Rules

Comprehensive Rules

Search and browse the complete Magic: The Gathering rulebook

9 Sections147 chapters

Spells, Abilities, and Effects17 chapters

600General 601Casting Spells 602Activating Activated Abilities 603Handling Triggered Abilities 604Handling Static Abilities 605Mana Abilities 606Loyalty Abilities 607Linked Abilities 608Resolving Spells and Abilities 609Effects 610One-Shot Effects 611Continuous Effects 612Text-Changing Effects 613Interaction of Continuous Effects 614Replacement Effects 615Prevention Effects 616Interaction of Replacement and/or Prevention Effects

Back to all rules

Spells, Abilities, and Effects

17 chapters

608. Resolving Spells and Abilities

3 chapters

608.1

Each time all players pass in succession, the spell or ability on top of the stack resolves. (See rule 609, “Effects.”)

608.2

If the object that’s resolving is an instant spell, a sorcery spell, or an ability, its resolution may involve several steps. The steps described in rules 608.2a and 608.2b are followed first. The steps described in rules 608.2c–m are then followed as appropriate, in no specific order. The steps described in rule 608.2n and 608.2p are followed last.

608.3

If the object that’s resolving is a permanent spell, its resolution may involve several steps. The instructions in rules 608.3a and b are always performed first. Then one of the steps in rule 608.3c–e is performed, if appropriate.