Exert

Keywords · intermediate

To exert a creature is to push it harder in exchange for skipping an untap.

How it works

• You may choose to exert a creature as it attacks. This is a choice made when attackers are declared.
• An exerted creature does not untap during your next untap step.
• Exerting usually triggers a bonus ability on the creature.

Rules notes

• Exerting is optional; you decide each time the creature attacks.
• Effects that untap the creature by other means can still untap it, working around the exert drawback.

Rule reference

[701.43]