First Strike
First strike is an evergreen keyword ability that changes the rules for combat by adding an additional combat damage step.
A creature with first strike deals combat damage before creatures without first strike. The ability usually represents a creature’s exceptional speed or skill; or possession of long range weapons, such as spears, lances, or bows. The most common creature types to have first strike are Knights and Soldiers.
From the Comprehensive Rules (November 8, 2024—Edge of Eternities)
- 702.7. First Strike
- 702.7a First strike is a static ability that modifies the rules for the combat damage step. (See rule 510, “Combat Damage Step.”)
- 702.7b If at least one attacking or blocking creature has first strike or double strike (see rule 702.4) 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.
- 702.7c Giving first strike to a creature without it after combat damage has already been dealt in the first combat damage step won’t preclude that creature from assigning combat damage in the second combat damage step. Removing first strike from a creature after it has already dealt combat damage in the first combat damage step won’t allow it to also assign combat damage in the second combat damage step (unless the creature has double strike).
- 702.7d Multiple instances of first strike on the same creature are redundant.
History
First strike has been in Magic since the original Alpha set.[1] First strike has appeared in all colors, but is primarily placed in white and red. It is tertiary in black.[2][3]
While common on creatures in the past, it has been more often relegated to the obligatory combat trick or granted conditionally, as multiple first striking blockers become difficult to attack through. Fresh Faced Recruit from Guilds of Ravnica is an example of R&D experimenting with creatures that just have first strike offensively[4][5], though the ability goes back as far as Purraj of Urborg. Play Design enjoys it more when used offensively.[6] The wording changes between “as long as it’s attacking” and “during your turn” occasionally with little by way of differentiation.
Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths introduced first strike counters.
First Strike in practice
First Strike means it will deal damage during combat first, therefore killing the other creature if its toughness is the same or less.
Pairing up First Strike with Deathtouch is a great to remove other threats during combat as it will deal damage first and Deathtouch triggers therefore destroying the other creature before it deals combat damage.
