Can creatures tap abilities be used in response to something on my priority?

Asked by Nuubi 5 years ago

For instance I had Elvish Mystic and one land I was able to use on my field. My Oponent used a enchantment to boost his creature. I wanted to tap Elvish Mystic and my land card and play an instant to destroy his enchantment. So the question is can I use tap abilities in response to spells on my priority? Or can tap abilities only be activated in the main phases? (his argument)

subrosian says... Accepted answer #1

All activated abilities can be used at instant speed (whenever you have priority) unless explicitly stated otherwise, like Skyshroud Ranger or Sadistic Hypnotist .

February 10, 2019 6:47 p.m.

Nuubi says... #2

Awesome, thanks! Opens up a lot of possibilities!

February 10, 2019 6:58 p.m.

Kogarashi says... #3

The one thing that would prevent you from using Elvish Mystic 's ability on your opponent's turn would be if it still had summoning sickness (if you didn't control it continuously since the beginning of your most recent turn) and you didn't somehow give it haste, as that would prevent you from using abilities with in the activation cost.

February 10, 2019 7:32 p.m.

Gidgetimer says... #4

I hate to keep piling on additional information, but...

Since Elvish Mystic has a mana ability, you can actually activate it at some times that you wouldn't be able to activate non-mana abilities or cast instants. The corner cases where you can activate a mana ability but not other abilities or cast instants include in response to a spell with split second, before payments are made when you are casting a spell or activating an ability, and during the resolution of a spell or ability that asks for a mana payment.

The major take away though as stated in the accepted answer is that unless the ability specifically states otherwise you can activate abilities during any step or phase.

February 11, 2019 9:45 p.m.

Nuubi says... #5

Hey by all means Gidgetimer pile on. I appreciate the elaboration. The more info I can get at the moment the better. Mtg can be quite daunting for a newbie like myself whose just learning with some other newbs lol

February 12, 2019 2:16 p.m.

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