A creature’s inability to attack or use activated abilities with the tap symbol the turn it enters the battlefield is commonly referred to as summoning sickness. This restriction applies from the moment the creature enters the battlefield under a player’s control. The crucial factor determining when this restriction is lifted is the beginning of that player’s next turn. Effectively, if a creature enters the battlefield on a player’s turn, it can generally attack or use tap abilities starting on that player’s subsequent turn. For example, a creature played during the first main phase is unable to attack during the combat phase of that same turn but can be used to attack during the combat phase of the player’s next turn.
Understanding this rule is fundamental for strategic gameplay in Magic: The Gathering. Misinterpreting the timing can lead to missed opportunities or incorrect play sequencing, potentially impacting the outcome of a game. The concept has been present since the early days of the game and continues to be a key element in understanding creature-based strategies. Correct application of this knowledge facilitates efficient board management and effective combat planning.
The following sections will delve further into specific scenarios and interactions that can modify or circumvent the standard rules regarding this initial period of inactivity. Certain card abilities and strategic plays can influence a creature’s ability to contribute immediately after entering the battlefield, offering exceptions to the generalized rule.
1. Player’s next turn
The progression to a player’s subsequent turn is the primary determinant of when a creature is no longer affected by summoning sickness. The act of playing a creature initiates a period during which it cannot attack or activate abilities with the tap symbol. This period ends at the precise moment the active player’s next turn begins. This transition is a discrete event, not a gradual process; the restriction is in place until the turn officially rolls over to the next one for that player. This mechanism prevents immediate exploitation of newly summoned creatures and introduces a timing element to strategic play.
Consider a scenario where a creature is played during a player’s main phase. That creature is ineligible to attack during the combat phase of the same turn. However, during the subsequent turn of that player, assuming no other effects intervene, the creature is then eligible to attack or activate its tap abilities. This temporal delay forces players to plan their plays a turn ahead, considering potential board states and opponent reactions. The understanding of this sequence of events allows a player to build defenses, prepare attacks, and manage resources with greater precision. Furthermore, abilities that trigger at the beginning of the upkeep step, which begins the next turn, can influence the board state before the creature becomes available.
In summary, the onset of a player’s next turn is the singular trigger for the removal of summoning sickness. This interaction underscores the importance of turn sequencing and planning in Magic: The Gathering. Incorrectly anticipating the availability of a creature can lead to strategic missteps, highlighting the necessity of precise comprehension of this fundamental rule. While exceptions exist through mechanics such as Haste, the general rule serves as a cornerstone of creature interaction and strategic timing.
2. Entering the battlefield
The act of “entering the battlefield” directly initiates the state commonly known as summoning sickness. This marks the beginning of a period where a creature is restricted from attacking or activating abilities with the tap symbol. Entering the battlefield is the definitive starting point, the trigger for this temporary limitation. Without a creature entering the battlefield, the condition of summoning sickness is not applicable. It serves as the cause, with the inability to attack or tap as the direct effect. For example, a creature card in a player’s hand, graveyard, or exile zone is irrelevant to the rules governing summoning sickness; only upon entering the battlefield does this rule come into play. This establishes the primary link between the event and the effect.
The importance of understanding “entering the battlefield” lies in anticipating the potential impact of new creatures on the board state. Consider a situation where a player controls several creatures capable of attacking. If a new creature is played during the first main phase, knowing that it cannot attack until the next turn enables a player to plan accordingly, perhaps using other creatures to defend or execute a different strategic maneuver. Conversely, an opponent playing a creature needs to assess the threat it will pose on their turn. This understanding informs defensive strategies, such as playing removal spells or blockers. Further, “entering the battlefield” triggers can influence this interaction. A creature with an “enters the battlefield” triggered ability can immediately impact the game, even while affected by summoning sickness. A Mulldrifter, for example, draws cards upon entering the battlefield, providing immediate value even if it cannot attack that turn. This demonstrates how even while constrained by summoning sickness, a creature can contribute to a player’s strategy.
In summary, “entering the battlefield” is the foundational event that activates the rules concerning summoning sickness. Its significance lies not only in initiating the restriction but also in prompting strategic considerations about the immediate and future impact of newly played creatures. Careful assessment of “entering the battlefield” triggers and planning around the limitations imposed by summoning sickness are essential for proficient gameplay. While other factors, such as Haste, can mitigate the effects of summoning sickness, the event of “entering the battlefield” remains the critical prerequisite for its application. This understanding is fundamental to effective creature management and overall strategic competence within the game.
