What Happens If Double Strike Kills on First Strike?
When it comes to Magic: The Gathering, understanding how combat works can be a complex and sometimes confusing process. Two abilities in particular that can cause confusion are First Strike and Double Strike. So, what happens if a creature with Double Strike kills on First Strike?
First Strike and Double Strike: A Quick Review
Before diving into the specific scenario, let’s review what these abilities do.
First Strike:
A creature with First Strike deals its combat damage before creatures without First Strike. This means that if a creature is attacking with First Strike, it will assign its combat damage first, even if the defending creature is larger than the attacking creature.
Double Strike:
A creature with Double Strike deals its combat damage in two separate instances: once during the first strike step and once during the regular damage step. This means that if a creature with Double Strike is attacking, it will assign its combat damage twice, with the first strike being applied before any other creatures’ damage is applied.
What Happens If Double Strike Kills on First Strike?
If a creature with Double Strike deals enough damage to kill the defending creature during the first strike step (which is before the regular damage step), something interesting happens.
The Regular Damage Step Never Occurs:
Because the defending creature was already killed by the Double Strike’s damage, there is no need for the regular damage step to occur. The combat step is essentially complete, and the game moves on.
But What About Any Remaining Damage?
If there is any remaining damage on the Double Strike creature after it killed the defending creature, that damage is not applied. For example, if the Double Strike creature had 4 damage on it after killing the defender, but the defender still had 3 life left, those 3 life points would not be added to the creature’s total damage. This is because the combat step was essentially complete when the defender was killed, and the remaining damage was not applied.
Table: Summary of What Happens When Double Strike Kills on First Strike
| Scenario | First Strike | Regular Damage Step | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yes | Does not occur | Defending creature killed by Double Strike damage |
| 2 | No | Occurs | Regular damage applies, possibly killing the defender again |
Why This Matters:
Understanding what happens when a Double Strike kills on First Strike is important for deck building and strategy in Magic: The Gathering. It means that creatures with Double Strike can potentially have a significant impact on the game even if they don’t immediately kill the defender, as they can also deal damage in the regular damage step.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, when a creature with Double Strike kills the defender during the First Strike step, the regular damage step does not occur, and the combat step is essentially complete. It’s a complex and potentially game-changing interaction that can require careful consideration in deck building and game strategy.
By understanding how Double Strike and First Strike work together, Magic players can make more informed decisions when building their decks and developing their gameplay strategies. Whether you’re a casual player or a seasoned pro, having a strong grasp of the combat mechanics in Magic can make all the difference in your chances of victory.