How does first strike damage work?

How Does First Strike Damage Work?

First strike is a powerful ability in Magic: The Gathering that allows creatures to deal combat damage to their opponents before the opposing creatures can block. But how exactly does it work? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of first strike damage and explore the rules and intricacies surrounding this ability.

What is First Strike?

First strike is a static ability that appears on some creature cards, allowing them to deal damage to their opponents before blocking. When a creature with first strike attacks, it will deal its combat damage to the opponent’s creature or planeswalker before any blocking creatures can deal their damage.

How Does First Strike Damage Work?

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how first strike damage works:

1. Combat Declared: A player declares combat, and their creature attacks an opponent’s creature or planeswalker.
2. First Strike: The creature with first strike deals its combat damage to the opponent’s creature or planeswalker. This is the first phase of combat damage.
3. Blocking: The opponent’s creature or planeswalker blocks the attacking creature. If there are multiple creatures blocking, the controller of the blocking creatures chooses which one to assign the blocking to.
4. Regular Combat Damage: After the first strike damage, the regular combat damage is dealt. This is where the blocking creatures deal their damage to the attacking creature.
5. Defender’s Turn: After the regular combat damage is dealt, the defender (the player who was being attacked) gets to assign any remaining damage to their own creatures or planeswalkers.

Key Takeaways

Here are some key points to remember when it comes to first strike damage:

• First strike only affects the damage dealt: First strike doesn’t affect the blocking phase or the regular combat damage. It only changes when the damage is dealt.
• First strike creatures can still be blocked: Just because a creature has first strike doesn’t mean it can’t be blocked. The opponent can still choose to block the creature, and the blocking creatures will deal their damage as normal.
• Multiple first strike creatures: If multiple creatures with first strike attack the same opponent, each creature will deal its first strike damage separately before the regular combat damage.

Does First Strike Deal Twice the Damage?

Some players may wonder if first strike deals twice the damage, since it seems like the creature is dealing damage twice. However, first strike only deals the creature’s combat damage once. The difference is that the damage is dealt in two separate steps: the first strike step and the regular combat damage step.

Does Hexproof Stop Deathtouch?

Another important question is whether hexproof, which prevents a creature from being the target of spells and abilities, can stop deathtouch. The answer is no, hexproof does not stop deathtouch. Deathtouch is a trigger ability that deals lethal damage to a creature, regardless of whether it’s being targeted or not.

Can You Ninjutsu After First Strike Damage?

Finally, yes, you can ninjutsu after first strike damage. Ninjutsu is a spell that allows you to attach a creature to a permanent, and it can be played during the combat phase. Since first strike only affects the damage dealt, ninjutsu can still be played after the first strike damage has been dealt.

Conclusion

In conclusion, first strike is a powerful ability in Magic: The Gathering that allows creatures to deal damage to their opponents before the opposing creatures can block. By understanding how first strike damage works, you can make informed decisions about your creature’s abilities and combat strategy. Remember to pay attention to the key takeaways and rules surrounding first strike, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering this ability.

Additional Resources

If you want to learn more about first strike and Magic: The Gathering, here are some additional resources:

• Magic: The Gathering Official Website: The official Magic: The Gathering website has a wealth of information on the game’s rules, mechanics, and cards.
• MTG Wiki: The MTG Wiki is a comprehensive resource on Magic: The Gathering, covering everything from cards to mechanics to strategy.
• Draftsim FAQ: Draftsim is a popular Magic: The Gathering resource that offers a range of FAQs, articles, and guides on the game.

Table: First Strike and Combat Damage