In the dynamic world of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the “double strike MTG” keyword stands out as a game-changing mechanic that can turn the tide of battle. This ability allows creatures to deal damage twice during combat—once during the first strike damage step and again during the regular damage step—providing a significant advantage in both offense and defense.
Understanding Double Strike: The Basics
Double strike is an evergreen keyword ability in MTG, meaning it appears regularly across various sets. Primarily found in red and white colors, this mechanic enables a creature to deal damage in both the first strike and regular combat damage steps. This dual damage-dealing capability can be pivotal in eliminating threats and applying pressure on opponents.
The Mechanics of Double Strike
Combat Damage Steps
In a typical combat phase, creatures deal damage simultaneously. However, with double strike, the combat phase is divided into two damage steps:
- First Strike Damage Step: Creatures with first strike or double strike deal damage.
- Regular Damage Step: All remaining creatures, including those with double strike, deal damage.
This means a creature with double strike effectively deals damage twice in a single combat phase.
Interaction with Other Abilities
- Trample: When combined with double strike, trample allows excess damage from the second strike to carry over to the defending player if the blocker is destroyed in the first strike.
- Deathtouch: A creature with both deathtouch and double strike can eliminate two creatures in combat, one in each damage step.
- Lifelink: Double strike with lifelink enables a player to gain life twice in one combat phase, once for each damage dealt.
Strategic Advantages of Double Strike
Offensive Power
Double strike significantly increases a creature’s offensive capabilities. For example, a 3/3 creature with double strike can deal a total of 6 damage in a single combat phase, making it a formidable threat to opponents.
Defensive Utility
On defense, double strike allows a creature to potentially eliminate an attacker before it can deal damage. This preemptive strike can be crucial in maintaining board control and preserving life totals.
Notable Double Strike Creatures
| Card Name | Mana Cost | Power/Toughness | Additional Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fabled Hero | 1WW | 2/2 | Heroic—gets +1/+1 counters |
| Boros Swiftblade | RW | 1/2 | None |
| Skyhunter Skirmisher | 1WW | 1/1 | Flying |
| Mirran Crusader | 1WW | 2/2 | Protection from black and green |
| Adorned Pouncer | 1W | 1/1 | Eternalize |
| Swiftblade Vindicator | RW | 1/1 | Vigilance, trample |
Building a Deck Around Double Strike
Key Considerations
- Buff Spells: Enhance your double strike creatures with spells that increase power, such as “Giant Growth” or “Unflinching Courage,” to maximize damage output.
- Evasion Abilities: Incorporate abilities like flying or unblockable to ensure your double strike creatures can consistently deal damage.
- Protection: Use spells that grant hexproof or indestructible to safeguard your key double strike creatures from removal.
Sample Deck Archetype
A red-white (Boros) aggro deck focusing on double strike creatures can apply early pressure and capitalize on combat tricks to overwhelm opponents. Incorporate cards like “Boros Charm” for protection and “Temur Battle Rage” to grant trample and further enhance damage potential.
Double Strike vs. First Strike: A Comparative Analysis
| Feature | First Strike | Double Strike |
|---|---|---|
| Damage Steps | 1 | 2 |
| Total Damage Output | Equal to power | Double power |
| Defensive Capability | High | Very High |
| Synergy with Buffs | Moderate | High |
| Complexity | Low | Moderate |
While first strike allows a creature to deal damage before others, double strike takes it a step further by enabling an additional damage step, effectively doubling the creature’s damage output and increasing its combat effectiveness.
Conclusion:
Mastering the “double strike MTG” mechanic can provide a significant edge in gameplay, allowing for both aggressive assaults and stalwart defenses. By understanding its interactions and strategically incorporating it into your deck, you can outmaneuver opponents and secure victory on the battlefield.
FAQ’s
Q1: Does double strike allow a creature to attack twice in one turn?
No, double strike enables a creature to deal damage twice in one combat phase, not to attack multiple times.
Q2: Can a creature with double strike deal damage to a player if blocked?
Only if the creature also has trample. Otherwise, all damage is assigned to the blocking creature.
Q3: Does double strike stack if a creature gains it multiple times?
No, multiple instances of double strike are redundant and do not stack.
Q4: How does double strike interact with lifelink?
A creature with both abilities will cause its controller to gain life twice per combat phase, once for each damage dealt.
Q5: Is double strike effective in multiplayer formats like Commander?
Yes, especially when combined with buffs and evasion, double strike can be a potent tool in multiplayer games.
Q6: Can double strike be granted temporarily?
Yes, spells like “Temur Battle Rage” can grant double strike until end of turn.
