What Does Ward Mean In Magic The Gathering?

What is Ward?

Ward is a keyword ability that was introduced in the 2022 MTG Core Set. It is used to protect creatures or players from certain types of spells or abilities. When a creature or player has ward, it means that they cannot be targeted by spells or abilities of a certain color. For example, if a creature has ward against red, it cannot be targeted by any red spells or abilities. Similarly, if a player has ward against black, they cannot be affected by any black spells or abilities.

How Does Ward Work?

Ward is a triggered ability that activates when a player or creature is targeted by a spell or ability. When ward is activated, the player or creature with ward becomes immune to the effects of the spell or ability that triggered the ward. For example, if a player has ward against blue and an opponent tries to counter their spell with a blue counter spell, the ward ability will trigger and the counter spell will be ineffective.

Types of Ward

There are several types of ward in MTG, each with its own color or condition. Some examples of ward include: – Ward against black: The creature or player cannot be targeted by any black spells or abilities. – Ward against blue: The creature or player cannot be targeted by any blue spells or abilities. – Ward against red: The creature or player cannot be targeted by any red spells or abilities. – Ward against green: The creature or player cannot be targeted by any green spells or abilities. – Ward against non-land permanents: The creature or player cannot be targeted by any non-land permanent spells or abilities. – Ward against spells with converted mana cost X or less: The creature or player cannot be targeted by spells with a converted mana cost of X or less.

How to Use Ward

Ward can be a powerful tool in MTG, but it requires careful planning and execution. Here are some tips for using ward effectively: – Choose your ward carefully: When building your deck, think carefully about which types of ward will be most useful to you. Consider the types of spells and abilities your opponents are likely to use, and choose ward abilities that will counter them. – Use ward to protect key creatures: If you have a creature with a powerful ability, consider giving it ward to protect it from being targeted by your opponent’s spells or abilities. – Use ward defensively: If you suspect that your opponent has a spell or ability that can harm you, use ward to protect yourself. For example, if you have ward against red and your opponent has a red spell that deals damage, activate your ward to prevent the damage.

Conclusion

Ward is a powerful keyword ability in MTG that can be used to protect creatures or players from targeted spells or abilities. By carefully choosing your ward abilities and using them strategically, you can gain a significant advantage over your opponents. So, the next time you encounter ward in MTG, remember its power and use it wisely.