Double the Trouble: A Guide to MTG’s Double Strike

Introduction

Imagine a critical moment in your Magic: The Gathering match. Your opponent sits smugly behind a wall of blockers, seemingly impenetrable. But then, you draw that one card, the card that changes everything: a creature imbued with Double Strike. Suddenly, their smugness falters as they realize the true threat bearing down upon them. Double Strike isn’t just a keyword; it’s a game-changer, a powerful mechanic that can turn the tide of battle and secure victory.

Double Strike, in its simplest form, means a creature deals combat damage twice during a combat phase. But understanding its implications and strategic applications is crucial for anyone looking to truly master Magic: The Gathering. It can transform a seemingly innocuous creature into a potent threat, allowing you to overcome blockers, deal massive amounts of damage, and even trigger game-winning combos. This guide will delve into the intricacies of Double Strike, exploring its mechanics, strategic applications, powerful card examples, and how to build decks that maximize its potential.

Understanding the Double Strike Mechanics

In a standard MTG combat phase, creatures deal damage simultaneously. Both attacking and blocking creatures deal their respective damage values to each other at the same time. Double Strike alters this fundamental process. When a creature possesses Double Strike, it participates in *two* combat damage steps: a first combat damage step and a normal combat damage step.

During the first combat damage step, creatures with First Strike or Double Strike deal their combat damage. Then, during the normal combat damage step, any remaining creatures, including those with Double Strike deal combat damage. This creates a cascade of potential damage and interaction.

Let’s look at a simple example. Suppose you attack with a creature with three power and Double Strike, and your opponent blocks with a creature with two toughness. During the first combat damage step, your creature deals three damage to the blocker, destroying it. Then, during the second combat damage step, your creature deals three damage directly to your opponent. This showcases Double Strike’s ability to both eliminate blockers and inflict direct damage.

The Interplay of First Strike

The interplay between First Strike and Double Strike creates another layer of complexity. A creature with First Strike deals its damage in the first combat damage step. If a creature has both First Strike and Double Strike it will deal combat damage in both combat damage steps.

Now, let’s say your three power Double Strike creature is blocked by a five power First Strike creature. In the first combat damage step, the First Strike creature deals five damage, destroying your Double Strike creature. Because your creature is no longer on the battlefield to deal combat damage in the normal combat damage step, your opponent receives no damage.

Trample Considerations

Trample and Double Strike is a formidable combination. Trample means that if an attacking creature deals combat damage to a blocker, any remaining damage is dealt to the defending player or planeswalker. With Double Strike, the trample calculation occurs in both combat damage steps.

Imagine your attacking creature has five power, Double Strike, and Trample. Your opponent blocks with a two toughness creature. In the first combat damage step, your creature deals two damage to the blocker and three damage to your opponent. The blocker dies, and your creature is still around to deal more damage in the second combat damage step. In the second combat damage step, it deals another five damage directly to your opponent.

Damage Modifying Keywords

Double Strike also interacts significantly with other keywords that modify damage. Lifelink grants you life equal to the damage dealt by the creature. Deathtouch means any amount of damage dealt by the creature is enough to destroy another creature. Infect deals damage to creatures in the form of -1/-1 counters and players in the form of poison counters. All of these abilities are amplified by the presence of Double Strike, making them a dangerous combination.

Strategic Applications of Double Strike

Double Strike is more than just a powerful keyword; it’s a strategic asset that can be employed in a variety of ways.

Offensive Advantages

Offensively, Double Strike excels at dealing burst damage. A creature with even moderate power can quickly eliminate opposing creatures or inflict significant damage to your opponent. Combine Double Strike with pump spells that temporarily increase power and you have a lethal attacking force. For example, casting a spell that grants +3/+0 to a creature with Double Strike and three power suddenly turns it into a six power double striking machine.

Double Strike is useful for pushing through defenses. A double striking creature makes blocking a risky proposition for your opponent. They must commit enough blockers to survive two waves of damage, which can leave them vulnerable in other areas of the board. It forces difficult decisions and often allows you to break through defensive lines.

Defensive Applications

Defensively, Double Strike can act as a deterrent. Opponents may be hesitant to attack into a creature with Double Strike, fearing the potential for devastating counterattacks. This can buy you valuable time to build your board presence or draw into more powerful cards.

