First Strike

Keywords · beginner

A creature with first strike deals combat damage before creatures without first strike. This creates an extra damage step in combat just for first-strikers.

How it works

• Combat normally has one damage step. With first strike, two damage steps happen: the first strike step (only first / double strike creatures deal damage), then the regular damage step (everyone else, including double-strikers a second time).
• After the first strike step, state-based actions check -- creatures that took lethal damage die before the second step.
• A 2/2 first strike kills a 3/3 vanilla creature in combat: it deals 2 damage in the first strike step, the 3/3 dies (with 2 damage marked, 3 toughness... wait, 2 < 3, doesn't die). Better example: a 3/3 first strike vs a 3/3 vanilla -- first striker kills the vanilla, takes no damage back.

Common interactions

• First strike + deathtouch: kill any creature with no return damage.
• First strike + lifelink: gain life before the opposing creature can deal you damage.
• Double strike is "first strike + regular strike" -- damage in both combat damage steps.
• Damage prevention can negate the first-strike pre-emptive damage but the creature still attacks normally afterward.

Rule reference

[702.7]