3. Continuous control change
Continuous control effects alter which player controls a permanent, including a creature. The critical aspect is that a change of control does not reset the summoning sickness restriction. If a creature enters the battlefield under one player’s control and then changes control to another player before the initial player’s next turn, the creature remains unable to attack or activate tap abilities for the new controller until the initial controller’s next turn would have begun. The summoning sickness limitation is tied to the turn cycle of the player under whose control the creature originally entered the battlefield. This avoids potential abuse where control change effects could bypass the intended restriction.
For instance, consider Player A casts a creature during their turn. Before their next turn, Player B gains control of that creature through a spell like “Control Magic.” Even though Player B now controls the creature, it cannot attack or use tap abilities during Player B’s turn because Player A’s turn hasn’t begun since the creature entered the battlefield. Player B must wait for Player A’s next turn to pass for the summoning sickness to lift. This example emphasizes that the summoning sickness restriction is anchored to the initial controller’s turn sequence, not the current controller. A practical implication is when considering creatures with “enter the battlefield” effects that might benefit a different player. If a player plans to steal such a creature, they should consider if the immediate benefit of the ETB effect outweighs the delay in attacking or using tap abilities.
In summary, continuous control change does not circumvent the summoning sickness rule. The determining factor remains the turn cycle of the player who originally brought the creature onto the battlefield. Understanding this interaction is crucial for correctly sequencing plays involving control-altering effects and anticipating when a newly controlled creature will become a functional component of the new controller’s strategy. The summoning sickness limitation is tied to the player under whose control the creature originally entered the battlefield not who currently controls it ensuring fairness and preventing exploits.
4. Haste ability exception
The Haste ability represents a significant exception to the restrictions imposed by summoning sickness. Understanding its interaction is crucial for strategic gameplay. Haste allows a creature to bypass the normal waiting period before attacking or using activated abilities with the tap symbol, offering immediate utility upon entering the battlefield.
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Immediate Action
A creature with Haste is not subject to the typical summoning sickness rule. It can attack and use tap abilities during the turn it enters the battlefield. This immediate availability fundamentally alters the tactical landscape, providing an instant offensive or utility option. For example, a hasty creature can immediately pressure an opponents life total or block an incoming attack if it enters the battlefield before the combat phase. The strategic implication is a faster, more aggressive play style.
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Strategic Advantage
The strategic advantage conferred by Haste lies in its ability to circumvent defensive setups. While an opponent might prepare for a delayed attack, a hasty creature negates this preparation, creating unexpected openings. This forces the opponent to react immediately, often disrupting their own plans. Consider a scenario where a player has built a defensive wall of creatures. A hasty creature can punch through this wall, targeting the player directly and potentially changing the course of the game. The element of surprise is a key component of Haste’s power.
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Cost Considerations
Haste is often associated with a cost, either in mana, deck-building choices, or card disadvantage. Creatures with Haste may have a higher mana cost compared to similar creatures without it. Decks heavily reliant on Haste might sacrifice long-term value for short-term aggression. Furthermore, some cards that grant Haste might require discarding other cards or paying additional costs. The trade-off between immediate impact and long-term sustainability is a critical consideration when incorporating Haste into a deck.
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Interaction with Other Abilities
Haste interacts synergistically with other abilities, amplifying its overall effectiveness. For example, a creature with Haste and trample can immediately apply significant pressure to an opponent, overwhelming their defenses. Similarly, a creature with Haste and an “enters the battlefield” trigger provides both immediate utility and offensive potential. The combination of Haste with other powerful abilities makes certain creatures highly valuable and strategically potent. Proper assessment of these interactions is key to maximizing the value of Haste.
In summary, Haste provides a direct exception to the constraints typically imposed when a creature enters the battlefield. This ability offers strategic advantages, including immediate action and the circumvention of defensive setups, although at a cost. Its interaction with other abilities can significantly amplify its effectiveness. The understanding of Haste and its implications is paramount for mastering creature-based strategies and overall game competence.
5. Activated ability restrictions
The limitations imposed by summoning sickness extend to activated abilities that require the tap symbol as part of their activation cost. A newly summoned creature, still under the effects of summoning sickness, cannot utilize these abilities until the beginning of the controller’s next turn. This restriction is a direct consequence of the summoning sickness rule and serves as an important control mechanism, preventing immediate and potentially unbalanced exploitation of certain creature abilities. For instance, a creature with an ability that allows it to tap to generate mana or tap to deal damage is rendered temporarily unable to do so. The inability to activate tap abilities is a key component of summoning sickness, affecting the strategic deployment and immediate impact of creatures with such abilities.
