Improvise

Improvise
[[File:{{#setmainimage:MTGA Improvise.png}}|70x70px]]
Keyword Ability
Type	Static
Introduced	Aether Revolt
Last used	Modern Horizons 3
Reminder Text	Improvise (Your artifacts can help cast this spell. Each artifact you tap after you're done activating mana abilities pays for .)
Storm Scale	5
Statistics	19 cards 5.3% 36.8% 21.1% 21.1% 5.3% 10.5%
Scryfall Search
keyword:"Improvise"

Improvise is a keyword ability introduced in Aether Revolt.

Description

Improvise is similar to convoke, but uses artifacts instead of creatures. It allows a player to tap artifacts rather than pay some of the mana cost of a spell. Each artifact tapped after activating mana abilities pays for . Improvise is inspired by affinity for artifacts.

History

After Aether Revolt, Improvise made appearances in Commander 2018, Neon Dynasty Commander, Fallout and Modern Horizons 3.

Rules

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

Improvise

A keyword ability that lets you tap artifacts rather than pay mana to cast a spell. See rule 702.126, “Improvise.”

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

• 702.126. Improvise
  • 702.126a Improvise is a static ability that functions while the spell with improvise is on the stack. “Improvise” means “For each generic mana in this spell’s total cost, you may tap an untapped artifact you control rather than pay that mana.”
  • 702.126b The improvise ability isn’t an additional or alternative cost and applies only after the total cost of the spell with improvise is determined.
  • 702.126c Multiple instances of improvise on the same spell are redundant.

Rulings

• Improvise doesn't change a spell's mana cost or mana value.
• When calculating a spell's total cost, include any alternative costs, additional costs, or anything else that increases or reduces the cost to cast the spell. Improvise applies after the total cost is calculated.
• Because improvise isn't an alternative cost, it can be used in conjunction with alternative costs.
• Improvise can't pay for , , , , , or mana symbols in a spell's total cost.
• You can use artifacts with summoning sickness.
• Improvise can't be used to pay for anything other than the cost of casting the spell. For example, it can't be used during the resolution of an ability that says "Counter target spell unless its controller pays ."
• If an artifact you control has a mana ability with in the cost, activating that ability while casting a spell with improvise will result in the artifact being tapped when you pay the spell's costs. You won't be able to tap it again for improvise. Similarly, if you sacrifice an artifact to activate a mana ability while casting a spell with improvise, that artifact won't be on the battlefield when you pay the spell's costs, so you won't be able to tap it for improvise.
• When using improvise to cast a spell with in its mana cost, first choose the value for X. That choice, plus any cost increases or decreases, will determine the spell's total cost. Then you can tap artifacts you control to help pay that cost. For example, if you cast Whir of Invention (a spell with improvise and mana cost ) and choose X to be 3, the total cost is . If you tap two artifacts, you'll have to pay .
• Tapping an artifact won't cause its abilities to stop applying unless those abilities say so.
• Equipment attached to a creature doesn't become tapped when that creature becomes tapped, and tapping that Equipment doesn't cause the creature to become tapped.

Examples

Example

Battle at the Bridge
Sorcery
Improvise (Your artifacts can help cast this spell. Each artifact you tap after you're done activating mana abilities pays for .)
Target creature gets -X/-X until end of turn. You gain X life.

Cards that grant Improvise

• The Fifteenth Doctor (First nonartifact spell cast each turn)
• Inspiring Statuary (Nonartifact spells)