Sokka's ChargeHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Sokka's Charge is a static ability that applies specifically to creatures you control with the Ally subtype. As long as it is your turn, these creatures gain double strike, allowing them to deal damage in both the first-strike and regular combat damage steps. Furthermore, they gain lifelink, meaning any damage they deal results in you gaining that much life.

How It Resolves Step by Step

First, the enchantment enters the battlefield and its static ability immediately checks the current turn and your creature types. During your Declare Attackers step, any Ally you choose to attack with will have double strike. In the First Strike Combat Damage step, your Allies deal damage equal to their power; because they have lifelink, you gain life at this exact moment. Finally, in the Regular Combat Damage step, any surviving Allies deal damage again, triggering lifelink once more.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is assuming these bonuses persist during your opponent's turn for blocking; however, the text explicitly states the effect only functions 'during your turn.' Additionally, keep in mind that if Sokka's Charge is destroyed mid-combat before a damage step, your Allies will immediately lose these keywords and deal damage normally.

When to Play It

This card is best deployed when you have established a board presence of at least two or three Allies. It serves as a finisher that makes blocking difficult for your opponent. It is particularly effective when you need to stabilize your life total while maintaining an aggressive stance.

Interaction examples

Charging Through the Prison

Ghostly Prison

If your opponent controls Ghostly Prison, you must still pay {2} for each Ally you wish to attack with. Once you pay the cost and attackers are declared, Sokka's Charge grants them double strike and lifelink for the duration of the combat phase on your turn.

Funding the Charge

Smothering Tithe

While Sokka's Charge focuses on your Allies, Smothering Tithe helps you generate the Treasure tokens needed to cast your expensive Ally spells or pay for additional tax effects. The lifegain from your Allies' lifelink can offset any life lost while you spend turns setting up your mana production with the Tithe.

Double Strike Basics

If you control a 2/2 Ally and Sokka's Charge, your creature deals 2 damage during the first-strike step and 2 damage during the normal damage step. Because of lifelink, you will gain a total of 4 life from this single attacker during your turn.