4 Oct 2004
The ability allows you to deal damage during the declare blockers step of combat, which is well before even first strike creatures deal damage.
4 Oct 2004
It can target any creature on the battlefield, not just one of the ones blocking it.
4 Oct 2004
The ability triggers even if a spell or ability makes it blocked, instead of being blocked by a creature.
4 Oct 2004
The ability is optional. You can decide to allow it to deal combat damage as normal.