Ward

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Revision as of 03:43, 26 March 2021 by 68.119.66.38 (talk) (Incorrectly stated that Ward was an Ability word instead of a keyword action. Also added citation from the introductory article about Ward for the mid second of the Description as it was directly lifted from that article and was also stating things about the future of the game/mechanic.)
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Ward
Ability Word
Introduced Strixhaven: School of Mages
Last used Evergreen
Typical Text Ward — Whenever this creature becomes the target of a spell or ability an opponent controls, counter it unless that player pays {X}
Statistics
3 cards
{U} 66.7% {G/U} 33.3%
Scryfall Search
keyword:"Ward"
For Ward auras, see Ward (aura).

Ward is an evergreen keyword action introduced in Strixhaven: School of Mages.[1][2] Ward is a triggered ability.

Description

Whenever a permanent with ward becomes the target of a spell or ability an opponent controls, counter it unless that player pays an additional cost.

The two most common forms you'll see are costing additional mana (in white, blue, and green) and costing additional life (in black and red). These two approaches both protect against removal but ask different things of the rest of your deck and give opponents different incentives for when to bite the bullet and remove the warded creature. Going forward, expect to see some more unique ward costs as well.[1]

Any spell or ability controlled by an opponent can be affected by ward. This includes Aura spells, triggered abilities, and anything else that target a permanent with ward. Spells and abilities that don't target won't cause ward to trigger, though.

Example

Example

Adrix and Nev, Twincasters {2}{G}{U}
Legendary Creature - Merfolk Wizard
Ward {2} (Whenever this creature becomes the target of a spell or ability an opponent controls, counter it unless that player pays {2}).
If one or more tokens would be created under your control, twice that many of those tokens are created instead.

References

  1. a b Andrew Brown and Jules Robins (March 25, 2021). "Introducing Ward". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  2. Matt Tabak (March 25, 2021). "Strixhaven: School of Mages Mechanics". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.