Is Flying a common card mechanic in Magic The Gathering?

Is Flying a Common Card Mechanic in Magic The Gathering?

In the world of Magic: The Gathering, mechanics are the building blocks of card design. They can be as simple as trample or as complex as auras. One mechanic that has been a part of the game since its inception is flying. Flying is a keyword ability that allows creatures to defy gravity and attack from above. But is it a common card mechanic? Let’s dive in and explore the answer.

What is Flying?

Flying is a keyword ability that allows creatures to tap and move to the battlefield from the top of the library. When a creature with flying is played, it can move to the battlefield and then attack from above. Flying creatures can also be targeted by spells and abilities that affect creatures, but they are immune to certain types of effects.

Types of Flying Creatures

There are several types of flying creatures in Magic: The Gathering. Some are permanent, while others are temporary. Here are a few examples:

• Permanent flying creatures: These are creatures that have flying as a permanent ability. They can be played from the top of the library and stay on the battlefield until destroyed or removed.
• Temporary flying creatures: These are creatures that gain flying temporarily. They can be played from the top of the library and then gain flying until the end of the turn.
• Flying tokens: These are tokens that are created when a creature with flying is played. They have flying and can be used as a source of damage.

How Common is Flying?

So, how common is flying in Magic: The Gathering? To answer this question, we need to look at the data. According to MTG Salvation, a popular Magic: The Gathering database, flying is one of the most common keywords in the game. As of the War of the Spark set, flying is the fifth most common keyword in the game, with over 1,400 cards featuring the keyword.

Distribution of Flying Cards

Here is a breakdown of the distribution of flying cards by rarity:

Conclusion

In conclusion, flying is a common card mechanic in Magic: The Gathering. With over 1,400 cards featuring the keyword, it’s clear that flying is a popular ability in the game. Whether you’re looking for a powerful permanent flying creature or a temporary token, there’s a flying card out there for you.

Additional Tips

Here are a few additional tips for playing with flying creatures:

• Keep your flying creatures safe: Flying creatures are often popular targets for opponents, so make sure to keep them safe by using spells and abilities to protect them.
• Use flying creatures to block: Flying creatures can be used to block spells and abilities that affect the battlefield. This can help you gain an advantage by disrupting your opponent’s plans.
• Use flying creatures to attack: Flying creatures can be used to attack your opponent’s life total. This can be a powerful way to gain an advantage, especially if you have multiple flying creatures on the battlefield.

I hope this article has helped you understand the role of flying in Magic: The Gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a new player, flying is an important mechanic to understand in order to play the game effectively.