Unleash the Fury: Mastering Double Strike in Magic: The Gathering

Introduction

Imagine a scenario: your opponent is sitting pretty, seemingly in control of the board. They think they have stabilized, their life total comfortably higher than yours. Then, you draw that one card. You cast it, attach a crucial piece of equipment, and swing with your unassuming creature, now amplified beyond belief. Your opponent’s life total plummets in a single combat phase, snatched from the jaws of victory. That, in essence, is the power of Double Strike in Magic: The Gathering.

Double Strike is a dynamic and devastating mechanic in MTG that effectively doubles the combat damage output of a creature. This ability transforms ordinary attackers into potent threats, unlocking aggressive strategies, enabling surprising combos, and offering opportunities to exert strategic control over the battlefield. Understanding the intricacies of Double Strike is essential for any player looking to elevate their game.

The Core Mechanics of Double Strike

At its heart, Double Strike revolves around the way Magic handles combat. Instead of a single combat damage step, creatures with Double Strike participate in two combat damage steps: the first combat damage step alongside creatures with First Strike, and then again in the regular combat damage step.

Let’s illustrate this. Imagine you attack with a two/two creature without Double Strike, blocked by a two/two creature. Both creatures deal two damage to each other, and both likely die. Now, imagine the same scenario, but your attacker has Double Strike. In the first combat damage step, your two/two with Double Strike deals two damage to the blocker, potentially destroying it. Then, in the regular combat damage step, it deals another two damage to the defending player since the blocker is no longer there. The effect is almost as good as having two creatures.

Importantly, creatures with First Strike deal combat damage only in the first combat damage step. If a creature has both First Strike and Double Strike, it will participate in the first combat damage step and the regular combat damage step.

Assigning Combat Damage with Double Strike

When assigning combat damage with a creature that has Double Strike you will need to understand how to assign the damage in both combat damage steps. First, the attacking player, in the first combat damage step, assign damage as normal to the defending player or a blocking creature. If the attacking creature is blocked by a blocking creature that survives the first combat damage step, then in the second combat damage step the attacking player must again assign damage to the defending player or a blocking creature.

The defending player must also assign combat damage in both steps. If the blocking creature survive the first combat damage step, the blocker must again assign damage in the regular combat damage step.

Interaction with Keywords

Double Strike interacts uniquely with several other key MTG keywords:

• Deathtouch: A creature with both Double Strike and Deathtouch is incredibly dangerous. Even a one/one with these abilities can destroy two creatures if it survives the initial combat damage step. The Deathtouch effect applies to both instances of damage.
• Lifelink: Each instance of damage dealt by a creature with both Double Strike and Lifelink grants you life. So, a two/two with Double Strike and Lifelink effectively gives you four life each combat it deals its full damage.
• Trample: This is where things get interesting. Trample only applies to the second combat damage step if the attacker is blocked. If a creature with Double Strike and Trample is blocked, it must assign lethal damage to its blocker in the first combat damage step. Then, if any damage remains in the second combat damage step, that damage is dealt to the defending player.
• Indestructible: If an indestructible creature has Double Strike, it’s incredibly difficult to deal with in combat. It can repeatedly deal damage without fear of being destroyed by damage.

Rules Nuances to Keep in Mind

One crucial point: if a creature loses Double Strike after the first combat damage step but before the regular combat damage step, it will not deal damage in the second combat damage step. The ability must be present at the moment damage is dealt. Also, Double Strike does not stack. Having multiple instances of Double Strike does not result in additional combat damage steps. It is redundant.

Strategic Implications of Double Strike

Double Strike is far more than just a keyword; it’s a strategic tool that can dramatically shift the course of a game.

Aggressive Strategies Utilizing Double Strike

Double Strike is often used as a finisher in aggressive decks. A creature suddenly gaining Double Strike, perhaps through a combat trick, can represent a massive burst of damage, turning a close game into an outright victory. It’s also excellent for overwhelming blockers. Even a larger creature can fall to a smaller creature with Double Strike, especially if combined with other buffs. Many aggressive strategies have leveraged the power of Double Strike to win games.

