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The Stages of Magic: Unlocking the Secrets of a Turn! [2024] ✨
Have you ever wondered how the magic happens in a game of Magic: The Gathering? 🎩✨ Well, get ready to be spellbound as we take you on a journey through the enchanting stages of magic! From the beginning phase to the ending phase, we’ll reveal the secrets behind each step and give you the tools to become a master magician. So grab your deck and let’s dive into the captivating world of Magic: The Gathering!
Quick Answer: The Phases Unveiled! 🎇
In a game of Magic: The Gathering, each turn is divided into several phases. Here’s a quick breakdown of the magical stages you’ll encounter:
- Beginning Phase: This phase includes the untap step, upkeep step, and draw step.
- Pre-Combat Main Phase: Here, you can play lands and sorcery-speed cards.
- Combat Phase: The combat phase consists of five steps: beginning of combat, declare attackers, declare blockers, combat damage, and end of combat.
- Post-Combat Main Phase: Similar to the pre-combat main phase, you can play lands and sorcery-speed cards.
- Ending Phase: This phase includes the end step and cleanup step.
Now that you have a glimpse of the magical stages, let’s dive deeper into each phase and uncover the secrets they hold! 💫
Quick Tips and Facts: Unleashing the Magic Within! 🧙♂️
Before we delve into the details, here are some quick tips and fascinating facts to keep in mind:
✅ Priority determines who can cast spells first. Active players gain priority at the start of each phase, and both players need to pass priority for a spell or ability to resolve.
✅ Steps are subsets of phases in Magic, providing more granularity to the gameplay.
✅ Mana is lost at the end of each phase, so use it wisely!
✅ You can only cast cards or activate abilities when you have priority, which is assigned at the beginning of the upkeep step.
✅ “End of turn” triggers at the beginning of the end step, so keep an eye out for those game-changing effects!
✅ Some older cards had phasing abilities, which have been updated for clarity in newer sets.
Now that you’re armed with these magical insights, let’s explore each phase in detail and unravel the mysteries of a turn in Magic: The Gathering! 🪄
The Beginning Phase: Untapping, Upkeeping, and Drawing! 🌟
The beginning phase sets the stage for the magical journey ahead. It consists of three steps: the untap step, upkeep step, and draw step. Let’s take a closer look at each of these steps:
1. Untap Step
During the untap step, you untap all your tapped permanents, including lands, creatures, and artifacts. It’s like a fresh start, allowing you to use your resources to their fullest potential.
2. Upkeep Step
The upkeep step is where the magic truly begins. This is where you’ll encounter various triggers and abilities that can impact the game. Keep an eye out for cards with abilities that trigger during this step, as they can be game-changers!
3. Draw Step
In the draw step, you draw a card from your deck. This is your chance to replenish your hand and strategize for the upcoming turns. Drawing the right card at the right time can turn the tide of the game in your favor!
Pre-Combat Main Phase: The Power of Sorcery-Speed! 🔮
After the beginning phase comes the pre-combat main phase. This is where you can unleash the power of sorcery-speed cards and play lands. It’s a crucial moment to set up your strategy and make impactful plays. Use this phase wisely to gain an advantage over your opponent!
Combat Phase: The Battle Begins! ⚔️
The combat phase is where the real action happens! It consists of five steps that take you through the thrilling journey of attacking and defending. Let’s break down each step:
1. Beginning of Combat
At the beginning of combat step, you have the opportunity to play cards or activate abilities that trigger at the start of combat. This is your chance to surprise your opponent with unexpected tactics!
2. Declare Attackers
In the declare attackers step, you choose which of your creatures will attack your opponent. This is where you strategize and decide how to best utilize your creatures’ abilities and strengths.
3. Declare Blockers
The declare blockers step is when your opponent gets a chance to defend against your attacking creatures. They can choose which of their creatures will block your attacks, creating a strategic dance of offense and defense.
4. Combat Damage
During the combat damage step, damage is dealt between attacking and blocking creatures. This is where you’ll see the consequences of your strategic choices and witness the ebb and flow of the battle.
5. End of Combat
The end of combat step is your opportunity to play cards or activate abilities that trigger at the end of combat. It’s a moment to regroup and prepare for the next phase of the game.
Post-Combat Main Phase: Seizing the Moment! 🌠
After the combat phase, the post-combat main phase arrives. Similar to the pre-combat main phase, you can play lands and sorcery-speed cards. This is your chance to further develop your strategy and make impactful plays before the turn comes to an end.
Ending Phase: The Final Curtain Call! 🎭
The ending phase marks the conclusion of the turn. It consists of two steps: the end step and the cleanup step. Let’s take a closer look at each of these steps:
1. End Step
During the end step, you have the opportunity to play cards or activate abilities that trigger at the end of the turn. This is your last chance to make a game-changing move before the turn ends.
2. Cleanup Step
The cleanup step is the final step of the ending phase. Here, you discard down to your maximum hand size and remove any temporary effects that end at the end of the turn. It’s a moment of reflection and preparation for the next turn.
FAQ: Unraveling the Mysteries of Magic! ❓

How many phases are there in magic?
There are five phases in a turn of Magic: The Gathering: the beginning phase, pre-combat main phase, combat phase, post-combat main phase, and ending phase.
What is the main phase in magic?
Both the pre-combat main phase and the post-combat main phase are considered main phases in Magic: The Gathering. These phases allow you to play lands and sorcery-speed cards.
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What is the beginning phase in magic?
The beginning phase is the first phase of a turn in Magic: The Gathering. It includes the untap step, upkeep step, and draw step.
What is the first step in magic?
The first step in a turn of Magic: The Gathering is the untap step, which is part of the beginning phase.
If you have more burning questions about the stages of magic, feel free to ask in the comments below! We’re here to help you become a true master of the arcane arts! 🧙♀️
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Conclusion: Embrace the Magic Within! 🌌

Congratulations! You’ve now unlocked the secrets of the stages of magic in Magic: The Gathering. From the beginning phase to the ending phase, each step holds its own enchantment and strategic opportunities. By understanding the intricacies of each phase, you’ll be able to make more informed decisions and outwit your opponents.
So gather your deck, practice your spells, and embark on your magical journey. Remember, the true power lies within you! Now go forth and create your own magical legacy in the world of Magic: The Gathering! ✨
Recommended Links
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Reference Links
Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge of the stages of magic, continue your magical journey by exploring the recommended links above. And remember, the true magic lies in the joy and wonder you bring to the game! ✨🎩



