target of the attacking creature’s combat damage. The blocking creature is said to "absorb" the damage, meaning it takes the full amount of damage dealt by the attacking creature.
Key Points:
- A blocking creature is considered a valid target for the attacking creature’s combat damage.
- The blocking creature takes the full amount of damage dealt by the attacking creature.
- The blocking creature’s toughness is used to determine how much damage it can absorb.
- The defending player does not receive any damage from the attacking creature.
How Does Blocking Work?
Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how blocking works:
- Declare Attackers and Blockers: During the declare blockers step, the attacking player declares which creatures will be attacking, and the defending player declares which creatures will be blocking.
- Assign Damage: After the declare blockers step, the attacking player assigns combat damage to the blocking creature(s).
- Absorb Damage: The blocking creature(s) absorb the assigned damage, with their toughness determining how much damage they can take.
Examples:
| Attacking Creature | Toughness | Blocking Creature | Toughness | Damage Dealt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goblin Piledriver | 2 | Goblin | 2 | 2 |
| Goblin Piledriver | 2 | Ogre | 4 | 2 |
In the first example, the Goblin Piledriver deals 2 damage to the Goblin, which absorbs the damage. In the second example, the Goblin Piledriver deals 2 damage to the Ogre, which has a toughness of 4. The Ogre absorbs the 2 damage and remains in play with 2 life remaining.
Trample and Double Strike:
When an attacking creature has trample or double strike, it becomes more complex to determine how much damage is dealt to the blocking creature. Here’s a brief explanation:
- Trample: If an attacking creature with trample deals damage to a blocking creature that would be enough to reduce the blocking creature’s toughness to 0, the excess damage is dealt to the defending player.
- Double Strike: If an attacking creature with double strike deals damage to a blocking creature, it can deal additional damage to the defending player if the blocking creature dies.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, blocking creatures do deal combat damage, and it is essential to understand how blocking works in Magic: The Gathering. By following the steps outlined above and understanding the key points, you can improve your gameplay and make more informed decisions during the combat phase.