Keyword Spotlight: Double Strike
>> 702.4. Double Strike
>> 702.4a Double strike is a static ability that modifies the rules for the combat damage step. (See rule 510, “Combat Damage Step.”)
>> 702.4b If at least one attacking or blocking creature has first strike (see rule 702.7) or double strike as the combat damage step begins, the only creatures that assign combat damage in that step are those with first strike or double strike. After that step, instead of proceeding to the end of combat step, the phase gets a second combat damage step. The only creatures that assign combat damage in that step are the remaining attackers and blockers that had neither first strike nor double strike as the first combat damage step began, as well as the remaining attackers and blockers that currently have double strike. After that step, the phase proceeds to the end of combat step.
>> 702.4c Removing double strike from a creature during the first combat damage step will stop it from assigning combat damage in the second combat damage step.
>> 702.4d Giving double strike to a creature with first strike after it has already dealt combat damage in the first combat damage step will allow the creature to assign combat damage in the second combat damage step.
>> 702.4e Multiple instances of double strike on the same creature are redundant.
• Prior to Legions (Wtr 2003), Magic R&D had taken multiple cracks at double strike, but it was Wayne Alward’s submission for the first “You Make the Card” contest that finally yielded an elegant solution. While it didn’t suit a Green creature like Forgotten Ancient, it was a substantial combat upgrade for White and Red.
• Legions was an all-creature set, so it seems only appropriate that the first two cards to have double strike — Ridgetop Raptor and Rockshard Elemental — appeared there. The first White creatures to feature it were Fifth Dawn’s Raksha Golden Cub and Skyhunter Skirmisher. As of Hour of Devastation (Sum 2017), double strike appears on 100 unique cards.