Introduction
Defining the Combat Step
The clash of steel, the roar of the battlefield, the agonizing decision of life or death – welcome to the heart of Magic: The Gathering: the combat step. This pivotal phase isn’t just about throwing creatures at each other; it’s a complex dance of strategy, calculation, and split-second decisions that separate casual players from seasoned veterans. Understanding the nuances of the MTG combat step is paramount to achieving victory in any match. This guide will delve into every facet of this crucial game mechanic, equipping you with the knowledge to dominate the battlefield.
Why the Combat Step Matters
The MTG combat step is, fundamentally, where creatures engage in a battle for supremacy. It’s a dynamic process involving several key phases, each offering unique opportunities for both attacker and defender. Mastering each of these phases is the key to controlling the pace of combat and ultimately, the game. Ignoring the details of this fundamental step is a sure path to defeat.
Article Overview
The first step, is where the magic begins. It is an important and crucial stage of the battle. Certain abilities that trigger at the beginning of combat become active during this stage. Effects that apply before combat begins may come into play. Some effects might trigger during the beginning of combat, giving the player the option to use them before declaring attackers.
Phases of the Combat Step
Beginning of Combat Step
Next, it’s the time to declare attackers. This is when the active player, the one whose turn it is, chooses which of their creatures will charge into battle. This selection hinges on many factors: the strength of your creatures, the potential threats posed by the opponent, and the overall strategic goal. Only creatures that haven’t been affected by “summoning sickness” (creatures that haven’t been under your control since the beginning of your most recent turn) can attack, unless they possess vigilance. Vigilance allows a creature to attack without being tapped. Tapping creatures is the visual cue that indicates they are attacking.
Declare Attackers
As you declare attackers, careful consideration of potential blockers is key. Consider the opponent’s creatures on the field, the known effects of spells in their graveyard, and the possibility of combat tricks in their hand. A hasty attack, without accounting for the consequences, can easily backfire, resulting in the loss of valuable creatures and, potentially, significant life loss.
Restrictions on Attackers
Certain cards can also prevent creatures from attacking. A creature might be unable to attack due to effects such as “cannot attack” or being tapped. These effects, when present, must be considered during this stage.
Declare Blockers
The defending player’s moment arrives when it’s time to declare blockers. This phase gives the defending player the opportunity to assign blockers to attackers. The choice of which creature will defend which attacker is critical, as it determines the outcome of the coming battle. Blockers are declared one at a time.
Blocking Rules
Blocking rules can become complex depending on how many attackers there are. Each attacker can be blocked by only one creature, unless that attacker has trample or an effect that specifically says otherwise. When multiple blockers are assigned, it is important to understand the damage allocation.
Multiple Blockers, Single Attacker
Now, what happens when a single creature must block multiple attackers? Or when multiple creatures are assigned to block one attacker? The math of combat takes center stage. When multiple blockers are assigned to a single attacker, the defending player must choose how to divide damage amongst the blockers. The blocker can deal damage. This must be done legally.
Legal and Illegal Blocks
Legal blocks are essential. Illegal blocks can lead to missed opportunities or disadvantage. For example, only creatures that are currently untapped are allowed to block (unless they possess vigilance). Creatures blocked by deathtouch have to assign lethal damage, otherwise, a creature would survive.
Combat Damage Step
The Combat Damage Step is when all of the damage calculations are made. This is where the actual damage is assigned to the attacking and blocking creatures, and to the players.
Damage Assignment
Damage assignment happens in a precise order. Once all combat damage is assigned, state-based actions are checked. If a creature has taken damage equal to or greater than its toughness, or has been dealt damage by a source with deathtouch, it is destroyed and goes to the graveyard. Similarly, if a player takes damage equal to or greater than their life total, they lose the game.
First Strike and Double Strike
First strike and double strike introduce a layer of complexity in this step. Creatures with first strike deal combat damage before creatures without first strike. Creatures with double strike deal combat damage twice, once during the first strike phase and again during the normal combat damage step. This can turn the tide of a fight quickly.
End of Combat Step
Finally, the end of combat step. This is the final phase of combat, where combat is over. Abilities that trigger at the end of combat come into play. Players receive any benefits their creatures may have, for example, untapping after the combat. The battlefield then goes through a cleanup process.
Strategic Considerations and Advanced Tactics
Attacking and Blocking Decisions
Mastering the art of warfare in Magic: The Gathering requires more than just understanding the mechanics; it demands a strategic approach to the combat step.
Risk Assessment
Consider the risks and rewards. Before attacking, assess the potential for favorable trades, calculate your life total vs your opponent’s, and anticipate potential combat tricks. Assess your opponent’s life total, any board advantages they may have, and how attacking will shift those advantages.
Offensive vs. Defensive
Deciding which creatures to attack and when to attack is a delicate balancing act. It involves weighing the potential damage you inflict against the risk of losing creatures and allowing your opponent to develop their board. Consider the types of creatures you have, and whether they are better suited to offense or defense.
Blocking Strategically
Blocking strategically is also critical. The goal is often to maximize your advantage by eliminating opponent creatures. This may be blocking to save a creature, or trading creatures with a favorable outcome.
Trade Efficiency
Sometimes, the best course of action is to allow your opponent to take some damage to set up a more favorable position. Trade efficiency is a key concept. For instance, trading a small creature for a large creature is often favorable, as it thins the opponent’s board while preserving your power.
Combat Tricks
Pay close attention to damage prevention effects and combat tricks, such as instant spells that can change the outcome of a combat. These tactics can turn a losing battle into a victory. Cards that pump the power and toughness of a creature, or those that give the creature additional abilities, can dramatically change the course of combat.
Board State Awareness
Board state awareness is another crucial skill. Know which creatures are threats, which creatures are ready to block, and how to manipulate resources. Understanding your resources and the opponent’s resources will help determine the best strategy. This analysis will allow you to create the most optimal board state possible.
Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Errors
Beyond understanding the rules, recognizing and avoiding common mistakes is important. Miscalculating damage, declaring illegal blocks, and not declaring attackers are common errors.
Tips for Improvement
Practice is key. With experience, the MTG combat step will become second nature. Study your own gameplay and the gameplay of others. Analyze your losses and learn from your mistakes.
Interaction with Other Game Mechanics
Combat and Keywords
Remember to utilize combat tricks, such as instant spells or abilities, effectively. Combat tricks add another layer of complexity.
Removal in Combat
Combat does not exist in a vacuum, but is tightly linked to many other key game mechanics.
Combat and Creature Interaction
Creatures with trample, for instance, can deal excess damage to the defending player if they are blocked. Deathtouch makes any damage dealt lethal. Flying allows a creature to avoid blocking from creatures without flying or reach. Vigilance allows a creature to attack without being tapped, thus allowing that creature to block, if necessary.
Removal spells, such as destroy, and bounce spells can significantly affect the combat step. Playing a removal spell before the combat phase will stop your opponent from attacking at all.
Cards that interact with creatures have an impact on combat. A “Giant Growth” spell, for example, can turn a creature into a powerful attacker or a formidable blocker, turning the tide of battle.
Conclusion
Mastering the MTG combat step is a journey of continuous learning. By carefully considering these points, you’ll be well on your way to dominating the battlefield.
