Striking SliverHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Hive Mind of Speed

Striking Sliver possesses a static ability that continuously applies to all Sliver creatures you control on the battlefield. First strike modifies the rules of the combat phase: if any creatures in combat have first strike or double strike, a second combat damage step is created. Your Slivers will deal their damage in the first of these steps, potentially destroying blockers before they can even swing back.

Step-by-Step Combat Resolution

When you enter the combat damage step with a Sliver, the game checks for first strike. First, the first-strike combat damage step occurs, where your Slivers deal damage. If a blocking creature is dealt lethal damage during this step, it is destroyed and removed from the battlefield immediately. Only creatures that survived the first step or didn't have first strike will deal damage during the regular combat damage step.

Common Timing Pitfalls

One critical rule to remember is that if Striking Sliver is removed from the battlefield after the first-strike damage step but before the regular damage step, your other Slivers lose first strike. While they have already dealt damage, they do not 'regain' the ability to strike again in the second step. Furthermore, having multiple copies of Striking Sliver is cumulative in terms of source, but redundant in effect; a creature with two instances of first strike doesn't gain any additional benefit.

When to Deploy the Hive

Striking Sliver is best played early to deter opponents from attacking with low-toughness creatures. It is also an excellent tool for breaking through stalemates, as it allows your larger Slivers to kill blockers without taking damage in return. Because it only costs one red mana, it is easy to weave into a turn alongside other spells to surprise an opponent before their blockers are declared.

Interaction examples

Surgical Combat Strikes

Ornithopter of Paradise

You attack with Striking Sliver, and your opponent blocks with Ornithopter of Paradise. Because Striking Sliver has first strike, it deals 1 damage to the Ornithopter in the first combat damage step. The Ornithopter, having 2 toughness, survives. In the regular combat damage step, the Ornithopter deals its 0 damage to the Sliver. Both creatures survive the encounter.

Denied Saboteur Effects

Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer

Your opponent attacks with Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer. You block with Striking Sliver. In the first-strike combat damage step, Striking Sliver deals 1 damage to Ragavan. Since Ragavan has only 1 toughness, it is destroyed. Because Ragavan was destroyed before the regular combat damage step, it never deals damage, meaning its ability to create a Treasure and exile your card never triggers.