What is First Strike and Double Strike?
In the world of Magic: The Gathering, First Strike and Double Strike are two keywords that can significantly impact the outcome of a game. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and implications of these two keywords, helping you to better understand the game and make informed decisions during your matches.
What is First Strike?
First Strike is a keyword that allows a creature to deal combat damage to a player before any other creatures without that keyword. This means that if a creature with First Strike is attacking, it will deal its damage to the opponent before any other creatures, regardless of their power or toughness. This can be a significant advantage, as it allows the creature to take down an opponent’s creature without taking any damage in return.
Here are some key points to remember about First Strike:
- First Strike only applies to combat damage, not to other forms of damage.
- First Strike does not affect the order of blocks; a creature with First Strike can still be blocked by a creature with a higher power or toughness.
- First Strike does not affect the outcome of a combat if the creature is blocked; if a creature with First Strike is blocked, it will still be destroyed if its power is equal to or greater than the blocking creature’s toughness.
What is Double Strike?
Double Strike is a keyword that allows a creature to deal combat damage to a player twice, once during the first combat damage step and again during the regular combat damage step. This means that if a creature with Double Strike is attacking, it will deal its damage to the opponent twice, once before any other creatures and again after all other creatures have dealt their damage.
Here are some key points to remember about Double Strike:
- Double Strike only applies to combat damage, not to other forms of damage.
- Double Strike does not affect the order of blocks; a creature with Double Strike can still be blocked by a creature with a higher power or toughness.
- Double Strike does not affect the outcome of a combat if the creature is blocked; if a creature with Double Strike is blocked, it will still be destroyed if its power is equal to or greater than the blocking creature’s toughness.
Comparison of First Strike and Double Strike
Here is a comparison of the two keywords:
| First Strike | Double Strike | |
|---|---|---|
| Damage Dealt | Deals damage once | Deals damage twice |
| Order of Blocks | Does not affect order of blocks | Does not affect order of blocks |
| Outcome of Combat | Does not affect outcome of combat | Does not affect outcome of combat |
Conclusion
In conclusion, First Strike and Double Strike are two important keywords in Magic: The Gathering that can significantly impact the outcome of a game. Understanding the differences between these two keywords can help you make informed decisions during your matches and improve your overall gameplay. Remember to always keep in mind the key points outlined above and to use these keywords strategically to gain an advantage over your opponents.