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@K9GM3 Whats confusing me is that there is no first strike step unless there are creatures with first strike, which implies to my mind that if I arrows he could bloodrush and deal 12, since its not possible for me to wait until after the first strike step because it doesnt exist, but, if there are other creatures in combat with first strike, the step does exist, and then I can wait until after first strike to cast arrows and not take such a brutal beating. This is all assuming K-Mogg's claim of there not being a first strike step without creatures with first/double strike

Feb 20, 2013 -- 8:10AM, mr.physics wrote:

This is all assuming K-Mogg's claim of there not being a first strike step without creatures with first/double strike

This claim is confirmed by rule 506.1.

In fact, the Combat Damage Steps (regular & first strike) actually are optional:
508.6. If no creatures are declared as attackers or put onto the battlefield attacking, skip the declare blockers and combat damage steps.

Feb 20, 2013 -- 8:10AM, mr.physics wrote:

This is all assuming K-Mogg's claim of there not being a first strike step without creatures with first/double strike

...Sort of.

Here's what happens after you declare blockers:

1) Players have a chance to cast spells and activate abilities. Your opponent could hypothetically bloodrush Wrecking Ogre or cast Aerial Maneuver at this time.
2) The declare blockers step ends and the combat damage step begins. The game checks whether any blocking or attacking creatures have first strike, double strike or both. If no creature has either ability, then steps 6 and 7 do not happen.
3) The creatures with first strike and/or double strike assign and deal combat damage. If there are no such creatures, all creatures deal combat damage instead.
4) Players have a chance to cast spells and activate abilities. Your opponent could hypothetically bloodrush Wrecking Ogre or cast Aerial Maneuver at this time.
5) The combat damage step ends. The game either proceeds to the end of combat step, or to a second combat damage step.
6) The creatures that didn't have first strike at the start of the previous combat damage step deal combat damage, as do all creatures that have double strike right now.
7) Players have a chance to cast spells and activate abilities. Again, your opponent could hypothetically bloodrush Wrecking Ogre or cast Aerial Maneuver at this time.

So, a comprehensive recap. Let's assume that your opponent's creature is a Centaur Courser with no counters or extra abilities, and that no other creatures have first strike or double strike:

• If your opponent casts Aerial Maneuver during step 1), then Centaur Courser deals 4 damage during step 3). Steps 6) and 7) do happen.
• If your opponent casts Aerial Maneuver during step 4), then Centaur Courser deals 4 damage during step 3). Steps 6) and 7) do not happen.
• If your opponent bloodrushes Wrecking Ogre during step 1), then Centaur Courser deals 6 damage during step 3) and 6 damage during step 6). Steps 6) and 7) do happen.
• If your opponent bloodrushes Wrecking Ogre during step 4), then Centaur Courser deals 6 damage during step 3). Steps 6) and 7) do not happen.
• If your opponent casts Aerial Maneuver during step 1) and bloodrushes Wrecking Ogre during step 4), then Centaur Courser deals 4 damage during step 3) and 8 damage during step 6). Steps 6) and 7) do happen.
• If your opponent casts Aerial Maneuver during step 1) and bloodrushes Wrecking Ogre during step 7), then Centaur Courser deals 4 damage during step 3). Steps 6) and 7) do happen.