What is the Double Strike Rule?
In the world of Magic: The Gathering, there are several mechanics that can affect the outcome of a game. One of the most important is the Double Strike rule, which can turn the tide of battle in your favor. In this article, we’ll explore what the Double Strike rule is, how it works, and some key takeaways to help you dominate your opponents.
Direct Answer
The Double Strike rule is an evergreen keyword ability that allows a creature to deal combat damage twice per combat phase. This means that when a creature with Double Strike is declared as an attacker, it will deal damage to the opposing player’s life total during the first combat damage step, and then again during the second combat damage step.
How Double Strike Works
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how Double Strike works:
- Declaration of Attackers: The game checks which creatures are declared as attackers and which are declared as blockers.
- First Combat Damage Step: The first combat damage step occurs, during which creatures with First Strike or Double Strike deal damage to the opposing player’s life total.
- Second Combat Damage Step: The second combat damage step occurs, during which all creatures with Double Strike deal damage to the opposing player’s life total.
Key Takeaways
Here are some important points to keep in mind when using Double Strike:
- Double Strike is not the same as First Strike: While both mechanics allow a creature to deal damage before blockers are declared, First Strike only deals damage once, during the first combat damage step. Double Strike, on the other hand, deals damage twice.
- Blocking: A creature with Double Strike can still be blocked, just like any other creature. However, the creature will still deal damage twice during the combat damage steps.
- Triggers: Triggers that trigger when a creature deals combat damage will trigger twice for a creature with Double Strike.
- Abilities: Abilities that trigger when a creature deals combat damage will trigger twice for a creature with Double Strike.
Examples
Here are a few examples of how Double Strike can affect the game:
- Mirran Crusader: Equipping Mirran Crusader with a Sword of War and Peace will allow it to deal damage twice to the opposing player’s life total, triggering the sword’s ability twice.
- Karn, the Bloodfell General: Karn’s ability allows it to deal 2 damage to any opponent when it deals combat damage. With Double Strike, Karn will deal 2 damage to the opposing player’s life total twice.
Situational Applications
Here are a few situations where Double Strike can be particularly useful:
- Late Game: Double Strike can be a game-changer in the late game, allowing you to deal a significant amount of damage to the opposing player’s life total.
- Token-Based Strategies: Creatures with Double Strike can be particularly effective in token-based strategies, where you create a large number of small creatures to attack with.
- Combo Pieces: Double Strike can be used as a combo piece in combination with other abilities and cards to create powerful and complex interactions.
Conclusion
The Double Strike rule is a powerful and flexible mechanic that can be used in a variety of situations. By understanding how Double Strike works and how to use it effectively, you can improve your gameplay and become a more formidable opponent. Whether you’re playing competitively or casually, Double Strike is a mechanic that can help you achieve victory.
Table of Contents
- What is the Double Strike Rule?
- How Double Strike Works
- Key Takeaways
- Examples
- Situational Applications
- Conclusion