Rules glossary

↑ Section 117. Timing and Priority

117.1 Unless a spell or ability is instructing a player to take an action, which player can take actions at any given time is determined by a system of priority. The player with priority may cast spells, activate abilities, and take special actions. ☆

• ☆ 117.1a 🔗 A player may cast an instant spell any time they have priority. A player may cast a noninstant spell during their main phase any time they have priority and the stack is empty.
• ☆ 117.1b 🔗 A player may activate an activated ability any time they have priority.
• ☆ 117.1c 🔗 A player may take some special actions any time they have priority. A player may take other special actions during their main phase any time they have priority and the stack is empty. See rule 116, “Special Actions.” (refs: 116)
• ☆ 117.1d 🔗 A player may activate a mana ability whenever they have priority, whenever they are casting a spell or activating an ability that requires a mana payment, or whenever a rule or effect asks for a mana payment (even in the middle of casting or resolving a spell or activating or resolving an ability).

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