Timing & CastingBeginner

Ability in MTG

Text or a characteristic that lets an object affect the game.

Why it matters

Abilities may be activated, triggered, static, or mana abilities. Most activated and triggered abilities use the stack independently of the object that created them.

Visual example

Activate an ability

Top of stackResolves first
Prodigal Sorcerer

Uses a tap symbol to activate a damage ability

Activate an ability
Objects leave from the top, one at a time
  1. 1Choose a legal target for Prodigal Sorcerer.
  2. 2Pay the cost by tapping the creature.
  3. 3The ability goes on the stack and later deals one damage when it resolves.

Real card example

Prodigal Sorcerer

Uses a tap symbol to activate a damage ability

Common mistakes

  • Countering an ability does not automatically remove its source.
  • Once activated, an ability normally exists on the stack independently of its source.

Official rule reference

Comprehensive Rules 113 · Current Comprehensive Rules

View official rules