Does Double Strike Count in Blocking?
In the world of Magic: The Gathering, double strike is a popular and powerful mechanic that allows creatures to deal combat damage twice in the same turn. But how does double strike interact with blocking? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of double strike and blocking, and answer the question: does double strike count in blocking?
Double Strike: The Basics
Before we dive into the details of blocking, let’s quickly cover the basics of double strike. A creature with double strike will deal combat damage twice, once during the first combat damage step and again during the second combat damage step. This means that if an attacking creature with double strike is blocked by a defender, the blocking creature will take two points of combat damage.
Blocking and Double Strike: The Official Rule
So, does double strike count in blocking? According to the official Magic: The Gathering rulebook, section 702.7c, double strike does count in blocking. This means that when a creature with double strike is blocked by a defender, the defender will take two points of combat damage.
Illustrative Examples
To help illustrate how double strike and blocking work together, let’s look at a few examples.
Example 1: Double Strike and One-Turn Kills
Suppose we have an attacking creature with double strike, a 2/2, and a defender, a 1/1. The attacker deals combat damage twice, once in the first combat damage step and once in the second combat damage step. If the defender doesn’t die from the first combat damage step, it will definitely die from the second. This is a classic one-turn kill.
Example 2: Double Strike and Two-Turn Kills
Suppose we have an attacking creature with double strike, a 1/2, and a defender, a 1/1. The attacker deals combat damage once in the first combat damage step and once in the second combat damage step. If the defender dies from the first combat damage step, it won’t be able to block again. If the defender lives, it will die from the second combat damage step.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when using double strike and blocking:
• Use Double Strike Creatures to Kill Fliers
If you’re facing a flier with a relatively low toughness, a creature with double strike can help kill it.
• Block with Larger Creatures to Avoid One-Turn Kills
If you’re facing an attacking creature with double strike, use a larger defender to avoid one-turn kills.
• Try to Kill Your Opponent’s Creatures on the Battlefield
If your opponent’s creatures are within range of your double strike creatures, try to kill them before they can block.
• Use Instant Speed Effects to Help or Hurt
Instant speed effects can be used to help or hurt when blocking or attacking. Use them strategically to get the upper hand.
Conclusion
In conclusion, double strike does count in blocking, and can be a powerful tool to help kill opponents’ creatures or block theirs. With the right combination of double strike creatures and blocking creatures, you can create some devastating turns that will give you an advantage in combat.