Magic: The Gathering - The Nature of Magic and Mana

The game Magic: The Gathering is built on a foundation that is rich in mana and magic. These are the core mechanics within the game. Mana is a vital resource that includes not only field spells but also abilities and strategies. It makes it a fundamental aspect of all gameplay. It is important to understand the nature of mana and magic in MTG in order to gain insights into how players can optimise their decks and how the game functions overall.

Whilst it’s true that mana is seen as a universal force within the multiverse, its manifestation, and the way in which it is used can differ significantly when you travel from one plane to another.

Read on as we explore the nature of both magic and mana within the game.

What is mana?

Mana is the energy source that players use in order to cast spells and also activate abilities within MTG. Mana is primarily activated by land cards. However, other cards, particularly creature and artefact cards can also produce mana. The idea of mana is closely tied to the colour system that operates in the game. This defines different strategies and playstyles.

What are the colours?

There are five primary colours of mana and each one represents a distinct set of mechanics and philosophies:

• White – represents order, healing, and protection

• Blue – represents control, knowledge, and manipulation

• Black – represents ambition, destruction, and sacrifice

• Red – represents chaos, impulsiveness, and aggression

• Green – represents growth, resilience, and nature

Each individual colour has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, influencing deckbuilding and gameplay strategies.

Primarily generated by land cards, each basic land type generates a specific mana colour:

• Plains (White)

• Islands (Blue)

• Swamps (Black)

• Mountains (Red)

• Forests (Green)

And there are some cards that also produce mana that is colourless, this can be used within the game to pay for generic costs, however they lack the specific identity linked to a colour.

Mana costs and balance

Every spell and ability found within MTG has a mana cost. This determines how much mana is necessary to cast or activate it. The stronger the spell the higher the mana cost is likely to be. This balances the power level within the game. It is important for players to manage their mana resources carefully in order to be able to play their cards with best effect.

Mana and magic in different planes

Whilst mana and magic exist throughout the game, they do so to varying levels within each plane, for example:

• Alara - A plane that was once fractured into five shards, now each of these is aligned with three colours of mana. This results in distinct cultures and magical practices being seen within each shard (Bant, Esper, Grixis, Jund, Naya).

• Zendikar - This is a plane that is defined by its volatile mana, which is known as the Roil. This surges in an unpredictable manner and shapes the landscape of a plane and its inhabitants.

• Ravnica - A sprawling city-like plane where magic is both structured and controlled by the ten guilds. Each guild specialises in two colours of mana that are allied.

• Innistrad - A gothic horror plane here you will find that mana is often tied to the balance that exists between humanity and the supernatural. There are strong influences from white for protection and also from black for the forces of darkness.

There are some cards which feature mana abilities, allowing players to generate mana outside traditional land sources. These are abilities that can be triggered or activated to provide additional flexibility within a game. Some cards also have the ability to manipulate mana, either through a change of colour or as a result of an increase in its efficiency.

Mana, and to a slightly lesser extent, magic are the lifeblood of Magic: The Gathering. They drive the mechanics and strategic depth of the game. Understanding how mana works, its interactions and its sources, gives players the opportunity to build decks that are effective and also to master the art of spellcasting. Whether you are looking to control the battlefield through the use of blue magic or looking to unleash fiery destruction with red, mana is - as it always has been - the key to victory in MTG.