Keyword ActionsBeginner

Discard in MTG

Move a card from a player's hand to that player's graveyard.

Why it matters

A player discards only when a rule, cost, or effect specifically instructs them to discard. Cards put into a graveyard from the hand in another way may not count as discarded.

Visual example

Discard two cards

Hand
Mind Rot

Makes an opponent discard two cards

GraveyardDiscard two cards
  1. 1Mind Rot resolves targeting an opponent.
  2. 2That player chooses two cards from their hand.
  3. 3Move both chosen cards from the hand to their owner's graveyard.

Real card example

Mind Rot

Makes an opponent discard two cards

Common mistakes

  • Discard always moves a card from a hand, not from the library or battlefield.
  • If an effect makes an opponent choose the card, the spell's controller does not make that choice.

Official rule reference

Comprehensive Rules 701.8 · Current Comprehensive Rules

View official rules