Can Enchantments Be Played During Combat? A Comprehensive Guide
The short, direct answer is: generally, no, you cannot cast an enchantment during the combat phase in Magic: The Gathering. However, like many things in MTG, there are crucial nuances and related actions that can occur during combat. While you cannot cast a typical enchantment spell during the combat phase, understanding when and how enchantments interact with combat is vital to playing effectively. Let’s delve into the details.
Understanding the Basics: When Can You Play Enchantments?
Enchantment Casting Restrictions
Enchantment cards are typically cast like sorceries. This means you can only cast them during one of your main phases when the stack is empty and you have priority. The main phases occur before and after combat. You cannot cast a regular enchantment during your combat phase, nor can you cast one during your opponent’s turn, unless an ability or specific card effect grants an exception.
The Stack and Enchantments
When you cast an enchantment, like any spell, it goes on the stack. Players can respond to it with instants or abilities before it resolves and enters the battlefield. Once it resolves, the enchantment becomes a permanent on the battlefield.
Auras: A Unique Case
Auras, a sub-type of enchantments, must be cast targeting a specific legal target. If the aura targets a creature and the creature is removed from the field before the aura resolves, the aura will fizzle and be placed into your graveyard. The timing restrictions for casting auras as spells are the same as those for other enchantments.
What Can Happen During Combat Related to Enchantments?
While casting is generally a no-go during combat, other actions involving enchantments can occur:
Activated Abilities of Enchantments
Activated abilities of enchantments can usually be used at instant speed, unless the card specifically states otherwise. This includes during the combat phase. For example, an enchantment that allows you to tap it to give a creature a bonus could be used during combat as long as it isn’t specifically restricted to main phase usage.
Triggered Abilities of Enchantments
Triggered abilities of enchantments happen automatically when their trigger condition is met. For example, if an enchantment triggers whenever a creature attacks, it will trigger during the combat phase, creating an effect on the stack that may modify combat.
Existing Enchantments and Combat
If you have enchantments on the battlefield before combat, their effects will influence the combat in various ways. This includes static abilities (abilities that are always active) and triggers from creatures attacking. An existing enchantment that gives creatures trample, for instance, will function during combat because its effect is constantly in play.
15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Enchantments and Combat
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the rules around enchantments and combat:
1. Can I cast an Aura during my combat step?
No, you cannot cast an Aura during combat, unless a specific ability allows you to cast enchantments as instants. You must cast it during one of your main phases when the stack is empty.
2. Can I equip equipment during combat?
Generally, no. The equip ability is activated at sorcery speed, limiting it to main phases. However, a few cards have alternate costs that let them be equipped at instant speed.
3. Can I use an enchantment’s activated ability during combat?
Yes, you can use an enchantment’s activated ability during combat if it doesn’t have a sorcery-speed restriction. Most activated abilities function at instant speed.
4. Do enchantments have summoning sickness?
No. Summoning sickness only affects creatures. While enchantments themselves do not experience summoning sickness, Enchantment Creatures will if you bring them on the battlefield during your turn.
5. Can I enchant an opponent’s land or creature?
Yes, an aura that says “Enchant creature” or “Enchant land” can target any legal target, regardless of who controls it.
6. What if I have an Aura that is supposed to enchant a creature that dies during combat?
When a creature dies, the aura remains on the battlefield until state-based actions are checked. It will then be put into its owner’s graveyard, unless it is a bestowed aura. Bestowed auras become creatures when they are unattached, so they do not go to the graveyard until they are destroyed.
7. Is playing an enchantment considered a spell?
Yes, while an enchantment is in your hand it is a card; when it is being played (is on the stack), it is a spell; and when it enters the battlefield, it is a permanent.
8. Are enchantments sorceries?
No. Sorcery is a card type. Enchantments are a card type, and they can be cast at sorcery speed unless an ability states otherwise. However, they are not considered a sorcery.
9. Can I put an enchantment ability on the stack during combat?
Yes. Activated and triggered abilities go on the stack when they are used during combat.
10. If an enchantment gives a creature an ability, does it trigger during combat?
Yes, if the ability triggers during combat (for example, “Whenever this creature attacks”), it will trigger during the combat phase, potentially altering the course of combat.
11. Does indestructible prevent combat damage?
Yes, indestructible creatures are not destroyed by combat damage or any other damage effect. They still take damage, and if the damage is lethal they are no longer indestructible and can be destroyed.
12. Can you declare attackers and then play an enchantment before combat damage?
No. You would have to cast your enchantment in your first main phase before you enter combat, or your second main phase after combat has ended. Enchantment spells cannot be cast during combat.
13. What is Rule 303.4f for Enchantments?
Rule 303.4f states that if an Aura enters the battlefield by any means other than resolving as an Aura spell, and the method does not specify what the Aura will enchant, the controller of the Aura chooses what it will enchant as the Aura enters the battlefield.
14. Can I use an activated ability on an enchantment to tap an attacking creature?
Yes, if the activated ability doesn’t state otherwise, and if the enchantment has the ability to tap an attacking creature. If the creature was declared an attacker, tapping it will not remove it from combat.
15. Can I “Crew” a Vehicle during combat?
Yes, crewing a Vehicle can be done during combat, by either the active or defending player. This action does not constitute casting a spell, so it is an exception to the casting restrictions.
Conclusion
While you generally cannot cast enchantment spells during the combat phase, the existing enchantments on the battlefield, along with the triggered and activated abilities of enchantments, play a significant role in combat dynamics. Knowing how these rules interact is critical to maximizing your strategic advantage in MTG. Remember to carefully assess your options before combat to best utilize your enchantments and ensure you aren’t overlooking a crucial instant-speed activation.