Know when you cards do their thing with this guide to activated and triggered abilities.
However, there are some fairly complex systems that govern the way Magic works.
Still,priority and the stack are two core conceptsthat you should at least have a fundamental understanding of.
Promise of Loyalty by Sara Winters
What Is Priority?
Think of it like a game where players pass a ball back and forth to one another.
In Magic, the player with priority (i.e.
- Contested Game Ball byCamille Alquier
the player holding the ball) is the first person who gets to take action.
Who Has Priority In The Game?
The active turn player is always the first person to receive priorityat the beginning of each step and phase.
Contested Game Ball byCamille Alquier
Since it’s not their turn, this usually meanscasting an instantor using an activated ability.
When Do Players Receive Priority?
There are some steps and phases where playersdon’t receive priority at all, except in niche situations.
A Killer Among Us byLeesha Hannigan
Step/Phase
Do Players Receive Priority?
Players will draw their card for turn first before priority is gained.
Pre-Combat Main Phase
Beginning of Combat Step
Yes.
Master Warcraft by Zoltan Boros & Gabor Szikszai
This is the last chance opponents have to interact before attackers are declared.
Declare Attackers Step
Yes.
Attackers are declared first, then priority is passed around the table.
Shock by Dominik Mayer
Declare Blockers Step
Yes.
Blockers are determined and ordered first.
This is the last time to interact before damage is dealt.
First StrikeDamage Step
Yes, after first strike damage is dealt.
This step doesn’t exist if there aren’t creatures in combat with first strike ordouble strike.
Regular Damage Step
No.
Damage is dealt simultaneously.
Players cannot take game actions while this happens.
End of Combat Step
Yes, though actions are rarely taken during this phase.
All of History, All at Once by Nestor Ossandon Leal
Post-Combat Main Phase
End Step
Yes.
“At the end of turn” triggers will be placed on the stack, then players receive priority.
Note thatplayers don’t usually receive priority during the untap, damage, and cleanup steps.
This is the equivalent of saying ‘passing priority until someone else wants to interact.’
Priority passes still happen even if a player literally can’t take any game actions.
What Is The Stack?
Think of the stack like the waiting room of Magic.
If even one other player interacts, priority will continue in turn order and reset with the active player.
A classic example involves Lightning Bolt vs.
Priority passes and Player B casts Giant Growth on the 3/3.
Most spells and abilities use the stack, but not everything does.
Here’s a list of regular game actions that either do or do not use the stack.
Game Action
Does It Use The Stack?
What If Multiple Triggers Happen At The Same Time?
The ordering of replacement effects is not based on whom the active player is.
How Does Paying For A Spell Or Ability Work?
This meansthe cost is already paid by the time players can react.
Magic: The Gathering is wildly entertaining but can be difficult to pick up for beginners.
Here are some great tips for starters!
