What is the order of battle in MTG?

What is the Order of Battle in Magic: The Gathering?

In Magic: The Gathering (MTG), combat is a crucial phase that determines the outcome of a battle between two players. In this article, we’ll explore the order of battle in MTG, so you can better understand this key aspect of the game.

The Five Phases of Combat

When it comes to combat in MTG, there are five phases that must occur in a specific order to resolve the battle. These phases are: 1) Beginning of Combat, 2) Declare Attackers, 3) Declare Blockers, 4) Combat Damage, and 5) End of Combat. Understanding each phase is vital to succeeding in MTG.

Beginning of Combat

The first phase is the Beginning of Combat. This phase marks the start of the combat. Creatures are made to tap unless they have Vigilance, and any effects or abilities that trigger at the beginning of combat are resolves. This phase provides a clear starting point for the combat, ensuring players know exactly what creatures and effects are in play.

Declare Attackers

Next is the Declare Attackers phase, where the attacking player (or controller of the tokens) declares what creatures are attacking the other player. This declares which creatures will deal damage to the opponent during this combat phase. These creatures become tapped immediately, signifying their availability for the combat phase**.

Declare Blockers

In response to declaring attackers, the defending player (or controller of tokens) declares any blockers, which are the creatures they want to tap to prevent the attackers’ damage**. This protects the opponent’s life totals by using creatures to tap the attacking creatures.

Combat Damage

Now is the Combat Damage phase, where resolving damage from attackers on blockers occurs. Whenever a creature attacks and was not blocked, or when a creature with Deathtouch attacks (meaning it can reduce a creature’s toughness), the defender’s life totals will take the corresponding loss. Any life-changing effects are also applied now.

End of Combat

The final End of Combat phase concludes the combat phase and resolves any remaining effects such as abilities that resolve at the end of combat. Any token generation, life gain or loss, or card text that activates at the end of combat is now the focus.

Pacing the Combat

Within each phase, rules interactions can occur, depending on the cards in your hand or on the playing field. It is essential to understand how timing works and how card triggers, effects, and abilites interact during a combat.

Best Deck Types for New Players

When building a deck or exploring MTG for the first time, it may be beneficial to focus on more straightforward deck types.

• Standard: Involves using the current sets and their combinations, ensuring a relatively recent card pool.
• Modern: Combines some older cards with current standards, allowing for more variations.

Keep in mind: The Lorwyn Five represents iconic, monocolored planeswalkers.

Now, that you’ve experienced the world of Magic: The Gathering, you’ve developed an understanding of the primary steps and phases in engaging a battle. Whether experienced or a newcomer, comprehending these phases and using your skills effectively can grant you the upper hand over your opponents.

For advanced readers: Explore other forms of magic, like Spellslinger’s Guide or, Magic the Gathering, here!

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In conclusion, establishing the correct order of combat is essential for victory, so focus on these precise phases:

1. Begin Combat
2. Declaring Attackers
3. Declaring Blockers
4. Combat Damage
5. End Combat

In the meantime: Don’t forget about "How Does the Battle Flow" from the *Official MTG Podcast".

As an additional reference see also *Magic: the Gathering: Comprehensive Rules".