Who attacks first in Magic The Gathering?

Who Attacks First in Magic The Gathering?

Magic: The Gathering is a popular trading card game that involves strategy, luck, and skill. In this game, players take turns playing cards from their deck to attack their opponent and defend against their opponent’s attacks. One of the most critical aspects of the game is determining who attacks first, as it can greatly impact the outcome of the game. In this article, we will explore the rules and mechanics of Magic: The Gathering to answer the question: Who attacks first in Magic The Gathering?

The Basics of Magic: The Gathering

Before we dive into the specifics of who attacks first, it’s essential to understand the basics of the game. Magic: The Gathering is played with a deck of cards, each representing a different spell, creature, or other type of card. Players take turns playing cards from their deck to attack their opponent and defend against their opponent’s attacks.

The Combat Phase

The combat phase is the most critical phase of the game, as it determines who attacks first and how the attack plays out. During the combat phase, players declare their attackers and blockers, and then resolve the attack and block.

Who Attacks First?

The player whose turn it is attacks first. This is specified in the official Magic: The Gathering rules:

"At the beginning of the combat phase, the active player declares which creatures they control are attacking that turn."

This means that the player whose turn it is decides which creatures they want to attack with and declares them as attackers.

What Happens If Both Players Have Creatures

If both players have creatures, the player who attacks first determines the order in which the creatures attack. This is specified in the official Magic: The Gathering rules:

"If both players have creatures attacking, the active player resolves the attack sequence first. Then, the nonactive player resolves their attack sequence."

This means that the player who attacks first resolves their attack sequence first, and then the other player resolves their attack sequence.

First Strike and Double Strike

Some creatures have abilities that allow them to deal combat damage to the opponent during the combat phase, before the opponent’s blockers are declared. These abilities are known as first strike and double strike.

First Strike

First strike is an ability that allows a creature to deal combat damage to the opponent before the opponent’s blockers are declared. This means that the creature deals its damage before the opponent has a chance to block it.

Double Strike

Double strike is an ability that allows a creature to deal combat damage to the opponent twice during the combat phase. This means that the creature deals its damage first, and then again later in the combat phase.

Who Blocks First?

When a creature attacks, the opponent has the opportunity to block it with one of their creatures. The opponent declares which creatures they want to block with, and then resolves the block.

When Do You Block?

You block during the combat phase, after the attack has been declared. You declare which creatures you want to block with, and then resolve the block.

Who Attacks First: A Summary

In summary, the player whose turn it is attacks first in Magic: The Gathering. This player declares which creatures they control are attacking that turn, and then resolves the attack sequence. The opponent can block the attack with one of their creatures, but they do not get to declare which creatures they want to block with until after the attack has been declared.

Conclusion

In this article, we have explored the rules and mechanics of Magic: The Gathering to answer the question: Who attacks first in Magic The Gathering?. We have seen that the player whose turn it is attacks first, and that the opponent can block the attack with one of their creatures. We have also seen how first strike and double strike abilities can affect the attack sequence. By understanding who attacks first and how the attack sequence works, you can improve your chances of winning in Magic: The Gathering.