Well, yes, you can first check and then kill with the right method. But isn't it better to try to kill right away? If it doesn't work, well, try another method later. But it might work!
In the end, where is the benefit of checking???
Added 1 minute ago
And you were the first to cast a vote on Haynes... okay, let's say you didn't know the nuances of displaying defenses until Heaven wrote about it.