Is declaring a creature as an attacker the same thing as attacking?

[tsul25]

Basically, if I have a [c]Slumbering Dragon[/c] who is only a 3/3, but I have five instances of exhaulted, could I declare him as my only attacker, get my 5 counters, and then proceed to attack with him?

I'm assuming the answer's gonna be no, but it would be cool if that actually worked.

[BlackJester]

No, on multiple levels:
1. Attacking with a creature and declaring a creature as an attacker are synonymous.
2. Exalted only triggers after the creature attacks.
3. Exalted gives +1/+1 till end of turn, not +1/+1 counters.

Two out of three ain't bad.👍

There is a difference between having a creature that is attacking and declaring a creature as an attacker. Basically, if you had a creature with exaulted on the board and you declare {Geist of Saint Taft} as your only attacker, a 4/4 angel will be put into play tapped and attacking AND exalted will trigger. This is because you only declared one attacker, even though another creature was put into play attacking.
Confirmed.🔨

[tsul25]

I see. I've actually got another rules question (unrelated), so can I ask it here, or do I have to start a new topic?

[BlackJester]

You should start a new topic. That way, its easier for someone searching for an answer to find the relevant topics.

[Hays413]

You should start a new topic. That way, its easier for someone searching for an answer to find the relevant topics.

Yea because evidence has shown so many people use that function...

...and yes I know evidence to show the contrary wouldn't be present because people who used the search function would find they're answers.

[BlackJester]

Well, by "search" I mean "look at the titles of the topics.  Using the search, you'd find the rule buried in any thread. 👍