Magic: The Gathering is a strategic card game where players summon creatures, cast spells, and battle opponents using a variety of mechanics. Understanding how cards interact is key to mastering the game.
Mana & Casting Spells
Mana is the fundamental resource used to cast spells. Players tap *lands* to generate mana, which comes in five colors:
White - Order, protection, and healing.
Blue - Control, illusion, and knowledge.
Black - Sacrifice, destruction, and power.
Red - Chaos, fire, and aggression.
Green - Growth, nature, and creatures.
Combat System
During the *combat phase*, creatures attack opponents and block incoming damage. Each creature has two key stats:
Stat
Meaning
Example
Power
Attack damage dealt
4 (Creature deals 4 damage)
Toughness
Health before destruction
5 (Creature survives 5 damage)
Keywords & Abilities
Many cards have special abilities that alter gameplay. Here are some common mechanics:
Trample - Excess damage carries over when attacking.
Flying - Can only be blocked by other flying creatures.
Deathtouch - Any damage from this creature destroys another.
Hexproof - Cannot be targeted by opponents’ spells.
First Strike - Deals damage before other creatures in combat.
Game Phases
Each turn in Magic follows a structured set of phases:
Untap Phase - Refresh tapped cards.
Draw Phase - Player draws a card.
Main Phase - Play creatures, spells, and lands.
Combat Phase - Attack and defend.
Second Main Phase - Play more cards if needed.
End Phase - Cleanup, discard, and effects resolution.
Deck Strategies
Players craft decks based on specific strategies:
Aggro - Fast, aggressive creature attacks.
Control - Defensive tactics and counterspells.
Combo - Synergistic interactions for powerful turns.
Midrange - Balanced mix of attack and defense.
Ramp - Generate mana quickly for massive spells.
Try an Interactive Mechanic Demo!
Want to simulate an attack? Click the button below to test combat damage: