What exactly is a "mana ability"?

Asked by Jeyrrick 11 years ago

I've always seen the term "mana ability" and I'm still confused by it. Is a mana ability an ability that GIVES mana or COSTS mana?

billpasdmf says... #1

A mana ability gives mana.

March 22, 2014 1:23 p.m.

GoblinsInc says... Accepted answer #2

Actually bill, there are abilities that give mana that are not considered mana abilities.

605.1a. An activated ability is a mana ability if it meets three criteria: it doesn't have a target, it could put mana into a player's mana pool when it resolves, and it's not a loyalty ability. (See rule 606, "Loyalty Abilities.")

605.1b. A triggered ability without a target that triggers from activating a mana ability and could put mana into a player's mana pool when it resolves is a mana ability.

March 22, 2014 1:29 p.m.

erabel says... #3

So, to explain what GoblinsInc's rules citation means:

Reliquary Tower has a mana ability.

Heartbeat of Spring has a triggered mana ability.

Xenagos, The Reveler 's first ability is not a mana ability, because it is a loyalty ability.

Maze of Ith 's ability is not a mana ability because it cannot add mana to your mana pool.

Witch Engine 's second ability (after Swampwalk) is not a mana ability, because it targets an opponent.

Cathodion 's death trigger is not a mana ability, because it triggers off of something other than a mana ability.

Dark Ritual is not a mana ability, because it is a spell.

March 22, 2014 1:44 p.m.