How does Priority really work?
Asked by cnoz 12 years ago
So I've been playing this game for about 8 years, and I know most rulings and how all the fun stuff works... But something I have never had really explained to me is how priority is "given" or "obtained"
Any lengthy helpful answer would be much appreciated! Thanks
Slycne says... Accepted answer #1
Well at it's simplest premise - priority is the system through which Magic determines who currently has the ability to act, ie add something to the stack. This works hand and hand with a player who currently has priority and chooses to not take an action then passes priority to their opponent.
Because both players must pass priority in order for a spell or ability to resolve, and both players must pass priority on an empty stack in order to progress from one step of a turn to the next - the game ensures that each player always has an opportunity to respond.
The active players begins with priority at the beginning steps and phases of their turn. The active player also receives priority after an ability on the stack resolves, and players receive priority again after they cast a spell or activate an ability.
Besides those specific designations it's otherwise not a terribly complex mechanic that involves passing control back and forth, and once both players have passed then the game moves forward a step then hands priority back - repeat until empty in order to proceed.
February 24, 2014 7:49 p.m.