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(→‎Rulings: Make it clear that the delayed trigger applies to slowtrips, not cantrips in general)
 
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A '''cantrip''' is a spell, usually with a low casting cost, that draws a card in addition to its other effects and can therefore be said to replace itself. Cantrips are included in decks for varying reasons. A cantrip can effectively "thin" a deck, so more useful cards can be drawn faster, while at the same time not losing card advantage. It can also inexpensively increase the amount of spells played in a turn, which is a key factor in some decks. Some cantrips have additional effects, which can serve as an answer to an obstacle in play.
'''Cantrip''' is a [[slang]] term used to refer to a [[spell]] that draws a card in addition to its other effects (usually minor) and can therefore be said to replace itself.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/cantrip-down-memory-lane-2006-07-31|Cantrip Down Memory Lane|[[Mark Rosewater]]|July 31, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|latest-developments/magic’s-zero-level-spells-2006-08-04|Magic’s Zero-Level Spells|[[Aaron Forsythe]]|August 4, 2006}}</ref> Cantrips can be found in all colors.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/173817313203/im-guessing-since-it-draws-a-card-explore-the|title=Im guessing since it draws a card, Explore, the card is a break too?|May 11, 2018}}</ref>


{{rules|text=
==Description==
'''From the [[Comprehensive Rules]]'''
The term originated from a Scottish word for a magic spell or charm. The term entered the gaming lexicon through ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'' as slang for a spell with a minor effect and no cost.<ref>{{DailyRef|ask-wizards-july-2004-2004-07-01|Ask Wizards: "Where did the term 'cantrip' come from?"|[[Devin Low]]|July 13, 2004}}</ref> Cantrips are included in decks for varying reasons. A cantrip can effectively "thin" a deck, so more useful cards can be drawn faster, while at the same time not losing card advantage. It can also inexpensively increase the number of spells played in a turn, which is a key factor in some decks, most notably those using the [[Storm]] mechanic. Some cantrips have additional effects that can serve as an answer to an obstacle in play.
*'''Cantrip''' (Informal)
**This is a nickname for any spell that has “Draw a card” as part of its effect.
}}


==Slowtrips==
Cantrips are considered to be [[deciduous]].<ref name="Deciduous">{{DailyRef|making-magic/deciduous-2022-03-28|Deciduous|[[Mark Rosewater]]|March 28, 2022}}</ref>
Cantrips were introduced in the [[Ice Age|Ice Age set]], where the effect read "Draw a card at the beginning of next turn's upkeep." Starting with [[Weatherlight]], this has been shortened to "Draw a card." The Ice Age cantrips are also referred to as "'''slowtrips'''" because they are slower then drawing a card immediately.


{{Stub}}[[Category:Magic slang]][[Category: Magic rules]]
===Slowtrips===
Cantrips were introduced in ''[[Ice Age]]'', where the effect read "Draw a card at the beginning of next turn's [[upkeep]]." Starting with ''[[Weatherlight]]'', the effect was changed to "Draw a card." The ''Ice Age'' cantrips are also referred to as "'''slowtrips'''" because they are slower than drawing a card immediately.<ref name="Deciduous"/><ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/looking-back-part-1|Looking Back, Part 1|[[Mark Rosewater]]|March 11, 2024}}</ref>
 
===Rulings===
*Slowtrips set up a delayed triggered ability that triggers at the beginning of the upkeep of the very next turn. It doesn't matter whose turn it is.
 
==References==
{{Reflist}}
 
[[Category:Magic slang]][[Category:Miscellaneous mechanics]]

Latest revision as of 14:49, 23 May 2024

Cantrip is a slang term used to refer to a spell that draws a card in addition to its other effects (usually minor) and can therefore be said to replace itself.[1][2] Cantrips can be found in all colors.[3]

Description

The term originated from a Scottish word for a magic spell or charm. The term entered the gaming lexicon through Dungeons & Dragons as slang for a spell with a minor effect and no cost.[4] Cantrips are included in decks for varying reasons. A cantrip can effectively "thin" a deck, so more useful cards can be drawn faster, while at the same time not losing card advantage. It can also inexpensively increase the number of spells played in a turn, which is a key factor in some decks, most notably those using the Storm mechanic. Some cantrips have additional effects that can serve as an answer to an obstacle in play.

Cantrips are considered to be deciduous.[5]

Slowtrips

Cantrips were introduced in Ice Age, where the effect read "Draw a card at the beginning of next turn's upkeep." Starting with Weatherlight, the effect was changed to "Draw a card." The Ice Age cantrips are also referred to as "slowtrips" because they are slower than drawing a card immediately.[5][6]

Rulings

  • Slowtrips set up a delayed triggered ability that triggers at the beginning of the upkeep of the very next turn. It doesn't matter whose turn it is.

References

  1. ↑ Mark Rosewater (July 31, 2006). "Cantrip Down Memory Lane". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  2. ↑ Aaron Forsythe (August 4, 2006). "Magic’s Zero-Level Spells". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  3. ↑ Mark Rosewater (May 11, 2018). "Im guessing since it draws a card, Explore, the card is a break too?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  4. ↑ Devin Low (July 13, 2004). "Ask Wizards: "Where did the term 'cantrip' come from?"". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  5. ↑ a b Mark Rosewater (March 28, 2022). "Deciduous". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  6. ↑ Mark Rosewater (March 11, 2024). "Looking Back, Part 1". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
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