Who Has Priority in the Main Phase?
In the game of Magic: The Gathering, priority is a crucial concept that determines the order in which players can play spells, abilities, and other cards. In this article, we will explore who has priority in the main phase and the rules that govern it.
Who Has Priority in the Main Phase?
The Active Player
In the main phase, the active player receives priority first. This means that the player who is currently playing their turn has the opportunity to play spells, abilities, and other cards before their opponent. The active player’s priority is not affected by the number of cards in their hand or the number of cards on the battlefield.
The Non-Active Player
After the active player has passed priority, the non-active player (the player who is not currently playing their turn) receives priority. This means that the non-active player can play spells, abilities, and other cards after the active player has passed priority.
When Does Priority Change?
Priority changes at the beginning of each step and phase, including the main phase. When a player’s turn begins, they receive priority, and when their turn ends, priority passes to the next player.
How Does Priority Affect Gameplay?
Priority has a significant impact on gameplay in Magic: The Gathering. Here are some key points to consider:
- Spells and Abilities: The active player can play spells and abilities during their priority, while the non-active player can play spells and abilities during their priority.
- Card Draw: The active player can draw cards during their priority, while the non-active player can draw cards during their priority.
- Combat: The active player can declare attackers and blockers during their priority, while the non-active player can declare blockers during their priority.
- Mana Use: The active player can use mana to play spells and abilities during their priority, while the non-active player can use mana to play spells and abilities during their priority.
Key Rules to Remember
Here are some key rules to remember when it comes to priority in the main phase:
- The active player receives priority first.
- The non-active player receives priority after the active player has passed.
- Priority changes at the beginning of each step and phase.
- The active player can play spells, abilities, and other cards during their priority.
- The non-active player can play spells, abilities, and other cards during their priority.
Example Scenario
Here is an example scenario to illustrate how priority works in the main phase:
Player 1 is the active player, and they have a hand of three cards: a Mountain, a Fireball, and a Giant Growth. Player 2 is the non-active player, and they have a hand of two cards: a Plains and a Swords to Plowshares.
Player 1 plays a Mountain during their priority, and then passes priority to Player 2. Player 2 plays a Plains during their priority, and then passes priority back to Player 1.
Player 1 then plays a Fireball during their priority, and then passes priority to Player 2 again. Player 2 plays a Swords to Plowshares during their priority, and then passes priority back to Player 1.
In this scenario, Player 1 receives priority first and plays a Mountain, a Fireball, and a Giant Growth. Player 2 receives priority second and plays a Plains and a Swords to Plowshares.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the active player receives priority first in the main phase, and the non-active player receives priority after the active player has passed. Priority changes at the beginning of each step and phase, and it has a significant impact on gameplay in Magic: The Gathering. By understanding how priority works, players can make more informed decisions during their turns and improve their chances of winning.