Hard-Won JitteHow it works & interactions with other cards

The Power of Double Strike

Hard-Won Jitte grants the equipped creature double strike, which changes how it behaves during the combat phase. Instead of one combat damage step, there are two. The creature deals damage in the first combat damage step alongside other creatures with first strike or double strike, and then it deals damage again in the second combat damage step alongside normal attackers.

Equipping Step by Step

To utilize Hard-Won Jitte, you must follow the equip keyword process. First, pay the activation cost of {2} mana during your main phase when the stack is empty. Choose a target creature you control to receive the Equipment. Once the ability resolves, the artifact becomes attached to that creature, and it immediately gains double strike.

Strategic Considerations

Because Hard-Won Jitte only provides double strike and no power or toughness bonuses, it is most effective on creatures that already have high power or 'on-hit' abilities. Remember that you can only activate the equip ability as a sorcery, meaning you cannot move the Jitte to a blocker during an opponent's turn to surprise them.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is assuming double strike allows a creature to kill a blocker in the first step and then deal full damage to the player in the second. Unless the creature also has trample, if it is blocked, all its damage must be assigned to the blocking creatures, even if the blocker is destroyed during the first damage step.

Interaction examples

Accelerating the Equipment

Sol Ring

You can use the colorless mana provided by Sol Ring to pay the entire {2} equip cost of Hard-Won Jitte. This allows you to play the Jitte and attach it to a creature much earlier than your opponent might expect, setting up a high-damage attack in the early turns.

Fixing Mana for the Jitte

Arcane Signet

If you are playing a multi-color deck, Arcane Signet ensures you have the {R} required to cast Hard-Won Jitte. Once the artifact is on the battlefield, the Signet can also help cover the generic portion of the equip cost, ensuring your best creature is always armed for battle.

Combat Sequence

With Hard-Won Jitte equipped to a 3/3 creature, you enter combat. During the first combat damage step, your creature deals 3 damage. If the blocker survives or if the creature was unblocked, it deals another 3 damage during the second combat damage step, totaling 6 damage in one turn.