⚔️ Combat Phase in Magic: The Gathering - How does it work?

If you're new to Magic , the combat phase can seem confusing at first. When do I attack? How do I block? What about unusual abilities? But don't worry, because this part of the turn, while it has its tricks, is also one of the most fun parts of the game. This is where many games are decided.

Let's see step by step what happens, with easy explanations, without technical jargon.

🧭 What exactly is the Combat Phase?

This is the part of the turn where you can attack your opponent (or their planeswalker, if they have one). And it's not just one step, it's five different moments:

  1. Start of the fight

  2. Declare attackers

  3. Declare blockers

  4. Combat damage

  5. End of the fight

Yes, it seems like a lot, but you'll see it's not that complicated if we take it easy.

🔹 1. Start of combat

You don't attack yet. It's like a warning: "Hey, combat is coming." At this stage, you can use skills or cast spells before declaring attackers .

For example: Do you want to tap one of your opponent's creatures so it can't attack or block? Now's the time. After this, you won't be able to do it again until the combat is over.

🔹 2. Declare attackers

Now you choose which creatures you'll attack with and who will attack (the player or one of their planeswalkers). Attacking creatures turn to indicate they're going into combat.

But beware, not all of them can attack:

  • They must have been on the field from the beginning of the shift.

  • They need to be straightened .

  • They cannot have "summoning sickness" (that state that newly summoned creatures have, unless they have haste ).

Once you decide who attacks, there's no going back!

🔹 3. Declare blockers

Now it's the other player's turn to decide. What creatures will they use to block the attacks?

Each creature can only block one attacker, but an attacker can be blocked by multiple creatures. So here's where the strategy comes in: block with one large creature, or with two small ones to try and kill it between them?

After declaring the blocks, both players can cast spells or activate abilities before the damage is dealt.

🔹 4. Combat Damage

Now it's time to dish out the damage. All the damage is done at the same time , both by the attackers and the blockers.

  • If an attacker is not blocked , it deals direct damage to the player (or the planeswalker).

  • If it was blocked , it attacks with the blockers. Both sides deal damage, and if they exceed the other's toughness, the creatures go to the graveyard.

This is where the skills that can change everything come in:

  • Strike first : your creature deals damage before the other.

  • Damage twice : Hits in two rounds, one with first damage and one normal.

  • Trample : If your creature does more damage than needed to kill the blocker, the player takes the rest.

A creature with "first strike" can take down a blocker before the blocker even touches it. It's amazing if you use it right.

🔹 5. End of the fight

Once the damage has been dealt, we reach the end of the combat phase. Any abilities that say "at end of combat" are activated here. This is also the last opportunity to cast instant spells before moving on to the next phase of the turn.

After this, you cannot attack again until your next turn.

🧠 Player-to-player advice

  • Don't attack with everything just because you can. Sometimes it's better to leave a couple of creatures behind to defend against a counterattack.

  • Look at the abilities. A creature with vigilance can attack without turning around. That means it will be ready to block afterward. Super useful.

  • Take advantage of instants. You can cast a spell right after your opponent blocks. They blocked thinking you were going to kill your creature? Bam! You give them +3/+3 and they're in for a surprise.

📚 In summary

The combat phase is where the action happens in Magic . It's pure tactics: you choose when to press, when to hold back, when to deceive your opponent… and everything can change in a single decision.

It might seem complicated at first, but after playing a couple of games, everything becomes much clearer. And if you want to improve in this phase, having good creatures makes all the difference . Head over to Akiba Loots ; you're sure to find something there that suits your play style.

See you at the table. And remember: attacking for the sake of attacking isn't always the best move. 😉

Need to learn more about Magic? Explore our step-by-step guide and learn everything about the game.

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