Is Double Strike only attacking?
In Magic: The Gathering, the concept of Double Strike is often misunderstood. Many players assume that Double Strike only applies to the attacking phase, but is that really the case? In this article, we’ll dive into the intricacies of Double Strike and explore whether it’s indeed only limited to the attacking phase.
Direct Answer: No, Double Strike is not only attacking
According to the official Magic: The Gathering rules, Double Strike is a keyword ability that allows a creature to deal combat damage twice. This means that a creature with Double Strike will deal damage in the first combat damage step, and then again in the second combat damage step. This ability applies to both the attacking and blocking phases.
What does it mean to deal combat damage?
Before we dive deeper into the specifics of Double Strike, let’s clarify what it means to deal combat damage. Combat damage is the damage dealt to a creature or player during the combat phase. This can occur during the attacking phase, when a creature attacks, or during the blocking phase, when a creature blocks an attack.
How does Double Strike work?
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how Double Strike works:
- The combat phase begins: The combat phase starts, and the top card of the library is drawn.
- Creatures attack: Creatures attack, and the attacking phase begins.
- First combat damage step: The first combat damage step occurs, and creatures with Double Strike deal damage to the opponent.
- Blocking phase: The blocking phase begins, and creatures block attacks.
- Second combat damage step: The second combat damage step occurs, and creatures with Double Strike deal damage to the opponent again.
Examples of Double Strike in action
Here are a few examples to illustrate how Double Strike works:
- Example 1: A 2/2 creature with Double Strike attacks an opponent. In the first combat damage step, it deals 2 damage to the opponent. In the second combat damage step, it deals an additional 2 damage to the opponent, for a total of 4 damage.
- Example 2: A 1/1 creature with Double Strike blocks an opponent’s 2/2 creature. In the first combat damage step, the 1/1 creature deals 1 damage to the opponent’s creature. In the second combat damage step, it deals an additional 1 damage to the opponent’s creature, for a total of 2 damage.
Key takeaways
Here are the key takeaways from this article:
- Double Strike is not limited to the attacking phase: Double Strike applies to both the attacking and blocking phases.
- Double Strike deals combat damage twice: Creatures with Double Strike deal damage in the first combat damage step and then again in the second combat damage step.
- Combat damage is dealt in two steps: The combat phase consists of two steps: the attacking phase and the blocking phase.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Double Strike is not only limited to the attacking phase. It’s a keyword ability that allows creatures to deal combat damage twice, in both the attacking and blocking phases. By understanding how Double Strike works, you can make more informed decisions during gameplay and take advantage of this powerful ability to deal more damage to your opponents.