Double Strike allows you to trade up efficiently. Even a smaller creature with Double Strike can take down a larger threat. The two instances of damage allow you to overcome higher toughness values, effectively eliminating blockers that would otherwise prove difficult to remove.

Combo Enabler

Double Strike can also be a key combo enabler. Equipments and auras that grant additional abilities become even more potent when combined with Double Strike. For instance, an equipment that grants first strike and +2/+0 combined with double strike will cause your creature to deal damage, kill the opponent’s blocker, and then deal more damage in the next combat damage step.

Notable Cards with Double Strike

Magic’s history is filled with powerful cards that feature Double Strike. A prominent example is Mirran Crusader. This white creature gains protection from both black and green, making it incredibly resilient in many matchups. Its Double Strike ability allows it to quickly dispatch opposing creatures and apply significant pressure to your opponent.

Another example, this time among equipment, is Embercleave. While not inherently having Double Strike itself, Embercleave provides the keyword to the equipped creature, along with trample and a power boost. This combination turns any creature into a formidable threat.

For players on a budget, there are still excellent options. Boros Swiftblade is a red and white creature that offers a potent combination of low cost and Double Strike. While it might not have the same raw power as some of the more expensive options, it’s a solid choice for aggressive decks looking to apply early pressure.

Deckbuilding with Double Strike in Mind

When building a deck around Double Strike, consider the colors that best support the strategy. White and Red are the primary colors for Double Strike, offering the most creatures and equipment that grant the ability. However, you can also splash other colors for support, such as Green for pump spells or Blue for control elements.

Synergies are crucial. Look for cards that enhance Double Strike’s effectiveness, such as pump spells that increase power, equipment that grants additional abilities like lifelink or deathtouch, and auras that provide protection or evasion.

Your mana curve should be balanced. While Double Strike can be powerful, you need to ensure you have enough early game plays to survive until you can deploy your double striking threats. Include a mix of creatures, spells, and equipment to create a well-rounded deck.

Aggro Decks

Aggro decks benefit greatly from Double Strike. The ability to quickly eliminate blockers and deal massive amounts of damage aligns perfectly with the aggressive game plan. Load up on low-cost creatures with Double Strike and pump spells to overwhelm your opponent before they can establish their defenses.

Midrange Decks

Midrange decks can also utilize Double Strike for efficient trades and sustained pressure. Focus on building a resilient board presence and using Double Strike to capitalize on favorable combat situations. Cards that provide card advantage and removal are essential for maintaining control of the game.

Consider a sample deck list: A red/white aggro deck that focuses on small creatures with double strike that can be buffed. Include cards like Lightning Bolt, Boros Swiftblade, Assault Strobe, and various other buff spells, with the goal of winning quickly with a flurry of blows.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

One common mistake is miscalculating damage. It’s crucial to account for First Strike, deathtouch, lifelink, and other effects that can alter the outcome of combat. Always double-check your calculations before committing to an attack.

Another mistake is overextending. Relying too heavily on a single creature with Double Strike can leave you vulnerable to removal spells. Diversify your threats and avoid putting all your eggs in one basket.

Ignoring blockers is a significant error. Your opponent can mitigate Double Strike damage by chump blocking with multiple creatures or using creatures with high toughness. Plan your attacks carefully and consider ways to remove or bypass blockers.

To avoid these mistakes, practice visualizing combat scenarios and calculating damage. Pay attention to your opponent’s board state and potential responses. And most importantly, learn from your mistakes and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Conclusion

Double Strike is a multifaceted and rewarding mechanic in Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to double the damage output of a creature makes it a potent offensive and defensive tool. Understanding its intricacies and strategic applications is essential for any player looking to improve their game. So, experiment with Double Strike in your decks, explore its synergies with other cards, and unleash the fury of a double striking assault on your opponents. Embrace the power of striking twice as hard, and you’ll find yourself dominating the battlefield in no time. The power of Double Strike lies not just in its raw damage potential, but in the tactical flexibility it provides, allowing you to outmaneuver your opponents and seize victory from the jaws of defeat. Now go forth and conquer!