What is a double strike trigger?

What is a Double Strike Trigger?

In the world of Magic: The Gathering, double strike is an important concept that can turn the tide of battle in a player’s favor. A double strike trigger is an ability that allows a creature to deal combat damage not only during the first strike combat damage step but also during the second regular damage step. In this article, we will explore what a double strike trigger is, how it works, and its implications in a game of Magic: The Gathering.

Direct Answer to the Question:

A double strike trigger is an ability that is bestowed upon a creature when it attacks. This ability causes the creature to deal its combat damage twice: once during the first strike combat damage step and again during the second regular damage step.

How Does it Work?

To understand how a double strike trigger works, let’s first explain the combat process in Magic: The Gathering. Combat is a series of steps that occur during each turn, starting from the top of the turn stack and working its way down. The combat phase includes three main steps: beginning of combat, combat damage, and end of combat.

During the combat damage step, creatures deal damage to each other and planeswalkers. If a creature has first strike, it deals its damage during the first strike combat damage step. If it doesn’t have first strike, it deals its damage during the second regular damage step.

A double strike trigger allows a creature to deal damage during both the first strike combat damage step and the second regular damage step. This means that a double-struck creature deals damage to its opponent not once but twice, increasing the potential damage it can inflict.

Key Points:

• A double strike trigger is an ability that allows a creature to deal combat damage twice during a single combat phase.
• Double strike triggers occur only during the combat phase.
• Creatures with double strike deal damage during both the first strike combat damage step and the second regular damage step.
• Creatures with double strike have an advantage over those with first strike only.
• Double strike allows a creature to deal increased damage to its opponent, potentially winning the game through sheer force of arms.

Comparison to First Strike:

While double strike and first strike share some similarities, there are key differences between the two abilities. First strike is an ability that allows a creature to deal combat damage before other creatures that do not have first strike. In contrast, double strike is an ability that allows a creature to deal damage twice during the combat damage step.

Here’s a table comparing double strike and first strike:

Impact on the Game:

The implications of a double strike trigger are significant. For example, a double-striking creature can take out an opponent’s planewalker or destroy one of their creatures before dealing its second set of damage. This can create an insurmountable advantage, especially if the double-striking creature is backed by other creatures or has protection abilities.

Common FAQs:

• Q: Can a creature have both first strike and double strike?
  A: No, having both first strike and double strike is redundant.
• Q: Does a creature with double strike only deal damage to one opponent?
  A: No, a creature with double strike deals damage to both its opponents.
• Q: Can a creature with double strike still deal damage if its opponent is killed or removed during combat?
  A: No, a creature with double strike only deals damage to an opponent that is present during the combat phase.

In conclusion, a double strike trigger is a powerful ability that can significantly increase the damage a creature deals to its opponent. While there are some limitations and similarities to first strike, the double strike trigger offers an unique advantage that can win games.