Backstab
| Name | Backstab |
|---|---|
| Type | Combat |
| Description | Only usable by a blocking vampire. Only usable on the first round of combat. [cel] This vampire gets first strike on his or her initial strike this round. [CEL] As above, with an additional strike (limited). |
| Artist | William O'Connor |
| Set | Third Edition #100124 |
| Wallpaper |  Download wallpaper |
| Image |  Download image |
| Artists | William O'Connor |
| Krcg Id | 100124 |
| Blood Cost | 2 |
| Disciplines | cel |
| Legal Since | 1996-05-29 |
| Printed Name | Backstab |
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About Backstab
Backstab, Combat, designed by William O'Connor first released in May 1996 in the set Ancient Hearts and was printed exactly in 3 different ways.
Backstab best fits a **defensive CEL combat deck** whose vampires routinely block and can hit hard enough to incapacitate an attacker with their first strike; at superior CEL, the additional strike gives them a follow-up if the fight continues. It is much less useful in an aggressive rush deck, since it works only when blocking and only in the first round, and its two-blood cost is steep. **Blur** is generally the better choice if your main goal is additional strikes: it is more flexible and can provide more of them at superior CEL, though it does not replicate Backstab’s first-strike effect. I would consider Backstab as a niche one- or two-copy option in a dedicated blocking combat deck, but not a staple.
Rules
10/07/2026
Can be played at any time before strike resolution, including after both minions have selected their strikes. [LSJ 20000215]
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Frequently asked questions about Backstab
What type of card is Backstab?
Backstab is a Combat card in Vampire: The Eternal Struggle.
What is the effect of Backstab?
Only usable by a blocking vampire. Only usable on the first round of combat. [cel] This vampire gets first strike on his or her initial strike this round. [CEL] As above, with an additional strike (limited).
What is the original set of Backstab?
Backstab was first released in the set Ancient Hearts, illustrated by William O'Connor.
What is the legality of Backstab?
Legality depends on the tournament format -- Backstab can be legal in some formats and banned or restricted in others. See the full breakdown per format in the Legality section above.