The Combat Trick
BeginnerGiant Growth saves your blocker — but only if you hit the right window.
Cards involved
The block is in
Your opponent attacks with Hill Giant (3/3), you block with your Grizzly Bears (2/2). After blockers are declared, players receive priority — the classic window for combat tricks.
509.1First, the defending player declares blockers. This turn-based action doesn’t use the stack. To declare blockers, the defending player follows the steps below, in order. If at any point during the declaration of blockers, the defending player is unable to comply with any of the steps listed below, the declaration is illegal; the game returns to the moment before the declaration (see rule 733, “Handling Illegal Actions”).
509.2Second, the active player gets priority. (See rule 117, “Timing and Priority.”)
What happens?
Without help, your Bear dies.
When do you cast Giant Growth so the Bear survives AND the Giant dies?
Pick an answer to continue.
Combat damage doesn't use the stack — there is no "responding to the damage" (510.2). And casting before blockers gives away the trick before the block is locked in. The window after blockers is the standard moment for combat tricks.
510.2Second, all combat damage that’s been assigned is dealt simultaneously. This turn-based action doesn’t use the stack. No player has the chance to cast spells or activate abilities between the time combat damage is assigned and the time it’s dealt.
You cast Giant Growth
Target: your Grizzly Bears. Your opponent could still respond — but doesn't.
Giant Growth resolves
The Bears are 5/5 until end of turn.
Combat damage
Both strike simultaneously: the Bears deal 5 to the Giant (dead), the Giant deals 3 to the Bears — with 5 toughness they survive. Trick accomplished.
510.1aEach attacking creature and each blocking creature assigns combat damage equal to its power. Creatures that would assign 0 or less damage this way don’t assign combat damage at all.
510.2Second, all combat damage that’s been assigned is dealt simultaneously. This turn-based action doesn’t use the stack. No player has the chance to cast spells or activate abilities between the time combat damage is assigned and the time it’s dealt.
Stack
Hill Giant
Your opponent's 3/3 attacker
Grizzly Bears
Your 2/2 blocker
Giant Growth
+3/+3 until end of turn
The stack is empty.
Battlefield
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