The Gaming Resource Library
Go To: Home Page - Magic - Rules - Search - General 403
New Search - General Rulings Table of Contents
This search based on the March 17, 2008 release of the Rulings.

403 - Activated Abilities
  • 403.1 - An activated ability is written as "[cost]: [effect]." The activation cost is everything before the colon (:). An ability's activation cost must be paid by the player who is playing it. [CompRules 2003/07/01]
  • 403.2 - Only an object's controller (or its owner, if it doesn't have a controller) can play its activated ability unless the object specifically says otherwise. [CompRules 2003/07/01]
  • 403.3 - If an activated ability has a restriction on its use (for example, "Play this ability only once each turn"), the restriction continues to apply to that object even if its controller changes. [CompRules 2003/07/01]
  • 403.4 - A creature's activated ability with the tap symbol ({Tap}) in its activation cost can't be played unless the creature has been under its controller's control since the start of his or her most recent turn. Ignore this rule for creatures with haste (see Rule 502.5). [CompRules 2005/08/01]
  • 403.5 - Activated abilities that read "Play this ability only any time you could play a sorcery" mean the player must follow the timing rules for playing a sorcery spell, though the ability isn't actually a sorcery. Activated abilities that read "Play this ability only any time you could play an instant" mean the player must follow the timing rules for playing an instant spell, though the ability isn't actually an instant. [CompRules 2007/05/01]
    New Search
    This search based on the March 17, 2008 release of the Rulings.


Copyright 1994-2008, Crystal Keep (The Fine Print)