Triggered ability

A triggered ability is an ability that automatically does something when a certain set of conditions are met.

A triggered ability can be identified by the words "when," "whenever," or "at", which will usually be found at the start of the ability. The phrase that contains one of those words lists the conditions (the trigger event) where the ability will trigger. When it does, most triggers go on the stack, and responses can be played.

Examples

A triggered ability can be a mana ability, which means that it doesn't go on the stack, but resolves immediately. Triggered mana abilities have to have the capability to produce mana, and have to trigger off of mana abilities.

Effects can also create a delayed trigger ability, which waits until the next time its conditions are fulfilled, then triggers usually once. (Delayed triggers that state a duration will trigger any time, within that duration, that their trigger event occurs.)

Using triggered abilities are not optional. When triggered, the controller can't refuse to put the ability on the stack. Nor can he or she choose an illegal target, if a target is required. If a targeted ability has no legal targets in play, it still triggers and goes on the stack, but is taken off immediately.

Triggered abilities are cumulative, and multiple instances of the same triggered ability on a permanent will each trigger separately.

External link

• Matt Tabak (February 04, 2013). "Missed Trigger Update". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.