When attacks, an attacking 4/4 flying angel token is put into play. The Geist’s ability doesn’t specify what this token is attacking, so the controller gets to choose. It does not have to be attacking the same player or planeswalker that the Geist of Saint Traft is attacking. For example, if Geist of Saint Traft […]
The card revealed by Delver of Secrets’ ability is on top of its controller’s library.
has a single triggered ability that involves a few steps. When it resolves, the controller of the Delver will look at the top card of his or her library. Then that player may choose to reveal the card. If the player does and the card is an instant or sorcery, the Delver will transform. Once […]
You may only use Flameblast Dragon’s ability once each time it triggers.
has a triggered ability that triggers whenever it attacks. When this ability goes on the stack, you choose a single target creature or player. When this ability resolves, you can pay one red mana and any amount of generic mana. If you do, the targeted creature or player will be dealt damage equal to the […]
Effects that change a permanent’s characteristics only apply when the card is in play.
Effects like the one generated by , or all give a permanent an additional permanent type. It is important to note that these effects only apply while the affected permanent is on the battlefield. Once it leaves play, any of these effects will no longer apply to it. For example, if an Inkmoth Nexus is […]
When in doubt, call a judge.
Over the next few weeks, we are going to cover what may seem like very basic ideas and tips for tournament Magic. The judge program has been working on a short list, or as short as we can make it, of things that all new players should know. Many of these things are areas that […]
Lantern Spirit’s ability can be responded to.
has an activated ability that allows you to pay one blue mana and return the Spirit to your hand. This ability is obviously useful as it helps the Spirit dodge removal spells or block and not take any damage. It is important to note that returning the spirit to your hand it part of the […]
What will and what will not trigger Burning Vengeance’s ability.
has an ability that triggers whenever you cast a spell from your graveyard. Not everything that comes from your graveyard and ends up in play is due to casting that spell from your graveyard. It is important to know what actually triggers this ability. Let’s start with the basics: casting a spell via its flashback […]
All versions of a card are legal as long as a card with that English name appears in a legal set.
There are several different official sanctionable constructed formats in Magic. These formats are defined by which sets are legal to use when building decks. Because some cards appear in more than one set, it is legal to use a card from a previous set as long as the card was also printed in a current […]
Prevention effects can only prevent the trample damage that is assigned to a creature.
There are many ways to prevent damage that would be dealt to or by a creature. Some effects specify a specific amount of damage (), some will prevent all damage from specific sources or types of damage (the portion of the protection ability of that prevents damage), and others will prevent all damage (). However, […]