In playing the game of Magic: the Gathering, we opted to be familiar with some of the common terms used during gameplay. We might unknowingly understand it but it is of good advantage to be versatile in the words and phrases used. It helps to familiarize and understand the game rules and card effects with the right words and terms identifying them.

Here are some common terms used in Magic: The Gathering:

1. Mana – The resource used to cast spells and play creatures and other permanents.
2. Creature – A type of permanent that represents a creature, such as a monster or a creature token.
3. Sorcery – A type of spell that can only be cast during a player’s main phase and has a one-time effect.
4. Instant – A type of spell that can be cast at any time, including during an opponent’s turn.
5. Enchantment – A type of permanent that represents a continuous effect, such as a spell that gives bonuses to creatures or provides protection.
6. Artifact – A type of permanent that represents an object, such as a weapon, piece of equipment, or vehicle.
7. Land – A type of permanent that provides mana for players to cast spells.
8. Planeswalker – A type of permanent that represents a powerful being from another world who can help players by providing additional resources or abilities.
9. Life Total – The amount of life a player has remaining.
10. Combat – The process by which creatures attack and defend, potentially dealing damage to the opposing player or other creatures.
11. Board State – The current state of the battlefield, including all permanents, creatures, and other objects on the battlefield.
12. Ramp – The process of increasing the amount of mana available to a player, typically through spells or abilities that produce additional mana.
13. Combo – A combination of cards or abilities that can lead to a game-winning play.
14. Control – A strategy focused on controlling the battlefield and the opponent’s resources, usually through the use of removal spells and counterspells.
15. Aggro – A strategy focused on attacking the opponent as quickly and efficiently as possible, usually with a lot of small, fast creatures.

These are just a few of the many terms used in Magic: The Gathering, and understanding them is key to being able to play the game effectively.