Flanking

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Revision as of 22:25, 7 April 2006 by >Gwiz665 (I always forget the categories. Graagh!)
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Flanking is a Keyword Ability that gives creatures that block a creature with Flanking -1/-1. It was originally introduced in the Mirage Block, and has been seen very little since. There are approximately twenty-two cards that has or gives Flanking.

From the Comprehensive Rules:

  • 502.3. Flanking
    • 502.3a Flanking is a triggered ability that triggers during the declare blockers step. (See rule 309, "Declare Blockers Step.") "Flanking" means "Whenever this creature becomes blocked by a creature without flanking, the blocking creature gets -1/-1 until end of turn."
    • 502.3b If a creature has multiple instances of flanking, each triggers separately.

As this is done during the Declare Blockers Step, if a creature is put into the graveyard as a result of the -1/-1, that creature will deal no damage to the creature with Flanking, even if it has First Strike.

A thing many seem to forget is that Flanking only triggers when a creature with Flanking becomes blocked, not when it blocks.