First strike

[Avacadooverlord]

I am very very new to magic the gathering, and i  have a difficult time understanding first strike. What does it let the creature do? Thanks for helping 😊

[particle]

so basically in combat, there is a normal strike damage step, that all normal creatures do damage in that are attacking or blocking. if a creature has first strike, they do their damage in the first strike damage step, which is before the regular damage step. basically it goes like this, attack, block, with people aloud to respond in between, and then first strike damage step, and then people can respond, and then regular strike damage. note that if a creature has double strike they will deal combat damage in both first strike and regular combat steps.

[Wingnut]

Hint--deathtouch + first strike = frowny opponents.

[mickeven]

I always like to explain first strike in physical terms. Lets say you have a Spear and your opponent has a short sword. If you hit them with your spear and they die the sword wont be able to reach you by itself so you take no damage. If you hit them with the spear and it doesnt kill your opponent, the opponent can still move closer and hit you with the short sword and deal damage to you. Imagine creature with first strike carrying a weapon longer or having a longer reach than a creature without first strike.