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A '''keyword action''' is a word or words, usually a verb, that substitutes for a piece of rules text.<ref>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/daily/af171|Scry and Keyword Actions|[[Aaron Forsythe]]|May 18, 2007}}</ref> Many keywords are summarized in [[reminder text]], especially in [[core sets]].
A '''keyword action''' is a word or words, usually, a verb, that substitutes for a piece of rules text.<ref>{{DailyRef|latest-developments/scry-and-keyword-actions-2007-05-18|Scry and Keyword Actions|[[Aaron Forsythe]]|May 18, 2007}}</ref><ref name="Even More R&D">{{DailyRef|making-magic/even-more-words-rd-2022-01-10|Even More Words From R&D|[[Mark Rosewater]]|January 10, 2022}}</ref>  Many keywords are summarized in [[reminder text]], especially in [[core set]]s.


Keyword ''actions'' are somewhat different from [[keyword ability|keyword ''abilities'']], and both are distinct from [[ability word]]s.
Keyword ''actions'' are somewhat different from [[keyword ability|keyword ''abilities'']], and both are distinct from [[ability word]]s. Collectively, they are described as [[mechanic]]s.


==Differences between keywords actions, keyword abilities, and ability words==
[[Monstrosity]] is notable because it is the only keyword action that is not a verb.
Keywords actions and keyword abilities are closely related. Both represent a longer segment of rules text and may allow variable costs and effects. Because they have a specific rules meaning and are listed in the [[Comprehensive Rules]], keywords of either type can be referenced from other cards. They differ in that keyword [[ability|abilities]] are either [[characteristic]]s of objects or are [[object]]s themselves, whereas keyword actions describe game-related actions.


For example, the keyword ability [[enchant]], as in ''Enchant creature'', states a [[restriction]] on the valid [[target]]s for an [[aura]]. The related keyword action [[attach]] describes the process of physically putting such an aura onto its target.
==Rules==
 
{{CR|glossary|Keyword Action}}
[[Ability word]]s have no rules meaning, but exist to name and [[flavor|flavorfully]] link otherwise unnamed mechanics. Because they are have no rules meaning, like [[flavor text]] and [[reminder text]], ability words are rendered in italics. Ability words are never referenced on other cards.<ref>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/daily/mr342|Ability Word To Your Mother|Mark Rosewater|July 28 2008}}</ref>
{{KeyTOC|701|2}}
 
== Rules ==
{{CR|701|toc=true}}
 
[[Monstrosity]] (and [[Ante]]) seems to be the exception to the rule, because it is not a verb.


==See also==
==See also==
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{{Keywords and abilities|state=collapsed}}
{{Mechanics|action|state=collapsed}}
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[[Category:Keyword actions|*]]
[[Category:Keyword actions| ]]

Latest revision as of 12:50, 23 March 2023

A keyword action is a word or words, usually, a verb, that substitutes for a piece of rules text.[1][2] Many keywords are summarized in reminder text, especially in core sets.

Keyword actions are somewhat different from keyword abilities, and both are distinct from ability words. Collectively, they are described as mechanics.

Monstrosity is notable because it is the only keyword action that is not a verb.

Rules

From the glossary of the Comprehensive Rules (June 7, 2024—Modern Horizons 3)

Keyword Action
A verb, such as “destroy” or “cast,” used as a game term rather than as its normal English meaning. See rule 701, “Keyword Actions.”

From the Comprehensive Rules (June 7, 2024—Modern Horizons 3)

See also

References

  1. Aaron Forsythe (May 18, 2007). "Scry and Keyword Actions". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  2. Mark Rosewater (January 10, 2022). "Even More Words From R&D". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.