Abilities and EffectsBeginner
Activated Ability in MTG
An ability written as cost, colon, effect that a player deliberately activates.
Why it matters
To activate an ability, announce it, choose any required modes and targets, and pay every cost before the colon. The ability then waits on the stack independently of its source unless it is a mana ability.
Visual example
Pay an activation cost
Top of stackResolves first
Has a simple activated mana ability with tapping as its cost
Pay an activation cost
Objects leave from the top, one at a time
- 1Choose Sol Ring's ability written {T}: Add {C}{C}.
- 2Tap Sol Ring to pay the cost before the colon.
- 3Its mana ability resolves immediately and adds two colorless mana.
Real card example
Sol Ring
Has a simple activated mana ability with tapping as its cost
Common mistakes
- A colon, not the presence of a tap symbol alone, identifies an activated ability.
- Destroying the source does not normally stop an ability that is already on the stack.
Official rule reference
Comprehensive Rules 602 · Current Comprehensive Rules
View official rules