What is the Difference Between these Two Phrases?
General forum
Posted on Feb. 5, 2024, 10:18 p.m. by DemonDragonJ
I have seen some cards that say "this ability triggers only once each turn" and some that say "do this only once each turn," so what is the difference between those two terms? Does anyone here know why it is necessary to have two different, yet very similar, restrictions on cards?
Last_Laugh says... #3
Another variation of this is "the first xxxx you cast" (i.e. Peri Brown). In this instance it checks your history for the entire turn for that action (So Peri Brown counts herself if she was cast).
February 6, 2024 1:12 a.m.
plakjekaas says... #4
If something is not a trigger, like an activated ability (boast on Axgard Braggart) or an alternate way of casting a spell (like with As Foretold), then it would not make sense to say it triggers once per turn. Then you activate it once per turn, or use it once per turn. It's more of a language issue than a card mechanic issue.
February 6, 2024 4:09 a.m.
DemonDragonJ says... #5
All of those answers make sense, so I thank everyone for answering.
February 6, 2024 6 a.m.
seshiro_of_the_orochi says... #6
It's a pretty relevant distinction on cards such as Pantlaza, Sun-Favored. You can always choose which dino it triggers on if you somehow happen to now what you want to discover into.
February 6, 2024 1:05 p.m.
DemonDragonJ says... #7
To keep this conversation active, I shall ask a new question: what is the difference between "if you do" and "when you do?" I believe that I have asked that question, before, but I cannot recall the answers that other users gave to it.
February 6, 2024 5:39 p.m.
"When you do" is a reflexive trigger to taking the game action, meaning that it goes on the stack separate to the initial condition.
"If you do" is done as the ability resolves, occurring at the same time whilst it is on the stack.
February 6, 2024 5:52 p.m.
DemonDragonJ says... #9
Idoneity, I see, so I thank you for clarifying that subject.
February 6, 2024 5:56 p.m.
wallisface says... #10
Playing either Agatha's Soul Cauldron or using Grist, the Hunger Tides -2 ability on MTGO will both beautifully illustrate how ”when you do” effects interact with the stack.
February 6, 2024 6:39 p.m.
DemonDragonJ says... #11
wallisface, I have never played MTGO, so I would not know about that.
February 6, 2024 8:15 p.m.
JelloGresh says... #12
Hi there I'd like to follow up the original question with Neera, Wild Mage. Since its a may (+if) ability, how is the ability going on the stack if I do not trigger it ?
Cause I've read on some youtube comment that, since it triggers only once each turn you could only use the ability on the first spell you cast. Is that correct ?
April 9, 2024 12:39 a.m.
Last_Laugh says... #13
JelloGresh It would still only trigger once. You choosing not to cast doesn't change the fact that the ability triggered.
Idoneity says... #2
"This ability triggers only once each turn" means that the ability will only ever go onto the stack once each turn.
"Do this only once each turn" means that the ability is likely a "may" ability; whether it happens or not is up to you. As such, it will always go on the stack, but it can only happen a single time per turn.
This is my understanding.
February 5, 2024 10:46 p.m.