Double Strike
Double strike is an evergreen keyword ability that allows a creature to deal combat damage twice per combat phase — once during the first combat damage step, along with any creatures that have first strike, and again during the second combat damage step along with creatures that have neither keyword.
From the Comprehensive Rules (November 8, 2024—Edge of Eternities)
- 702.4. Double Strike
- 702.4a Double strike is a static ability that modifies the rules for the combat damage step. (See rule 510, “Combat Damage Step.”)
- 702.4b If at least one attacking or blocking creature has first strike (see rule 702.7) or double strike as the combat damage step begins, the only creatures that assign combat damage in that step are those with first strike or double strike. After that step, instead of proceeding to the end of combat step, the phase gets a second combat damage step. The only creatures that assign combat damage in that step are the remaining attackers and blockers that had neither first strike nor double strike as the first combat damage step began, as well as the remaining attackers and blockers that currently have double strike. After that step, the phase proceeds to the end of combat step.
- 702.4c Removing double strike from a creature during the first combat damage step will stop it from assigning combat damage in the second combat damage step.
- 702.4d Giving double strike to a creature with first strike after it has already dealt combat damage in the first combat damage step will allow the creature to assign combat damage in the second combat damage step.
- 702.4e Multiple instances of double strike on the same creature are redundant.
History
Double strike was designed by Wayne Alward, a player who submitted it as a mechanic for the first You Make the Card promotion. Double strike was rejected for the card, which would later become Forgotten Ancient because the mechanic didn’t fit within Green‘s segment of the color wheel. Nonetheless, several R&D members were impressed with the design’s elegance. Thus, double strike was adopted into Magic, upon which it became evergreen almost immediately.
Double strike premiered in Legions, with the cards Ridgetop Raptor and Rockshard Elemental. It remains an evergreen mechanic today. However, its power means it has only a small representation each set, and it does not appear at common often.
Double Strike in practice
Double Strike is a threat alert, doubling up damage value, and paired up with a Trample source you are guaranteed to bruise up your opponents. On the defense it could be used as an ultimate tool to get rid of a bigger creature on the opponent side.
