What happens if both creatures have first strike?

They both deal damage in the first combat damage step, at the same time, just as if neither had it.

What's the difference between first strike and double strike?

First strike hits once, in the first damage step. Double strike hits in both steps.

Does first strike work with deathtouch?

Yes, very well. Any creature it damages in the first step is destroyed before it can strike back.

Does first strike work with damage from spells?

No. It only changes the order of combat damage.

First strike — what does it mean?

Deals combat damage before creatures without first strike, letting it destroy a blocker before it can deal damage back.

First strike appears on 396 cards.

How does First strike work?

First strike means this creature deals its combat damage before creatures without it. As soon as at least one attacking or blocking creature has first strike or double strike, combat gets two combat damage steps. In the first, only creatures with first strike or double strike deal damage. In the second, everyone else does. A creature that dies in the first step deals nothing in the second.

That's how a first striker wins fights it would otherwise trade in. A 2/2 with first strike blocking a 2/2 without it survives. If both creatures have first strike, they deal damage at the same time in the first step and cancel each other's edge. First strike works when attacking and when blocking, but only for combat damage.

Timing matters. What counts is whether a creature has first strike when the first combat damage step begins. Give a creature first strike after that step and it still deals damage in the second step. Take first strike away after it already dealt damage and it won't hit again. If you want to grant first strike with an instant, do it by the declare blockers step at the latest. Add deathtouch and every creature it damages dies before it can hit back.

An example at the table

Your opponent attacks with a 3/2. You block with a 2/2 that has first strike. Since a first striker is involved, combat gets two damage steps. In the first, your 2/2 deals 2 damage to the 3/2. That's enough for its toughness of 2, so the 3/2 dies. In the second step, the 3/2 would deal its 3 damage, but it's already in the graveyard. Your 2/2 survives without a scratch. Without first strike, both creatures would have died.

Cards with First strike

Knight of the White OrchidIllustration: Mark Zug

Danitha Capashen, ParagonIllustration: Chris Rallis

Combustible GearhulkIllustration: Daarken

Ocelot PrideIllustration: Chris Seaman

Gisela, Blade of GoldnightIllustration: Jason Chan

Common mistakes

Thinking first strike means double damage. The creature hits once, just earlier. Hitting twice is double strike.
Thinking first strike only works when attacking. It works just as well on a blocker.
Thinking you can grant first strike after the first damage step and still hit first. It has to be there when the first combat damage step begins.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if both creatures have first strike?: They both deal damage in the first combat damage step, at the same time, just as if neither had it.
What's the difference between first strike and double strike?: First strike hits once, in the first damage step. Double strike hits in both steps.
Does first strike work with deathtouch?: Yes, very well. Any creature it damages in the first step is destroyed before it can strike back.
Does first strike work with damage from spells?: No. It only changes the order of combat damage.

Official rule: Comprehensive Rules 702.7. More on where this rulebook comes from under Sources.

Often seen with

Flying Lifelink Vigilance Haste Trample

← All 303 keywords

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Last updated: 26 October 2026