Cardsplain

Triggered and activated abilities

Three kinds of abilities on . The wording tells them apart.

  • Static abilities are statements, usually true while the permanent is on the battlefield. They never use the .
  • Triggered abilities start with "When", "Whenever" or "At" and happen on their own when their event does.
  • Activated abilities are a cost, a colon and an effect. You pay the cost to use one.
Text box of Esgaroth Garrison
The first line of Esgaroth Garrison is static and sets its power. The second starts with "When", so it is triggered.
Text box of Stone-Giant of High Pass
The last line of Stone-Giant of High Pass is activated. Everything before the colon is the cost.