---
title: Keyword abilities
subtitle: 'Keyword ability cheatsheet'
author: Mixed Signals staff
date: 2022-05-13 10:10
publish_date: 2022-05-13 10:10
hero_classes: text-light title-h1h2 overlay-dark-gradient hero-large parallax
hero_image: mtg-1600x800.jpg
show_sidebar: true
show_breadcrumbs: true
show_pagination: true
taxonomy:
category: gaming
tag: [gaming]
---
<p>
Since its so-called "<a href="
https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/making-magic/new-world-order-2011-12-02" target="_blank">new world order</a>" initiative, <strong>Magic the Gathering</strong> puts reminder text after important mechanics.
However, there are some core keywords (called "evergreen" by Magic R&D).
These keywords are explained in section 702 of the [official rules document](
https://magic.wizards.com/en/rules) but it's pretty dense, and until you learn them the game can be all the more obtuse.
</p>
<p>
Here's a handy list of the core keywords of <strong>Magic the Gathering</strong> and what they mean in most cases.
For complete rules, of course, refer to the rules document.
</p>
<ul>
<li>
<strong>Deathtouch</strong>: Any damage from <em>this creature</em> destroys its target.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Defender</strong>: <em>This creature</em> cannot attack.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Double strike</strong>: <em>This creature</em> deals both first-strike and regular combat damage.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Enchant</strong>: This "tags" a card as the target for whatever (usually detrimental) effect <em>this card</em> imposes.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Equip</strong>: This "tags" a card as the target for whatever (usually beneficial) effect <em>this card</em> grants.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Flash</strong>: <em>This card</em> can be cast as an instant.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Flying</strong>: <em>This card</em> cannot be blocked except by another card with Flying or Reach.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Haste</strong>: <em>This creature</em> doesn't suffer from summoning sickness.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Hexproof</strong>: <em>This card</em> can't be targeted by your opponent's spells or abilities.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Indestructible</strong>: <em>This card</em> can't be destroyed.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Intimidate</strong>: <em>This card</em> can't be blocked except by artifact creatures or creatures that share a color with it.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Islandwalk</strong>: See <strong>Landwalk</strong>.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Landwalk</strong>: <em>This card</em> can't be blocked as long as you control land with the specified land type (for example, <em>Islandwalk</em>).
</li>
<li>
<strong>Lifelink</strong>: Gain life equal to the damage dealt by <em>this card</em>.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Protection from [thing]</strong>: <em>This card</em> can't be targeted by spells (or abilities) of the type [thing].
</li>
<li>
<strong>Reach</strong>: <em>This card</em> can block Flying things.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Shroud</strong>: <em>This card</em> can't be the target of spells or abilities.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Trample</strong>: After destroying its blockers, any excess damage dealt by <em>this creature</em> is assigned to your opponent.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Vigilance</strong>: Do not tap <em>this card</em> when it attacks.
</li>
</ul>
<p>
The list of evergreen abilities can change, but this is representative of the most common ones, or ones I feel most often lack explanation in the rules text of cards.
<strong>Magic</strong> uses keywords ase shorthand for new mechanics, and a new set typically has two or three new mechanics.
Keep the rules handy when playing!
</p>
