Keyword ability

A keyword ability is a word or words that substitutes for a piece of rules text. Many keywords are summarized in reminder text, especially in core sets.

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

Rules

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

Keyword Ability

A game term, such as “flying” or “haste,” used as shorthand for a longer ability or group of abilities. See rule 702, “Keyword Abilities.”

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

• 702. Keyword Abilities

Keyword counters

Keyword counters were introduced on a test card in the Mystery Booster set (Recycla-bird with flying counters).

A permanent with a keyword counter on it gains that keyword. To determine how this interacts with continuous effects, use the counter's timestamp. The timestamp of a counter is the most recent time that any counter of that kind was put onto that permanent.

See also

• Evasion ability
• Evergreen keywords

External links

• Mark Rosewater (June 18, 2007). "Keyword Play". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
• Mark Rosewater (May 19, 2003). "Keyword to the Wise". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
• Mark Rosewater (June 6, 2005). "One With One With Nothing". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. (about Keyword Creep)
• Doug Beyer (February 25, 2009). "Vorthos Award Results and Keyword Flavor". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.