What Counts as Mill MTG?
Mill is a keyword action in Magic: The Gathering that is used to describe the action of a player taking cards from the top of their library and putting them into their graveyard. But what exactly counts as mill? In this article, we will explore the different ways in which cards can be considered as mill and what are the implications of each type of mill.
Mill N Cards
One of the most common forms of mill is Mill N Cards, where a player takes the top N cards from their library and puts them into their graveyard. This is typically indicated on the card itself, with the number of cards in bold, such as "Mill 3 Cards." This type of mill can be used to clear out the top of the library, potentially revealing useful cards or preventing an opponent from drawing a card.
- Example: Covetous Castaway has Mill 3 Cards. When this ability triggers, you take the top three cards from your library and put them into your graveyard.
Milling Half Your Library
Another form of mill is Milling Half Your Library, where a player puts half of their library into their graveyard. This type of mill can be extremely powerful, as it can quickly empty the library and prevent an opponent from drawing a card.
- Example: Maddening Cacophony has "Mill half your library, rounded down." When this ability triggers, you take half of your library (rounded down) and put it into your graveyard.
Milling to Your Graveyard
Milling to Your Graveyard is a more general form of mill, where a player puts cards into their graveyard without specifying how many. This type of mill can be used to add cards to the graveyard that would not otherwise be able to be played.
- Example: Echoing Decay has "Mill any number of cards." When this ability triggers, you can put any number of cards into your graveyard.
Mill and Discard
Another important consideration is Mill and Discard, which refers to the process of putting cards into both the graveyard and the discard pile. This type of mill can be used to quickly clear out the top of the library and prevent an opponent from drawing a card.
- Example: Necropotence has "Discard any number of cards. Mill half your library, rounded down." When this ability triggers, you put the cards you discarded into your graveyard and take half of your library (rounded down) and put it into your graveyard.
Types of Mill
There are several different types of mill, each with its own unique implications and applications. Here are some of the most common types of mill:
- Sudden Death Mill: This type of mill involves putting an opponent’s library directly into their graveyard, ending the game immediately.
- Long-Term Mill: This type of mill involves gradually emptying an opponent’s library over the course of several turns.
- Combination Mill: This type of mill involves combining multiple forms of mill to create a more powerful effect.
Why Mill?
So why is mill so important in Magic: The Gathering? There are several reasons:
- Card Advantage: Mill can provide a player with card advantage, allowing them to play more cards and create more powerful combinations.
- Board Control: Mill can be used to control the board, by removing an opponent’s creatures and disrupting their plans.
- Game-Changing: Mill can be a game-changing play, turning the tide of a match in a player’s favor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mill is a powerful and versatile mechanic in Magic: The Gathering. Whether you’re using mill to clear out the top of your library, empty an opponent’s library, or disrupt their plans, mill is an important tool to have in your deck. By understanding the different types of mill and how to use them effectively, you can take your Magic: The Gathering gameplay to the next level.
Additional Resources
- Wizards of the Coast: Magic: The Gathering – Official website for Magic: The Gathering, with resources on gameplay, deckbuilding, and more.
- MTG Fandom: Mill – Comprehensive wiki on Magic: The Gathering, with detailed information on mill and other game mechanics.