Declare blockers step
Asked by Darth_Versity 10 years ago
So I'm trying to work out if there is a gap between the declaration of blockers and a creature being blocked or if they are all one action.
The reason is I wish to use Stonehewer Giant to flash in Godsend to remove particular threats (usually a Commander) but the exile effect only happens when the creature becomes blocked, so I'm not sure if I need to attached before declaration of blockers or after.
Darth_Versity says... #2
Ah sorry for putting it in the wrong forum. I'll get it right next time.
Thanks for the answer. I assumed that was the way it would work but hopeful that I was wrong. Ah well, at least it's still a viable strategy when someone attacks me.
Epochalyptik says... Accepted answer #1
First, rules questions should be asked in the Q&A, which is linked in the header bar. I can't move this to the Q&A, so I'm moving it to BE.
Declaring blockers is a turn-based action. It happens at the beginning of the declare blockers step, and it doesn't use the stack. Players don't have priority at this point, and they can't take any actions until the declaration of blockers is complete.
Blockers are declared all at once. Once declared, the blockers officially become blocking creatures, and the attackers they blocked become blocked creatures. Abilities that trigger when a creature blocks or becomes blocked trigger at this time.
Once the declaration of blockers is complete, the active player is given priority. At this point, the opportunity for blocks/becomes blocked abilities to trigger has passed. You can certainly activate Stonehewer Giant 's ability, but Godsend 's ability won't trigger retroactively if you put it onto the battlefield and attach it after blockers have been declared.
The latest you could possibly pull Godsend would be at the end of the declare attackers step. Your opponent will begin the declaration of blockers knowing which creature is equipped by Godsend . You can't pull any combat trick where you wait to see the declaration of blockers, then respond with something in order to move Godsend appropriately.
September 7, 2014 3:53 a.m.