How does Doublestrike work?
Doublestrike is a game-changing ability in Magic: The Gathering that allows a creature to deal combat damage twice in a single attack step. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of Doublestrike and explore how it affects combat and gameplay.
What is Doublestrike?
Doublestrike is an evergreen keyword ability that allows a creature to deal combat damage twice in the combat phase. This means that the creature will deal damage once during the first strike phase and again during the regular damage step.
How does Doublestrike work?
Combat Phase
The combat phase is divided into three steps: declare attackers, declare blockers, and declare combat damage. Doublestrike works as follows:
- First Strike: During the first strike phase, creatures with Doublestrike deal combat damage as usual.
- Regular Damage Step: During the regular damage step, creatures with Doublestrike deal combat damage again.
Blocking
When a creature with Doublestrike is blocked, the blocking creature will only absorb the first instance of combat damage. The second instance of combat damage will bypass the blocking creature and deal damage to the player who controls it.
Doublestrike and Trample
Trample allows a creature to deal excess damage to the opponent after the blocking creature has absorbed as much damage as possible. When a creature with Doublestrike and Trample is blocked, the creature will deal excess damage twice, once during the first strike phase and again during the regular damage step.
Doublestrike and Deflecting
Deflecting is an ability that allows a creature to redirect damage from one player to another. When a creature with Doublestrike has Deflecting, it will redirect the first instance of combat damage to another player. The second instance of combat damage will remain with the original target.
Doublestrike and Power/Toughness
A creature’s power and toughness are its attack and defense values, respectively. Doublestrike does not affect a creature’s power or toughness.
Doublestrike and Abilities
Abilities are special effects that can trigger during the combat phase. Doublestrike does not trigger abilities, but abilities can trigger during the combat phase even if a creature has Doublestrike.
Example Scenarios
Here are some example scenarios to illustrate how Doublestrike works:
| Scenario | Outcome |
|---|---|
| 1. Unblocked Doublestrike Creature: A 2/2 creature with Doublestrike attacks an opponent. In the first strike phase, it deals 2 damage. In the regular damage step, it deals an additional 2 damage, for a total of 4 damage. | Opponent takes 4 damage. |
| 2. Blocked Doublestrike Creature: A 3/3 creature with Doublestrike attacks an opponent, but is blocked by a 2/2 creature. In the first strike phase, the blocking creature absorbs 2 damage. In the regular damage step, the blocking creature is destroyed, and the original opponent takes the remaining 1 damage. | Opponent takes 1 damage. |
| 3. Doublestrike Creature with Trample: A 4/4 creature with Doublestrike and Trample attacks an opponent, but is blocked by a 2/2 creature. In the first strike phase, the blocking creature absorbs 2 damage. In the regular damage step, the blocking creature is destroyed, and the creature deals excess damage (2) to the opponent, for a total of 4 damage. | Opponent takes 4 damage. |
Conclusion
Doublestrike is a powerful ability that can turn the tide of battle in your favor. By understanding how it works, you can incorporate it into your strategy and take your gameplay to the next level. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, Doublestrike is an ability that’s sure to leave your opponents reeling.