Consider a situation where a player casts a creature with an activated ability that requires tapping to draw a card. During the same turn, the player cannot tap that creature to draw a card, even if they have the mana to pay for the ability. The creature’s tap ability remains unusable until the player’s next turn. Conversely, a creature whose activated ability does not require tapping is unaffected by summoning sickness and can be used immediately, assuming all other costs are paid. This distinction highlights the importance of carefully evaluating a creature’s ability costs and the strategic implications of the summoning sickness rule. Furthermore, triggered abilities are not affected by summoning sickness. For example, if a creature has an ability that triggers when it enters the battlefield, that ability will resolve regardless of whether the creature is under the effects of summoning sickness.
In conclusion, the relationship between summoning sickness and activated ability restrictions is direct: summoning sickness prohibits the use of activated abilities requiring the tap symbol until the start of the player’s next turn. This limitation is a crucial element of game balance, preventing immediate and potentially overpowering utilization of creatures with such abilities. Understanding this interaction is essential for planning strategic plays and accurately assessing the immediate value of newly summoned creatures. The existence of tap abilities versus non-tap abilities helps define how summoning sickness impacts different creature strategies.
6. Attack declaration phase
The attack declaration phase is the specific point during a player’s turn where they choose which creatures will participate in combat. The state of summoning sickness directly impacts the options available during this phase. A creature that entered the battlefield under a player’s control on the current turn, and does not have haste, cannot be declared as an attacker. Therefore, understanding the timing of when a creature loses summoning sickness is intrinsically linked to decisions made during the attack declaration phase. This temporal aspect necessitates careful planning and anticipation, as a creature’s availability to attack can dramatically shift the dynamics of combat. A player must accurately assess which creatures will be eligible to attack based on when they entered the battlefield, considering that a creature played after the beginning of the declare attackers step cannot be used to attack that turn. Failure to do so can result in missed opportunities or incorrect combat calculations.
The practical significance of this understanding is exemplified when considering creatures with powerful attack triggers. If a player intends to exploit a creature’s ability that triggers upon attacking, they must ensure the creature is not still affected by summoning sickness. For example, a creature with an ability that creates tokens when it attacks must have entered the battlefield before the current turn’s declare attackers step to be eligible to attack and trigger its ability. Furthermore, opponents can exploit this constraint by using spells or abilities to delay or prevent creatures from attacking. A timely removal spell cast during the opponent’s declare attackers step can effectively neutralize a key attacker that was intended to bypass summoning sickness through temporary haste effects, significantly disrupting the opponent’s strategy.
In summary, the attack declaration phase is a critical juncture where the rules governing summoning sickness are directly applied. Correctly predicting a creature’s availability to attack is crucial for successful combat planning and maximizing strategic advantages. This requires precise knowledge of when a creature loses summoning sickness and how it interacts with the timing of the attack declaration phase. Misunderstanding this interaction can lead to misplays and lost opportunities, highlighting the importance of a thorough comprehension of the rules governing combat and creature eligibility. Therefore, accurate assessment of a creature’s summoning sickness status during the attack declaration phase is vital for informed decision-making and optimized gameplay.
7. Static abilities exception
Static abilities are permanent characteristics that a creature possesses, influencing its behavior and interactions from the moment it enters the battlefield. These abilities can, in certain instances, create exceptions to the general rules surrounding summoning sickness. While summoning sickness typically restricts a creature’s ability to attack or use tap abilities immediately, specific static abilities can effectively mitigate or even negate these restrictions.
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Granting Haste
The most direct example is a static ability that grants Haste to other creatures. A creature with a static ability such as “Other creatures you control have haste” allows newly summoned creatures to bypass summoning sickness and attack or use tap abilities immediately. For example, a card that reads “All creatures you control have haste” allows a creature played on the same turn to attack. This demonstrates a clear exception wherein the static ability overrides the standard summoning sickness limitation, enabling immediate combat or utility.
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Modifying Ability Costs
Certain static abilities may alter the activation costs of abilities. If a static ability reduces the cost of an activated ability to zero, even if that ability requires tapping, the summoning sickness restriction may become less relevant. While the creature still technically has summoning sickness, the fact that its activated ability has no cost enables its use even on the turn it enters the battlefield. The creature can still not attack because it is under summoning sickness but its static ability is not.
