New players
Basics
Start here for turn structure, card types, and the most important zones.
Turn Flow
- Untap → Upkeep → Draw (ready your cards, then handle upkeep triggers, then draw).
- Main phase: play a land and cast sorceries/creatures.
- Combat: declare attackers, then blockers, then damage.
- Second main phase, then end step and cleanup.
Card Types
- Lands: one per turn, make mana.
- Creatures: attack and block.
- Instants: can be cast with priority any time.
- Sorceries: cast in main phase when the stack is empty.
- Enchantments/Artifacts: permanents that stay on the battlefield.
Zones
- Library → Hand → Stack → Battlefield → Graveyard.
- Exile is a separate zone, usually hard to retrieve from.
- Tokens live on the battlefield and disappear when they leave.
Core Terms
Tap
Rotate a card sideways to show it is used this turn.
Untap
Return a card to upright; it is ready to use again.
Permanent
A card that stays on the battlefield (creature, land, artifact, enchantment).
Spell
A card cast from hand that goes on the stack (not a land).
Want more? Open the full keyword glossary for deeper rules text.
Open Glossary