Does First Strike Work with Deathtouch?
In the world of Magic: The Gathering, two of the most powerful abilities a creature can have are First Strike and Deathtouch. But what happens when a creature has both abilities? Does First Strike work with Deathtouch? In this article, we’ll explore the intricacies of these two abilities and how they interact with each other.
First Strike: The Ability to Deal Damage First
First Strike is an ability that allows a creature to deal damage to its opponent before the opponent’s creature can deal damage back. This means that if a creature with First Strike attacks an opponent, it will deal its damage first, and then the opponent’s creature will deal its damage. This can be a game-changer in combat, as it allows the attacking creature to take out the opponent’s creature before it can even respond.
Deathtouch: The Ability to Kill with Any Amount of Damage
Deathtouch is an ability that allows a creature to kill an opponent’s creature with any amount of damage. This means that if a creature with Deathtouch deals even a single point of damage to an opponent’s creature, that creature will die. This ability can be particularly devastating in combat, as it allows the attacking creature to take out an opponent’s creature with ease.
Does First Strike Work with Deathtouch?
So, does First Strike work with Deathtouch? The answer is yes. When a creature with First Strike and Deathtouch attacks an opponent, it will deal its damage first, and then the opponent’s creature will deal its damage. If the opponent’s creature is killed by the attacking creature’s damage, it will die due to the Deathtouch ability.
Here’s an example of how this works:
- A creature with First Strike and Deathtouch attacks an opponent’s creature with 2/2.
- The attacking creature deals 2 points of damage to the opponent’s creature, killing it due to the Deathtouch ability.
- The opponent’s creature does not get a chance to deal damage back, as it was killed by the attacking creature’s damage.
Combining First Strike and Deathtouch: A Powerful Combo
Combining First Strike and Deathtouch can be a powerful combo in combat. When a creature with both abilities attacks an opponent, it can deal its damage first and then kill the opponent’s creature with Deathtouch. This can be particularly devastating, as it allows the attacking creature to take out an opponent’s creature with ease.
Here are some examples of how this combo can be used:
- Removing threats: A creature with First Strike and Deathtouch can be used to remove threats from the battlefield. For example, if an opponent has a creature with a powerful ability, a creature with First Strike and Deathtouch can attack it and kill it, removing the threat from the battlefield.
- Clearing the way: A creature with First Strike and Deathtouch can be used to clear the way for other creatures to attack. For example, if an opponent has a creature blocking the way for another creature, a creature with First Strike and Deathtouch can attack it and kill it, clearing the way for the other creature to attack.
- Setting up for a kill: A creature with First Strike and Deathtouch can be used to set up for a kill. For example, if an opponent has a creature with a low toughness, a creature with First Strike and Deathtouch can attack it and kill it, setting up for a kill with another creature.
Conclusion
In conclusion, First Strike and Deathtouch are two powerful abilities that can be combined to devastating effect. When a creature with both abilities attacks an opponent, it can deal its damage first and then kill the opponent’s creature with Deathtouch. This can be particularly devastating, as it allows the attacking creature to take out an opponent’s creature with ease. Whether you’re looking to remove threats, clear the way, or set up for a kill, a creature with First Strike and Deathtouch can be a valuable addition to your deck.