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Conditional Activation
Some static abilities may impose conditions on when a creature can attack or use abilities, effectively bypassing summoning sickness under specific circumstances. A card might state “Creatures with power 4 or greater you control can attack as though they had haste.” If a newly summoned creature meets this condition, it can attack despite normally being restricted by summoning sickness. The static ability creates a conditional exception to the general rule.
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Indirect Effects
Static abilities can indirectly influence the impact of summoning sickness by affecting other game elements. For instance, a static ability that increases the toughness of all creatures may make a newly summoned creature more resilient, allowing it to survive until it can attack on a subsequent turn, even though it’s initially unable to participate in combat. While not directly negating summoning sickness, this enhances the creature’s overall value and minimizes the negative consequences of the restriction. The creature can’t attack but the effects of summoning sickness is minimized.
The interaction between static abilities and summoning sickness demonstrates the complexity of the game rules. While summoning sickness establishes a general limitation, static abilities can create exceptions or mitigate its impact. Understanding these interactions is crucial for effective deck construction and strategic gameplay. The static abilities exception underscores the importance of considering the full range of a card’s abilities when assessing its strategic value and deployment within a game.
8. Specific card interactions
The nuances of interaction between individual cards often create exceptions to or amplify the standard rules regarding creature availability after entering the battlefield. A comprehensive understanding necessitates examining specific card abilities that directly influence or are influenced by these temporal restrictions. These interactions can modify the typical constraints, enabling strategic plays that would otherwise be impossible. Several examples will illustrate the intricacies of these interactions.
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Cards Granting Haste
Certain cards, such as “Lightning Greaves” or “Swiftfoot Boots,” grant a creature the Haste ability. When equipped to a creature, regardless of when that creature entered the battlefield, it can immediately attack or use tap abilities, overriding the standard summoning sickness rule. The effect is conditional, dependent on the equipment remaining attached, but it provides a distinct mechanism to circumvent the standard restriction. The strategic implication is immediate offensive or defensive capability where it otherwise would not be possible.
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Cards with “Enters the Battlefield” Triggers
Many creatures possess abilities that trigger upon entering the battlefield. While summoning sickness may prevent attacking or using tap abilities, it does not inhibit the resolution of these triggers. For instance, “Mulldrifter” draws cards when it enters the battlefield, providing immediate value regardless of its inability to attack. The trigger occurs independently of the creature’s status regarding summoning sickness, offering an immediate advantage even if the creature itself cannot be used in combat during that turn. This illustrates how a card can provide value even when subject to initial restrictions.
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Cards that Change Control
Spells or abilities that change control of a creature do not reset the summoning sickness restriction. If a player gains control of a creature that entered the battlefield under another player’s control during that player’s turn, that creature remains unable to attack or use tap abilities until the original player’s next turn would have begun. Cards like “Mind Control” or “Threaten” exemplify this interaction. The temporal restriction remains tied to the initial controller’s turn sequence, preventing immediate exploitation of the newly controlled creature. The effect is further complicated by the fact the player who played it would need to wait to attack regardless.
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Cards with Activated Abilities
Certain cards possess activated abilities that can be used regardless of summoning sickness, as long as those abilities do not require tapping the creature. For example, a creature with an activated ability that allows a player to pay mana to give it +1/+1 counters can use this ability on the turn it enters the battlefield, even if it cannot attack. Cards like “Experiment One” can grow on the turn it is summoned as long as certain conditions are met. The summoning sickness only restricts attack or tap to perform other abilities, but it does not stop the card from preforming these functions
These specific card interactions highlight the complexities within the core rules governing when a creature is considered usable after entering the battlefield. A thorough understanding of individual card abilities and their interaction with the summoning sickness rule is essential for maximizing strategic potential and navigating the intricacies of gameplay. Each card must be evaluated not only for its inherent abilities but also for how it interacts with other cards and the overall game state. This interaction dictates the creature’s ability to attack or utilize its abilities after entering the battlefield.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following section addresses common inquiries regarding the timing of when a creature can attack or utilize abilities with the tap symbol after entering the battlefield.
Question 1: Does summoning sickness apply to all creatures, regardless of type or color?
The restriction applies universally to all creatures entering the battlefield under a player’s control, irrespective of creature type, color identity, or mana cost. The determining factor is whether the creature has Haste and whether it has been under that player’s control since the beginning of their most recent turn.
