Resource

A resource in Magic is a supply of something that a player has and can use when it is needed to play and to get closer to however they intend to win the game. Resources are spent to pay costs, usually when casting spells and activating abilities.

Types of resources

The following resources can be identified:

• Mana
• Life
• Counters
  • Energy ()
  • Acorns ()
  • Tickets ()
• Cards
  • in Hand
  • in the Library
  • in the Graveyard
  • in Exile
  • in the Command zone
• Gifts
• Permanents in play
• Time (e.g. suspend and vanishing)

Pseudo-resources

Some mechanics function in ways similar to a resource but are not considered true resources because they can't be collected by a player.

• Pawprints () function like a resource but only exists when casting a spell that uses them.

Trivia

• The Exodus card Limited Resources limits the amount of land (mana resources) that can be in play.
• Mystery Booster 2 included test cards that played around with resources.
  • Alberix, the Trade Planet is the first card that mentions resources in rules text. Its Planet mechanic uses exiled cards as a resource.
  • Boulder Jockey is the first card to allow players to use their land drop () as a resource.
  • Abbott of the Sacred Meeple mentions the spending of sheep to construct a building, but "spending" is usually reserved for mana while sheep is a creature type.