Can I use abilities in my opponents end step, then untap lands immediately after during my upkeep?

Asked by BullTru3 1 year ago

My question is concerning two cards specifically and their eligibility to use abilities in my opponents end step, Walking Ballista and Blast Zone

In regards to Blast Zone, I have seen people add blast counters to Blast Zone in their opponents end step. Is this able to happen legally? I know card abilities happen at instant speed (assuming it’s a creature that isn’t suffering from summoning sickness trying to use a TAP ability) and can be placed on the stack whenever you receive priority.

Assuming the above example is legal, does that mean during my opponents end step, could I add a +1/+1 counter to Walking Ballista, pass priority back, my opponent relieve his turn, then in my upkeep I immediately untap the lands I just used and be free to use them again?

Gidgetimer says... Accepted answer #1

Yes, that is exactly how activated abilities work. Unless otherwise noted you can activate an ability any time to have priority. For a step or phase to end all players must pass priority in succession with the stack empty.

Both of the abilities you mentioned do not state otherwise, so they can be activated on an opponent's end step. There will of course be another round of priority after the activated ability resolves (as well as the round before it resolves), so it isn't like you can do something and be able to immediately untap without the opponent getting an opportunity to react.

January 7, 2023 5:38 p.m.