Sudden StrikeHow it works & interactions with other cards

Defining the Targets

Sudden Strike can only target a creature that is currently designated as an 'attacking' or 'blocking' creature. A creature becomes an attacking creature as soon as it is declared as an attacker during the Declare Attackers Step. It becomes a blocking creature as soon as it is declared as a blocker during the Declare Blockers Step. Once combat ends, these designations are removed, and the card can no longer target them.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you cast Sudden Strike by paying its mana cost of one white and one generic mana, selecting a legal attacking or blocking creature as the target. Upon resolution, the game checks if the target is still legal (if the creature is still in combat and on the battlefield). If the target is still legal, the creature is destroyed and put into its owner's graveyard. Any damage that creature would have dealt in subsequent combat steps will not occur unless it had already dealt damage in a First Strike layer.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is attempting to cast Sudden Strike during the Main Phase before combat has begun or after the Combat Phase has concluded. You cannot destroy a creature 'in anticipation' of it attacking. Additionally, note that 'Destroy' effects are stopped by the Indestructible keyword, unlike exile effects found on cards like Swords to Plowshares or Path to Exile.

When to Strike

The best time to play Sudden Strike is usually during the Declare Blockers step. This allows you to see how your opponent intends to block before deciding which threat is the most dangerous. If you are the defender, casting it after your opponent declares attackers but before you declare your own blockers can help you thin the herd and make your own blocks more favorable.

Interaction examples

Removing an Unblocked Attacker

Your opponent attacks with a powerful creature. You pass priority during the Declare Attackers step, then during the Declare Blockers step, you choose not to block. Before moving to the Combat Damage step, you cast Sudden Strike targeting the attacker. The creature is destroyed, and you take zero damage.

Comparison with Exile Effects

Swords to Plowshares

While Swords to Plowshares can target any creature at any time, Sudden Strike is restricted to combat. However, Sudden Strike does not give your opponent life, making it a more aggressive choice if you only need to remove creatures that are actively standing in your way.

Tactical Sequencing

Path to Exile

If you have both cards in hand, you might use Sudden Strike first on an attacking creature to preserve your Path to Exile for a utility creature that never enters combat. Remember that Sudden Strike sends the creature to the graveyard, which might trigger 'dies' abilities, whereas Path to Exile removes the creature from the game entirely.