Definition

Double Strike is an ability that monster attacks twice each round.

Effect:

• When a monster with Double Strike attacks, it performs two consecutive attacks against the targeted enemy monster.
• Each attack is separate and applies all relevant damage, abilities, and effects. This includes abilities triggered on hit, like Opportunity or Thorns.
• Double Strike only triggers during the attacking monster's turn, not during retaliations or counter-attacks.

Strategic Considerations:

• High-damage output: Double Strike effectively doubles your offensive potential, letting you dish out massive damage and potentially eliminate multiple enemy monsters in a single turn. This is particularly effective against low-health opponents or those vulnerable to additional effects triggered by the second attack.
• Combo potential: Combine Double Strike with abilities like Opportunity, Reach, or Sneak to further maximize your chances of hitting twice and triggering additional effects. Imagine a Sneak monster with Double Strike eliminating a key target in the backline and triggering Opportunity from your front line, creating a devastating chain reaction.
• Target selection: Prioritize using Double Strike against vulnerable targets, like weakened monsters or those with abilities easily countered by the second attack. Eliminating a key threat with two consecutive hits can significantly disrupt your opponent's strategy.
• Mana cost considerations: Monsters with Double Strike often have higher mana costs, so factor in your overall mana curve and strategic goals when building your deck.

Notable Rulesets

• Super Sneak - Take out your opponent's back line with double strike. Adding an additional melee attack via summoner or the inspire ability will help you to achieve your aims!
• Back to Basics - Monsters lose all abilities - consider whether a single strike from your monster warrants their inclusion in your lineup.
• Heavy Hitters - all monsters gain the knockout ability - double damage to enemies that are stunned. Coupled with double strike, you can destroy your opponent's armor then go after their main health stat in the same turn!
• Briar Patch/Counterspell/Fire & Regret - Ensure that your recharged monster can take what they dish out! While attacking every other round may be beneficial here, consider the possibilities before including a monster with Double Strike in your lineup.
• Explosive Weaponry - What damage two strikes can do when your target and adjacent monsters take damage from blast!
• Reverse Speed - Currently, no monsters with double strike and a speed of 1 exist. Within this ruleset, the slower the monster the better!

Notable Abilities

• Inspire - +1 to all melee attacks. A melee monster with Double Strike can absolutely devastate your opponent.
• Thorns - twice the strike, twice the thorns damage!
• Sneak - attack the monster in the final position twice. Including multiple monsters with sneak will help you to take you opponent from behind.
• Stun - If your opponent uses stun, your monster will not be able to attack. This could hamstring your strategy if you were reliant on a double striking tank for victory. Remember to round out your team with many attack types and abilities.
• Shield/Void - Reduced damage from melee/ranged and magic attacks, respectively, will help to keep your double striking monster in the game longer.
• Halving - If your opponent successfully attacks your monster with halving, it will still attack twice but the strength of attack will reduce by half (rounded down).

Overall, Double Strike is a potent offensive ability that can significantly impact the battlefield and claim victory in your favor. By understanding its mechanics, incorporating it into your deck strategically, and utilizing it tactically, you can unleash the devastating power of Double Strike and conquer the Splinterlands arena!