MTG Keywords & Mechanics

Keyword Abilities

Keyword abilities are shorthand for rules text that appears on many cards. Examples include Flying, Trample, Lifelink, Deathtouch, Haste, Vigilance, First Strike, Double Strike, Hexproof, Indestructible, Menace, Reach, and Flash.

• Flying — This creature can't be blocked except by creatures with flying or reach.
• Trample — Excess combat damage may be assigned to the defending player or planeswalker.
• Lifelink — Damage dealt by this creature also causes its controller to gain that much life.
• Deathtouch — Any amount of damage this creature deals is enough to destroy another creature.
• First Strike — This creature deals combat damage before creatures without first strike.
• Double Strike — This creature deals both first-strike and regular combat damage.
• Haste — This creature can attack and tap the turn it enters the battlefield.
• Vigilance — Attacking doesn't cause this creature to tap.
• Hexproof — This permanent can't be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control.
• Indestructible — Effects that say "destroy" don't destroy this permanent.
• Menace — This creature can't be blocked except by two or more creatures.
• Reach — This creature can block creatures with flying.
• Flash — You may cast this spell any time you could cast an instant.

Keyword Actions

Keyword actions are verbs that describe common game actions defined in the Comprehensive Rules. Examples include Scry, Draw, Discard, Exile, Tap, Untap, Counter, Sacrifice, Destroy, Mill, Surveil, and Proliferate.

About This Index

This index is sourced from the Magic: The Gathering Comprehensive Rules. Rules text is updated whenever Wizards of the Coast publishes a new rules document. Card data is sourced from the Scryfall API.