Mastering Priority in Magic: The Gathering
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.
In Magic: The Gathering (MTG), priority is the right for a player to take an action, such as casting a spell or activating an ability. Understanding priority is crucial for mastering the game, as it dictates when and how players can interact with each other’s plays. The player whose turn it is – the active player – gets priority first at the beginning of most steps and phases of the turn.
Unpacking the Priority System
The concept of priority might seem simple at first, but it’s the backbone of MTG’s complex interaction system. It’s not just about taking turns; it’s about dictating when and how players can respond to each other. Think of it like a tennis match. The server (active player) starts the play, but the receiver (non-active player) has the opportunity to respond. The server then gets a chance to react to the receiver’s response, and so on. This back-and-forth is what makes MTG so dynamic and strategic.
The Flow of Priority
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of how priority works during a turn:
- Beginning of Steps/Phases: After any turn-based actions (like drawing a card in the draw step) are performed, and abilities that trigger at the beginning of the phase or step are put on the stack, the active player receives priority.
- After Actions: After a player casts a spell, activates an ability, or takes a special action, they regain priority. This allows them to respond to their own actions, perhaps by casting another spell in response to the first.
- Object Resolution: After an object on the stack (like a spell or ability) resolves, the active player receives priority again. This is a key moment to consider what to do next, as the game state has changed.
- Passing Priority: A player can choose to pass priority to the next player in turn order (clockwise in multiplayer). If all players pass priority in succession, the top object on the stack resolves. If the stack is empty and all players pass priority, the game moves to the next step or phase.
- State-Based Actions: Before a player receives priority, the game checks for and performs state-based actions (SBAs). These are automatic actions the game takes, like putting a creature with lethal damage into its owner’s graveyard. It’s important to remember that SBAs don’t use the stack and can’t be responded to.
Active vs. Non-Active Player
Understanding the difference between the active player and the non-active player is essential for grasping priority. The active player is the player whose turn it currently is. They are the first to receive priority at the beginning of each step and phase. The non-active player is any player who is not the active player. They only receive priority after the active player has taken an action or passed priority.
In multiplayer games, priority passes in clockwise order around the table.
Holding Priority
A player can choose to hold priority after casting a spell or activating an ability. This means they don’t pass priority to the other players, allowing them to respond to their own actions before anyone else can. This can be a powerful tactic for executing complex sequences of plays. You need to explicitly announce that you are “holding priority” to avoid any ambiguity.
FAQs About Priority in MTG
Here are some frequently asked questions about priority in Magic: The Gathering to help you further your understanding:
1. What determines priority in MTG?
Priority is primarily determined by whose turn it is (the active player). The active player gets priority at the start of most phases/steps, after any turn-based actions, and after anything resolves. After that, priority passes around the table.
2. Who gets priority after a spell is cast?
The player who cast the spell gets priority after casting it. This allows them to cast another spell in response to the first (holding priority), or pass priority to give other players the chance to respond.
3. What order does priority go in MTG multiplayer?
In a multiplayer game, priority passes in clockwise order around the table, starting with the active player.
4. Who has priority in Commander?
The same priority rules apply to Commander as other MTG formats. The active player gets priority first, and then it passes clockwise around the table.
5. Who triggers first MTG?
When multiple triggered abilities go on the stack simultaneously, they go on the stack in active player, non-active player order. Each player chooses the relative order of their own triggers.
6. Who has priority when attacking MTG?
During the combat phase, the active player (the player whose turn it is) has priority first at the beginning of the beginning of combat step, the declare attackers step, the declare blockers step, the combat damage step and the end of combat step.
7. When can a player hold priority?
A player can hold priority after they cast a spell, activate an ability, or take a special action. They must announce that they are doing so to avoid confusion.
8. Does the player who goes first in MTG draw?
In most formats, the player who goes first skips their draw step on the first turn. The player who goes second draws as normal.
9. What is the rule 116 timing and priority?
Rule 116 in the Comprehensive Rules covers timing and priority. It states that whenever a player would receive priority, the game checks for state-based actions first, then performs them. After that, the player receives priority.
10. Do I get priority on my opponent’s upkeep?
Yes, you get priority during your opponent’s upkeep, after turn-based actions and triggers resolve. You also get priority during their draw step.
11. Is it better to go first in MTG?
Generally, going first is considered advantageous in MTG. Having the initiative to develop your board and apply pressure before your opponent can respond is valuable.
12. Who deals damage first in Magic?
Creatures with first strike or double strike deal combat damage before creatures without those abilities. If multiple creatures have first strike, they all deal damage at the same time.
13. What is the official turn order in MTG?
The turn order in MTG is:
- Beginning Phase
- Untap Step
- Upkeep Step
- Draw Step
- Precombat Main Phase
- Combat Phase
- Beginning of Combat Step
- Declare Attackers Step
- Declare Blockers Step
- Combat Damage Step
- End of Combat Step
- Postcombat Main Phase
- Ending Phase
- End Step
- Cleanup Step
14. What is the stack in MTG?
The stack is a zone where spells and abilities wait to resolve. When a player casts a spell or activates an ability, it goes on the stack. Other players can respond by casting spells or activating abilities of their own, adding them to the stack. The last object added to the stack resolves first.
15. What are state-based actions (SBAs)?
State-based actions are actions the game automatically takes based on the current game state. Examples include putting creatures with lethal damage into the graveyard and removing planeswalkers with zero loyalty counters. SBAs don’t use the stack and can’t be responded to.
Mastering Priority: A Key to Success
Understanding priority is not just about knowing the rules; it’s about mastering the flow of the game. It’s about anticipating your opponent’s moves, capitalizing on openings, and controlling the pace of play. By mastering the nuances of priority, you’ll elevate your game to a whole new level.
Consider exploring how games are integrated into learning environments. The Games Learning Society, found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, offers valuable insights into the educational benefits of game-based learning.