Card type
Instant
A one-shot you can cast on either turn, as long as you have priority.
- What it does
- Your reaction. Counterspells, pumps, and removal that wait until someone does something.
- When you play it
- Any time you have priority — your turn, their turn, in the middle of combat, in response to a spell.
- Beginner trap
- Tapping out every main phase so you cannot cast the instant in your hand when they attack.
Instants are why people leave mana up. The card is a surprise. You play it, it does the text, it goes to the graveyard.
“In response” means you put your instant on the stack on top of whatever they just did. Yours resolves first.
If you are new, keep two mana open when you have a counter or a combat trick. Emptying your lands every turn is how instants die in hand.
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More card types
Land
Not a spell. Tap for mana. One land per turn is the usual rule.
Creature
Attacks and blocks. Power / toughness is the bottom-right box.
Sorcery
A one-shot that waits for your main phase. Bigger effects, slower door.
Artifact
A permanent, usually colorless. Equipment, rocks, and machines.
Enchantment
A lasting spell on the table — a rule that stays, or an Aura on one thing.
Planeswalker
A legendary ally with loyalty. You may activate one ability on your turn.