Is at the beginning of upkeep a triggered ability?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
At the beginning of upkeep is indeed a triggered ability, as it automatically triggers at the start of the upkeep step, allowing players to respond to it as long as they have priority. The upkeep step is the second step of the beginning phase, where any abilities that trigger during the untap step or at the beginning of upkeep go on the stack, and the active player gains priority for the first time during their turn.
Understanding Triggered Abilities
To further understand how at the beginning of upkeep works as a triggered ability, let’s dive into some key concepts and frequently asked questions related to Magic: The Gathering (MTG).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What counts as a triggered ability?
A triggered ability is an ability that automatically does something when a certain event occurs or a set of conditions is met, with the latter being called a state-triggered ability.
2. How do triggered abilities work in Magic the Gathering?
Triggered abilities work by automatically triggering when a specific game action occurs, such as a creature dying or a player gaining life, and they can be found on various cards throughout the game.
3. Is ETB a triggered ability?
ETB (Enters The Battlefield) is indeed a type of triggered ability, which triggers when a creature or permanent enters the battlefield.
4. Can you respond to beginning of upkeep triggers?
Yes, players can respond to any upkeep abilities as long as they have priority, with the active player receiving priority first.
5. What does at the beginning of your upkeep mean MTG?
At the beginning of your upkeep refers to the start of the upkeep step, where abilities that trigger during the untap step or at the beginning of upkeep go on the stack.
6. Is upkeep a triggered ability?
The upkeep itself is not a triggered ability, but rather a step in the turn structure where triggered abilities can occur.
7. Can you play instants before upkeep triggers?
Yes, players can cast instants before a “beginning of your upkeep” triggered ability resolves, but not before it gets triggered and goes on the stack.
8. Can you sacrifice during upkeep?
Yes, players can sacrifice creatures or permanents during the upkeep step, and can even respond to Cumulative Upkeep triggers by sacrificing the relevant permanent.
9. Is cumulative upkeep a triggered ability?
Cumulative upkeep is indeed a type of triggered ability that imposes an increasing cost on a permanent at the beginning of the upkeep step.
10. How do upkeep triggers resolve?
Upkeep triggers resolve in a specific order, with the active player’s abilities triggering first, followed by the non-active player’s abilities in turn order.
11. Can you copy upkeep trigger?
Yes, players can copy upkeep triggers using certain cards or abilities, such as resonators.
12. Can you cast an instant on someone’s upkeep?
No, players cannot cast instants or play cards during the untap step, but can do so during the upkeep and draw steps.
13. Can you cast between upkeep and draw?
Yes, players can cast instants and activate abilities between the upkeep and draw steps, but not before the draw step itself.
14. Is Living Weapon a triggered ability?
Yes, Living Weapon is a type of triggered ability that creates a Germ creature token when the Equipment enters the battlefield.
15. Can you respond to a persist trigger?
Yes, players can respond to a Persist trigger, and if the creature gets removed from the graveyard before the trigger resolves, it won’t return to the battlefield.