Activate

Keywords · beginner

To activate an activated ability means to put it on the stack by paying its cost.

How it works

• An activated ability is written as "[cost]: [effect]." You activate it by announcing it and paying the cost.
• The ability then goes on the stack and resolves independently of its source. Even if the source leaves play, the activated ability still resolves.

Rules notes

• Activated abilities are not spells. They cannot be countered by "counter target spell," and they do not trigger "when you cast" effects.
• Mana abilities are a special class of activated ability: they do not use the stack and resolve immediately.
• Most activated abilities can be used any time you have priority; some say "activate only as a sorcery" or have other timing limits.

Rule reference

[701.2]