What are the rules for blocking in Magic The Gathering?
Blocking is a crucial aspect of Magic: The Gathering, allowing players to defend against their opponent’s attacking creatures. In this article, we’ll delve into the rules and regulations surrounding blocking, helping you master this vital part of the game.
Declaring Blockers
The first step in blocking is declaring which creatures will block which attackers. This is done during the Declare Blockers step of the combat phase. Each player gets to declare blockers for each attacking creature, one at a time, starting with the defending player. A creature can only block one attacking creature, and each attacking creature can only be blocked by one creature.
Blocking Rules
Here are the key blocking rules to keep in mind:
- Untapped Creatures Only: A creature must be untapped to block. If a creature is tapped, it can’t block.
- Each Creature Can Only Block One Attacker: A creature can only block one attacking creature. If you want to block multiple attackers, you’ll need to declare multiple creatures to block.
- Each Attacker Can Only Be Blocked by One Creature: An attacking creature can only be blocked by one creature. If multiple creatures want to block the same attacker, the defender gets to choose which one blocks.
- Blocking Order: The order in which creatures block is determined by the player’s choice. You can choose which creatures to block in any order you like, as long as each creature is only blocking one attacker.
Creatures with Unique Abilities
Some creatures have unique abilities that affect blocking. These abilities can be game-changers, so it’s essential to understand how they work:
- Fighting: Some creatures have a fighting ability, which allows them to deal combat damage to the opponent even if they’re blocked. For example, Kolaghan, the Storm’s Fury has a fighting ability that allows it to deal 2 damage to the opponent even if it’s blocked.
- Lifelink: Some creatures have a lifelink ability, which allows them to gain life equal to the combat damage they deal. For example, Lingering Souls has a lifelink ability that allows it to gain 1 life whenever it deals combat damage.
Vehicles and Blocking
Vehicles are a unique type of creature that can be blocked. Here are some key things to know about vehicles and blocking:
- Vehicles Can Be Blocked: Vehicles can be blocked like regular creatures, and the blocking rules apply in the same way.
- Crewing: Vehicles can be crewed by other creatures, which allows them to attack and block. When a vehicle is crewed, it becomes a powerful attacking force.
Summoning Sickness and Blocking
Summoning sickness is a game state that affects creatures when they’re first summoned. Here’s how it affects blocking:
- Creatures with Summoning Sickness Can’t Attack: Creatures with summoning sickness can’t attack during their turn.
- Creatures with Summoning Sickness Can Block: Creatures with summoning sickness can still block during the opponent’s turn, as long as they’re not attacking.
Conclusion
Blocking is a crucial part of Magic: The Gathering, allowing players to defend against their opponent’s attacking creatures. By understanding the rules and regulations surrounding blocking, you can improve your chances of winning and become a more effective player. Remember to keep your creatures untapped, declare your blockers wisely, and take advantage of unique abilities to gain an edge over your opponent.