Combat Tricks and Synergies

The true potential of Double Strike is unlocked through synergies. Simple pump spells, such as +two/+two until end of turn, become exponentially more effective when combined with Double Strike. Equipment and Auras that grant Double Strike can turn ordinary creatures into extraordinary threats. Furthermore, Double Strike works wonderfully with cards that trigger on combat damage, doubling the value of those triggers.

Defensive Applications of Double Strike

While primarily offensive, Double Strike also has defensive uses. The threat of a creature with Double Strike can deter opponents from attacking. It can also force unfavorable trades for your opponent, allowing you to maintain board presence.

Assessing the Board State

Double Strike is most effective when your opponent has few blockers or when you can reliably clear the way for your attackers. It’s less impactful against decks with abundant removal or when your creatures are easily blocked by larger creatures. Understanding these nuances is key to maximizing the value of Double Strike.

Notable Cards Featuring Double Strike

Numerous cards throughout Magic’s history have featured Double Strike or granted it to other creatures. Cards like “Figure of Destiny” offer an early game threat that can become a double striking monster late game. “Boros Swiftblade” showed the power of a quick and aggressive double striking threat.

Many Auras, Equipment and Instants can grant the Double Strike ability. “Duelist’s Heritage” gives a creature Double Strike. “Gryff’s Boon” grants Double Strike and flying.

Cards that trigger on combat damage, such as “Sword of Fire and Ice” are especially effective with creatures that have double strike. The trigger goes off twice, once in the first combat step and once in the normal combat step.

Deckbuilding Considerations

Building a deck around Double Strike requires careful consideration.

Color Considerations

The color that gives you the most access to Double Strike is white. Red and Boros combinations can also have double strike. Consider these options when building your decks.

Mana Curve and Tempo

Balance your early-game plays with the need to deploy Double Strike threats later in the game. A strong mana curve is essential for maintaining tempo and applying consistent pressure.

Support Cards

Include cards that protect your Double Strike creatures from removal. Cards that clear the way for attacks, such as those with evasion or removal spells, are also crucial.

Sideboarding Strategies

Prepare for common matchups by including sideboard cards that can disrupt your opponent’s strategy or provide alternative win conditions.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

One common mistake is miscalculating damage. Double Strike can make damage calculations more complex, so take your time and be accurate. Don’t ignore blockers. Carefully evaluate the risk of attacking into multiple blockers, as a poorly timed attack can lead to significant losses. And avoid over-reliance on Double Strike. Have a backup plan in case your Double Strike threats are disrupted.

Double Strike Across Formats

Double Strike appears in various formats, each with its own unique cards and strategies.

Double Strike in Standard

In Standard, Double Strike strategies may revolve around recent sets, utilizing current cards to create aggressive or synergistic decks.

Double Strike in Modern

Modern offers a wider range of Double Strike options, allowing for more powerful and diverse strategies.

Double Strike in Commander/EDH

Commander is a popular format that uses commanders and double strike is a viable strategy. Try using commanders that deal combat damage to your opponent or creatures that synergize with combat damage.

Double Strike in Limited

In Limited formats like draft and sealed, Double Strike cards can be valuable assets. Evaluate them carefully and consider building a deck that leverages their potential.

The Future of Double Strike

What does the future hold for Double Strike? While we can’t predict the future, it’s likely that we’ll see new and innovative Double Strike cards in upcoming sets. Perhaps we’ll even see new mechanics that interact with Double Strike in exciting ways.

Conclusion

Double Strike is a powerful mechanic in Magic: The Gathering, offering opportunities for aggressive strategies, surprising combos, and strategic board control. By understanding the intricacies of Double Strike and mastering its applications, you can unlock new levels of strategic depth and dominate your opponents. So, experiment with Double Strike in your own decks, and unleash the fury!