7 Activated Abilities in MTG That Will Leave Your Opponents Helpless

Introduction

Activated abilities are a powerful tool in Magic: The Gathering. They allow you to interact with the game in a variety of ways, from casting spells to sacrificing creatures. Some activated abilities are simple and straightforward, while others are more complex and can lead to devastating results.

In this article, we will take a look at seven of the most powerful activated abilities in MTG. These abilities are all game-changers, and they can help you win even the most difficult games.

1. Lightning Bolt

Lightning Bolt is one of the most iconic cards in Magic: The Gathering. It is a simple spell that deals 3 damage to any target. However, Lightning Bolt is incredibly versatile and can be used to kill creatures, burn out opponents, or finish off a game.

2. Counterspell

Counterspell is another must-have card for any control deck. It allows you to counter (cancel) any spell that your opponent casts. This can be a game-winning play, especially if you counter a powerful spell like Lightning Bolt or Wrath of God.

3. Swords to Plowshares

Swords to Plowshares is one of the best removal spells in Magic: The Gathering. It allows you to exile (remove from the game) any creature that your opponent controls. Swords to Plowshares is incredibly versatile and can be used to deal with any type of creature, from small tokens to giant monsters.

4. Path to Exile

Path to Exile is another excellent removal spell. It is similar to Swords to Plowshares, but it can only be cast on creatures that are not black. This makes Path to Exile slightly less versatile than Swords to Plowshares, but it is still a very powerful card.

5. Brainstorm

Brainstorm is a cantrip that allows you to draw three cards and then put two cards from your hand back on top of your library. This is a great way to filter through your deck and find the cards that you need. Brainstorm is especially powerful in control decks, as it allows you to dig for answers to your opponent's threats.

6. Ponder

Ponder is another cantrip that is very similar to Brainstorm. However, Ponder only allows you to draw two cards and then put one card from your hand back on top of your library. This makes Ponder slightly less powerful than Brainstorm, but it is still a very good card.

7. Preordain

Preordain is a cantrip that allows you to look at the top three cards of your library and then put one of those cards into your hand. This is a great way to get a head start on your game plan. Preordain is especially powerful in aggro decks, as it allows you to find the creatures that you need to win the game.

Conclusion

Activated abilities are a powerful tool in Magic: The Gathering. They allow you to interact with the game in a variety of ways, from casting spells to sacrificing creatures. The seven activated abilities that we have discussed in this article are all game-changers, and they can help you win even the most difficult games.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between an activated ability and a triggered ability?
2. What are some of the most common activated abilities?
3. How can I use activated abilities to win games?
4. What are some of the best activated abilities in Magic: The Gathering?
5. How can I protect my activated abilities from being countered?
6. What are some of the most common mistakes that players make when using activated abilities?
7. How can I use activated abilities to combo off?
8. What are some of the future trends for activated abilities in Magic: The Gathering?