Raphael, Tag Team Tough is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.

Official card text

Menace (This creature can't be blocked except by two or more creatures.) Whenever Raphael deals combat damage to a player for the first time each turn, untap all attacking creatures. After this combat phase, there is an additional combat phase.

Complete guide

Raphael, Tag Team Tough is a powerhouse from the Universes Within series, designed to overwhelm your opponents through sheer aggression. With his ability to grant extra combat phases, he ensures your team stays on the move and ready for battle. This Red legend turns a single successful strike into a relentless onslaught.

Understanding Combat Momentum

Raphael, Tag Team Tough features two key abilities: Menace and a triggered combat ability. Menace makes him difficult to block, requiring at least two creatures to stop him. When he successfully deals combat damage to a player for the first time in a turn, he untaps all attacking creatures and generates an additional combat phase following the current one.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you must declare Raphael as an attacker. During the damage step, if Raphael deals combat damage to a player, his triggered ability goes on the stack. Upon resolution, every creature currently designated as an 'attacking creature' untaps. Crucially, the game creates a brand new combat phase after the current phase ends, allowing those freshly untapped creatures to attack once more.

Timing and Restrictions

The ability only triggers the 'first time' Raphael deals combat damage to a player each turn. This means if you gain a third or fourth combat phase through other means, Raphael will not trigger again during those subsequent combats. Also, note that while Raphael untaps your creatures, he does not grant Haste; creatures must already be able to attack to benefit from the extra phase.

When to Deploy Raphael

Raphael is most effective when you have a board state full of 'attack' triggers. Since he untaps all attacking creatures, even those that didn't deal damage will be ready to strike again. Use him when your opponent is low on blockers to ensure that Menace allows his damage to get through and trigger the extra phase.

Interaction examples

Double the Primal Storm

Etali, Primal Storm

You attack with both Raphael and Etali. Etali's ability triggers, exiling cards from libraries. If Raphael deals combat damage to the player, his ability untaps both himself and Etali. After this combat, you move to an additional combat phase. You can then attack with Etali a second time, triggering its powerful exile-and-cast ability once again.

Treasure Hoarding with Goldspan

Goldspan Dragon

Attack with Goldspan Dragon and Raphael. Goldspan Dragon triggers on the attack, creating a Treasure token. If Raphael connects with the opponent's life total, he untaps the Dragon and creates an additional combat. During the second combat, attacking again with Goldspan Dragon generates a second Treasure token, doubling your mana acceleration for the turn.

Solo Strike Strategy

If Raphael attacks alone and is not blocked by at least two creatures, he deals damage to the player. He then untaps himself and creates a second combat phase. Because he is untapped and the turn is still yours, you can declare him as an attacker again in the new combat phase, effectively dealing 10 damage in one turn if unblocked.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.