Magic: The Gathering is a game that involves intricate strategies and exciting gameplay, especially during the combat phase. This phase is crucial as creatures clash, showcasing the exhilarating essence of playing an aggro deck. This article explores the top extra combat cards that can turn the tide of battle by granting players additional combat phases, often leading to unexpected victories.
The concept of a second combat phase can catch many players off guard, offering a strategic advantage to those who utilize it effectively. Infinite turns may result in infinite extra combats. Still, this list focuses on cards that specifically grant an additional combat phase within a single turn.
Aggravated Assault: Aggravating For Your Opponents
Aggravated Assault is a card that shifts from relatively unimpressive in standard decks to potentially game-breaking in decks capable of generating significant mana. It allows for extra combat phases, which can be leveraged through combinations with creatures like Neheb, the Eternal, or Savage Ventmaw, leading to relentless attacks.
Breath of Fury: A Warning to Opponents
Breath of Fury represents the dual nature of extra combat cards as both potential combo pieces and strategic gambles. Sacrificing a creature for an additional combat phase requires careful planning, often involving generating new creatures to sustain the onslaught.
Scourge of the Throne: Dominance Challenged
Introduced in the Conspiracy sets, Scourge of the Throne utilizes the dethrone mechanic to encourage aggressive play against the leading player. It adds an extra combat phase and enhances the attacking creature, potentially shifting the game’s momentum.
Bloodthirster: The Unrelenting Force
Despite its name, Bloodthirster does not rely on the bloodthirst mechanic but instead focuses on dealing substantial damage across multiple combats. Its synergy with effects that double its power exemplifies its devastating impact on the battlefield.
Moraug, Fury of Akoum: Master of Combats
Moraug capitalizes on the landfall ability to offer potentially unlimited extra combat steps. However, players must navigate its timing intricacies to maximize its effectiveness, making it a card that rewards strategic land play.
Najeela, The Blade-Blossom: Solo Strategist
Najeela demonstrates the power of synergy and strategic play, offering extra combat phases without requiring intricate combos. Originating from the Battlebond set, it has become a formidable commander in its own right.
Anzrag, The Quake-Mole: The Defender’s Dilemma
Anzrag presents opponents with a challenging decision: block and trigger another combat phase or suffer significant damage. This card exemplifies the tactical depth extra combat cards can add to the game.
Combat Celebrant: Collective Assault
Combat Celebrant showcases the creative ways players can circumvent limitations to generate multiple combat phases. Through clever use of equipment and copies, it opens up endless possibilities for aggression.
Karlach, Fury Of Avernus: Game-Ending Potential
Karlach offers straightforward extra combat phases, enhancing any combat-focused deck. Its flexibility and immediate impact make it a valuable addition to any strategy aimed at overwhelming opponents through sheer aggression.
Aurelia, The Warleader: The Boros Champion
Aurelia embodies the spirit of the Boros Legion, providing haste and the potential for massive damage across multiple combat phases. Its synergy with Helm of the Host, among other strategies, makes it a key card for aggressive decks looking to close games swiftly.
Conclusion
Extra combat cards are a dynamic element of Magic: The Gathering, allowing players to seize the initiative and maintain pressure on their opponents. Through strategic deployment and synergy with other cards, these extra combat phases can turn the tide of battle, showcasing the depth and excitement that Magic brings to the tabletop.