Question 2: If a creature is exiled and then returned to the battlefield, is it affected by summoning sickness again?
Yes, a creature returning to the battlefield from exile is treated as a new entity entering the battlefield. Therefore, it is once again subject to summoning sickness, unless it possesses Haste or enters the battlefield under a static ability that grants Haste to it. This is even if the creature was on the battlefield previously.
Question 3: Does tapping a creature for mana activate summoning sickness?
No. Tapping a land for mana is an exception and not applicable to this rule. Tapping a creature to produce mana through abilities such as those granted by Llanowar Elves is not possible until the turn after it is played.
Question 4: If a creature is flipped from its morph cost, does it have summoning sickness?
Yes, the action of flipping over a card and having it enter the battlefield with the creature is subject to summoning sickness. Summoning sickness effects permanents with a creature type that flip over to the battlefield. The new entity is subject to the summoning sickness restriction if the player did not control the said permanent since the beginning of their most recent turn.
Question 5: Does summoning sickness only apply to attacking?
No, it is not applicable for only attacking and can apply to many functions such as abilities. If a creature cannot attack, it means abilities that require to tap a creature cannot be performed either. However, static abilities are not and effects or abilities which only require mana or counters or other resources can still be used even with summoning sickness.
Question 6: If a creature is brought in by other creatures, does summoning sickness still apply?
Yes, summoning sickness applies to creature tokens, even ones brought in by other creatures that did not have summoning sickness themselves. The tokens will still have summoning sickness unless they enter the battlefield with Haste or otherwise grant them to all creatures.
Understanding these interactions is critical for skillful play. Careful timing and anticipation of these rules are essential for strategic success.
The following content will explore additional considerations related to specific creature abilities and their impact on game strategy.
Strategic Application
The following tips provide guidance on strategically maneuvering around the restrictions or advantages derived from how a creature’s initial inability to attack or use activated abilities with the tap symbol expires.
Tip 1: Prioritize Haste Strategic deck construction involves prioritizing creatures with haste or effects that grant haste, enabling immediate board impact. This can be crucial in aggressive strategies and to apply pressure on the opponent early. Evaluate the strategic value of having a creature that impacts the game without having to wait.
Tip 2: Exploit “Enters the Battlefield” Triggers Utilize creatures with powerful abilities that trigger upon entering the battlefield. These effects can provide immediate value, even if the creature cannot attack or use tap abilities immediately. This allows for strategic plays that contribute to the game state while mitigating the limitation.
Tip 3: Anticipate Summoning Sickness Plan turns in advance, anticipating the availability of creatures to attack or use tap abilities. This involves carefully sequencing plays to maximize the impact of creatures once the restriction is lifted. Miscalculation of this period can lead to missed opportunities or strategic errors.
Tip 4: Use Control Effects Judiciously When employing spells or abilities that change control of creatures, recognize that summoning sickness does not reset. Assess the strategic benefit of gaining control versus the temporal limitation before executing the play. An immediate gain in board state may not be beneficial if the said creature has summoning sickness.
Tip 5: Play Around Removal Spells Be aware that opponent may attempt to delay creatures from attacking in the declare attackers phase. They can cast removal spells to either disrupt or neutralize creatures. Plan for that potential outcome, which is a major component of gameplay.
Tip 6: Consider Defender Creatures Consider cards that have static defender abilities such as wall of text or wall of stone. Although those cards can never attack, those cards can block and also have tap abilities that can be activated.
Mastery of these strategic tips requires meticulous planning, careful consideration of card interactions, and a comprehensive understanding of the turn cycle dynamics. Correct application ensures a competitive advantage.
The subsequent section provides a conclusion summarizing the key aspects governing the initial restriction on a creature’s activity and reinforces the importance of thorough rules comprehension for strategic competence.
Conclusion
The duration of a creature’s initial period of inactivity following its arrival on the battlefield is governed by several critical factors. A comprehensive understanding of these factors, including the player’s turn cycle, the presence of Haste, static abilities, and specific card interactions, is essential for informed decision-making. The concept, commonly referred to as summoning sickness, directly impacts strategic planning and tactical execution within a game.
Mastering these rules and exceptions is paramount for maximizing strategic advantage. The ability to accurately assess when a creature becomes available for attack or activated abilities allows for effective resource management, combat calculation, and overall gameplay proficiency. Continued exploration and practical application of these concepts remain crucial for achieving competitive excellence.
