Learn Magic the Gathering - What's an Instant?
In Magic the Gathering, instants are spells that you can play at any time—yes, even during your opponent’s turn. Unlike sorceries, which require you to politely wait for a main phase like a civilized spellslinger, instants are the unruly party guests who show up uninvited and eat all the good snacks. When you want to learn Magic the Gathering, they are some of your best friends.
They are the tricksters of Magic, the card type that embodies the phrase, “Not so fast!” Whether it’s countering a spell, destroying a creature, or drawing a suspiciously convenient number of cards, instants thrive in moments of maximum chaos.
How Instants Work
Surprise Factor – Instants are all about the element of surprise. Your opponent casts a gigantic, game-ending spell? Bam, Counterspell. They swing with their unstoppable Angel? Zap! Doom Blade. Let them think they have won before reversing their fortunes.
Combat Shenanigans – Instants can turn what seems like a perfectly safe attack into a tactical disaster. Maybe your 2/2 Bear is charging toward victory—until, oops, Giant Growth makes it a 5/5 monstrosity. Or perhaps your opponent thinks they can just block your biggest threat, only for you to give it trample and stampede your way through their defenses.
Stack It Up – The stack is where instants truly shine. Unlike most other spells, instants can respond to other instants, creating a stack of spells waiting to resolve. Ever watched a game where two players counter each other's Counterspells until no one knows what's happening anymore? That’s the magic (pun intended) of instants.
Classic Instants That Everyone Loves (Or Hates)
Counterspell – The ultimate “Nope” button.
Giant Growth – Because sometimes, you just need a beefier squirrel.
Lightning Bolt – Three damage for one mana? Chef’s kiss.
Swords to Plowshares – Your creature is gone, but hey, at least you gained some life?
Path to Exile – Like Swords to Plowshares, but now your opponent gets a land. Lucky them.
Teferi’s Protection – For when you need to take a mental health turn.
When to Use Instants Like a Pro
During Combat: Buff your creatures, kill blockers, or otherwise mess with the natural order of battle.
In Response to Spells: Counter them, destroy their targets, or draw cards just in case.
At the End of an Opponent’s Turn: The sneaky move—cast card draw instants before your own turn so you go in with more options.
Final Thoughts
Instants are the mischievous, unpredictable spice of Magic. They keep opponents on their toes, ensure that no play is ever truly safe, and make sure that just when someone thinks they’ve won, they’re actually about to have a very bad time.
So next time you play, keep a few instants handy. You never know when you’ll need to pull off some last-second magic (or mayhem). And if your opponent gives you that “Seriously?” look—congratulations, you played it perfectly.
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