CombatBeginner

Trample in MTG

Excess combat damage from a blocked attacker can be assigned to what it is attacking.

Why it matters

The attacking creature must assign at least lethal damage to each blocker before assigning remaining damage to the defending player, planeswalker, or battle.

Visual example

Split combat damage

Attacker
Colossal Dreadmaw

A 6/6 attacker with trample

Combat
Defender
Grizzly Bears

A 2/2 creature blocking the attacker

  1. 1Colossal Dreadmaw is blocked by Grizzly Bears.
  2. 2Assign at least two damage to the 2/2 blocker.
  3. 3Assign the remaining four damage to the defending player.

Real card example

Colossal Dreadmaw

A 6/6 attacker with trample

Common mistakes

  • Trample matters only when the attacking creature is blocked.
  • Lethal assignment considers marked damage and deathtouch, not effects that might prevent damage.

Official rule reference

Comprehensive Rules 702.19 · Current Comprehensive Rules

View official rules