you can ‘skip’ the combat phase, yes. Just acknowledge that fact that you are entering it, then not attacking.

Can you play a sorcery in response to an instant?

A sorcery has its effect—in other words, you follow the instructions on the card—then you put it into your graveyard, which is the game term for your discard pile. An instant is just like a sorcery, except you can cast it just about any time you want, even during your opponent’s turn or in response to another spell.

What happens in the combat phase of Magic The Gathering?

One of the players may have had mana floating, or perhaps a player was trying to play an ability that can only be played as a sorcery. The details will let you know how to proceed. Declaring attackers is normally rather straightforward until we have creatures with attack restrictions.

Why are there so many problems in the combat phase?

While you’ll occasionally get a player trying to trick his opponent here, you can generally assume that the majority of problems you’ll encounter are genuine miscommunications or players playing too fast, not giving the opponent the opportunity to respond. Your best bet is to teach your players a correct announcement and/or response.

How are sorceries and instants different in Magic The Gathering?

Sorceries and instants differ only in when they can be cast. Sorceries may only be cast during the player’s own main phases, and only when the stack is empty. Instants, on the other hand, can be cast at any time, including during other players’ turns and while another spell or ability is waiting to resolve (see timing and the stack).

What does defender say in the combat phase?

Defender: “In your Combat Phase, but before you declare attackers, I’d like to . . . ” or “Before you move to your Combat Phase, I’ll do such and such.” If you come upon a disagreement here (“you did that during my Main Phase” “No!”