Mana value
The mana value of an object is a number that determines the total amount of mana in its mana cost.
History
"Mana value" was originally known as "casting cost" or "total casting cost" prior to Sixth Edition. With the Sixth Edition rules changes, "casting cost" became "converted mana cost" (or "CMC" for short). The term "mana value" was introduced in Strixhaven: School of Mages.[1][2] Thereafter, all cards prior to this set, have their oracle text updated to reflect this change.[3]
Rules
From the glossary of the Comprehensive Rules (June 7, 2024—Modern Horizons 3)
- Mana Value
- The total amount of mana in a mana cost, regardless of color. See rule 202.3.
The mana value of an object is an integer and is always greater than or equal to zero. Mana value is determined by converting the symbols of the card or spell's mana cost into numbers and calculating the sum of those numbers. Mana symbols represented by a number, including monocolored hybrid mana symbols (
), are converted into that number. All other mana symbols are converted into 1. Cards without a mana cost, such as lands, have a mana value of 0.
The only case in which a spell's mana value can ever vary is for spells with 
in the mana cost. When an object with X in the mana cost is on the stack, X equals whatever value was chosen for it when it was put on the stack. In any other zone, X equals 0.
Examples:
- Spells with mana costs of
and 
each have a mana value of 1. - Spells with mana costs of
and each have a mana value of 3. - Spells with mana costs of
and 
each have a mana value of 5.
Odd or even mana cost
Some cards care about if the mana value is odd or even.
- Ashling's Prerogative (Lorwyn)*
- Void Winnower (Battle for Zendikar)*
- Extinction Event (Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths)*
- Gyruda, Doom of Depths (Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths)
- Lavabrink Venturer (Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths)*
- Obosh, the Preypiercer (Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths)
^* Features the reminder text: zero is even.
Cost matters
- Scryfall search: oracle:"mana value"
"Cost matters" was a theme in Scourge that encouraged players to use spells with high mana values. In addition to providing numerous creatures and other spells with mana values 6 or greater, several cards were printed that enhanced or facilitated them. This theme returned as the green-blue mechanic in Commander Legends and as the Prismari mechanic in Strixhaven: School of Mages. Outside these sets, only Haktos the Unscarred from Theros Beyond Death has protection from mana values based on the dice roll result.
References
- ↑ Blake Rasmussen (February 18, 2021). "The First Lesson: Introduction to Strixhaven". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Magic Esports (February 18, 2021). "A small update in MTGStrixhaven". Twitter.
- ↑ Jess Dunks and Matt Tabak (April 16, 2021). "Strixhaven: School of Mages and Commander (2021 Edition) Release Notes". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.