Rule that allows blocking and sacrificing
Asked by Fizzz 10 years ago
Hello,
I have asked previously if I can block and then sacrifice a creature, so that the attacker does not hit me.
The problem is that a friend keeps on telling that you cannot activate abilities during this time, so if I do that, then the damage would go through.
What are the rulings behind me blocking, sacrificing to take advantage of an activated ability, so that the attacker is blocked and I avoid getting hit?
GreatSword says... #2
By the way, I understand how your friend feels. When I first learned this ruling a few years ago, it felt very wrong and that my opponent was somehow cheating. But this is how the rules of Magic are, and any new knowledge you gain on how the rules of the game work can only make you a better player.
GreatSword says... Accepted answer #1
There are 5 steps of combat: beginning, declare attackers, declare blockers, combat damage, end of combat. The game never moves on to the next step until both players pass priority over an empty stack. If, after a player declares blockers, a blocking creature is somehow removed from combat, the blocked creature will still be considered blocked and won't be able to deal any damage (unless it has trample).
116.4. If all players pass in succession (that is, if all players pass without taking any actions in between passing), the spell or ability on top of the stack resolves or, if the stack is empty, the phase or step ends.
510.1c A blocked creature assigns its combat damage to the creatures blocking it. If no creatures are currently blocking it (if, for example, they were destroyed or removed from combat), it assigns no combat damage.
September 8, 2013 6:11 p.m.