Does double strike trigger combat abilities twice?

Does Double Strike Trigger Combat Abilities Twice?

The keyword ability Double Strike in Magic: The Gathering can be a complex and debated topic among players. The question remains, does Double Strike trigger combat abilities twice? In this article, we will dive into the rules and examples to answer this question.

Understanding Double Strike

Before we dive into the specifics of Double Strike, let’s define what it is. Double Strike is an ability that allows a creature to deal combat damage twice in the combat damage step. This means that if a creature with Double Strike attacks an opponent, it will deal damage to the opponent not only in the first combat damage step but also in the second combat damage step.

Triggered Abilities

Triggered abilities are abilities that trigger when a specific condition is met. Combat abilities, in particular, trigger when a creature attacks or is dealt damage. When a creature with a triggered ability attacks, it will trigger the ability only once, even if it has Double Strike.

Does Double Strike Trigger Combat Abilities Twice?

Now, let’s get to the question at hand: does Double Strike trigger combat abilities twice? The answer is no, Double Strike does not trigger combat abilities twice. Triggered abilities only trigger once, even if the creature has Double Strike.

Here’s an example to illustrate this point:

• Mirran Crusader with Sword of War and Peace (a 2/2 creature with Double Strike) attacks an opponent.
• In the first combat damage step, the opponent takes 2 damage from Mirran Crusader’s first strike ability.
• In the second combat damage step, the opponent takes an additional 2 damage from Mirran Crusader’s Double Strike.
• However, the triggered ability "first strike" only triggers once, during the first combat damage step.

Exceptions

While Double Strike does not trigger combat abilities twice, there are some exceptions to note:

• Abilities that trigger on both attacking and dealt damage will trigger twice when a creature with Double Strike attacks. For example, an ability that says "when you attack" and "when you deal damage" will trigger twice if a creature with Double Strike attacks.
• Abilities that trigger on specific types of damage, such as lethal damage, will trigger each time the creature deals lethal damage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Double Strike does not trigger combat abilities twice. Triggered abilities only trigger once, even if the creature has Double Strike. While there may be some exceptions to note, the general rule remains that Double Strike does not trigger combat abilities twice.

Additional Considerations

Here are some additional considerations to keep in mind:

• Fighting: When a creature with Double Strike is blocked, it will deal damage to the blocking creature in both the first and second combat damage step. However, the creature will only be considered "fought" once, during the first combat damage step.
• Life totals: When a creature with Double Strike deals damage to an opponent, the opponent’s life total will decrease by the total damage dealt. This means that if a creature with Double Strike deals 4 damage to an opponent, the opponent’s life total will decrease by 4.
• Double Strike in blocking: When a creature with Double Strike is the blocker, it will deal damage to the attacking creature in both the first and second combat damage step.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Double Strike is a powerful and complex ability that can have a significant impact on gameplay. By understanding how it works, players can make informed decisions about which creatures to include in their decks and how to build their strategies. Remember, while Double Strike does not trigger combat abilities twice, it can still have a significant impact on the game through its effects on life totals and creature damage.