What are Magic: The Gathering Keywords?

Hey there, fellow planeswalkers. After spending some time debating with my best friend about whether Landfall was an ability word or keyword (it’s an ability word, don’t @ me), I thought it would be appropriate to write a guide on what exactly a keyword is.
In Magic: The Gathering, keywords are shortcuts. Instead of printing a long description for a common ability every time, Wizards of the Coast use a single word. This keeps cards cleaner and, once you know the lingo, makes them easier to understand.
The biggest difference between keywords and ability words is keywords provide defined game mechanics, while ability words simply categorize abilities that often vary in effect from card to card.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular and evergreen keywords you will find in MTG today.
Let’s Meet the Keywords
Deathtouch
What it is
Imagine with me a creature whose touch is so potent, even a tiny scratch is lethal. That’s Deathtouch. Any damage (even 1 point) from a Deathtouch source destroys another creature.
On the Battlefield
The bottom line with Deathtouch is even a small 1/1 creature becomes a serious threat. Large monsters hesitate to fight a Deathtoucher because it can trade blows with them, regardless of size.
It’s great defensively and can be effective offensively, as opponents may not want to block with valuable creatures. It alters combat math, making small creatures relevant against larger ones.
Iconic Card Showcase
- Vampire Nighthawk (Keywords: Flying, Deathtouch, Lifelink): This cool vampire is a flying, life-gaining, Deathtouch machine. For a low cost, it offers an incredible package. It’s often cited as one of the most dangerous and efficiently costed black creatures.
- Glissa Sunslayer (Keywords: First Strike, Deathtouch): A legendary elf. First Strike and Deathtouch is a brutal combo. She hits first, and that hit is deadly.
Flying
What it is
This keyword is pretty straight forward, just imagine your creature has wings. Creatures with Flying can only be blocked by other creatures with Flying or Reach.
On the Battlefield
The biggest advantage coming from this keyword is Flying creatures often attack opponents directly because many decks lack aerial blockers. It’s a primary way to be evasive and is considered one of the best keywords.
Iconic Card Showcase
- Serra Angel (Keywords: Flying, Vigilance): The original iconic Angel! A 4/4 flyer for five mana that doesn’t tap to attack (Vigilance). She was queen of the skies in early Magic, and her female depiction set a trend.
- Shivan Dragon (Keywords: Flying): This is the classic big red dragon. A 5/5 flyer that can boost its power. A symbol of raw, fiery power, iconic for early players.
Trample
What it is
You got a big creature? Trample lets it run over smaller blockers. If your Trample creature deals more damage to blockers than needed to destroy them, the excess damage hits the opponent.
On the Battlefield
Opponents can’t just use a tiny 1/1 to block your giant 10/10 Trampler and negate all damage. Most damage still gets through, making big creatures much scarier.
Iconic Card Showcase
- Craterhoof Behemoth (Keywords: Haste, Trample): The ultimate finisher for creature decks. This beast has Trample and Haste and gives ALL your creatures Trample. Games end quickly when this dude hits.
- Gishath, Sun’s Avatar (Keywords: Trample, Vigilance, Haste): Big dinosaurs often mean Trample, and Gishath is a prime example of a massive, terrifying dino that embodies this keyword. Not only does this beefy 7/6 boy have trample, but it also has vigilance and haste, so it’s an immediate and relentless threat.
Haste
What it is
Normally, creatures have “summoning sickness” and wait a turn to attack or use tap abilities. Haste lets them do it the turn they enter play.
On the Battlefield
Haste means immediate impact. Opponents have less time to react. Great for aggressive decks or creatures with powerful tap abilities.
Iconic Card Showcase
- Goblin Guide (Keywords: Haste): A classic red one-mana 2/2 with Haste. Incredibly aggressive, defining early game pressure for many red decks.
- Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer (Keywords: Dash grants Haste): This monkey pirate creates Treasure and lets you cast an opponent’s top card on hit. Its Dash ability gives Haste for surprise attacks.
Lifelink
What it is
When a creature with Lifelink deals damage, its controller gains that much life.
On the Battlefield
Lifelink is fantastic for stabilizing if you’re low on life. Attacking with Lifelink means damaging them and healing yourself, a “life swing” that can put games out of reach.
Iconic Card Showcase
- Vampire Nighthawk (Keywords: Flying, Deathtouch, Lifelink): I know I already mentioned this card, but, come one, can you blame me? Lifelink, Flying, and Deathtouch make it a nightmare for opponents and a lifesaver for you.
- Wurmcoil Engine (Keywords: Deathtouch, Lifelink): This giant 6/6 artifact Wurm has Deathtouch and Lifelink. When it dies, it splits into two smaller Wurms, one 3/3 with Deathtouch and one 3/3 with Lifelink. Incredibly resilient, providing huge life swings.
First Strike
What it is
In combat, creatures with First Strike deal damage before creatures without First Strike or Double Strike.
On the Battlefield
If a First Strike creature deals lethal damage to its blocker, the blocker dies before dealing damage back. This makes First Strikers excellent in combat.
Iconic Card Showcase
- Thalia, Guardian of Thraben (Keywords: First Strike): A legendary Human Soldier. Her First Strike makes her a tough 2/1 blocker, and her ability to make non-creature spells cost more is powerful. One of the most played First Strike creatures.
- Baneslayer Angel (Keywords: Flying, First Strike, Lifelink): A 5/5 powerhouse with Flying, First Strike, and Lifelink. She often wins aerial combat and gains life before opponents hit back.
Double Strike
What it is
If First Strike is one free punch, Double Strike is two. A creature with Double Strike deals damage during the First Strike step and the regular combat damage step.
On the Battlefield
Incredibly powerful, it’s like attacking twice. For example, a 3 power Double Striker hits for 6. It also gets First Strike benefits, potentially killing a blocker before it hits back, then dealing regular damage.
Iconic Card Showcase
- Fury (Modern Horizons 2) (Keywords: Double Strike, Evoke): This Elemental Incarnation has Double Strike and can spread 4 damage on entry. Its Evoke ability allows casting for “free,” making it a flexible threat.
- Mirran Crusader (Keywords: Double Strike): A classic Knight with Double Strike and protection from two key colors. Because of this the card is difficult to deal with for some decks.
Reach
What it is
Pesky flyers overhead? A creature with Reach can block creatures with Flying, even if it doesn’t have Flying itself.
On the Battlefield
Reach is mainly defensive, protecting you from Flying creatures. It’s the grounded anti-air unit, a crucial balance against Flying’s dominance.
Iconic Card Showcase
- Giant Spider (Keywords: Reach): The original, classic Reach creature! For generations, Giant Spider was the go-to for early flying threats. Simple, effective, and an MTG veteran.
- Arasta of the Endless Web (Keywords: Reach): This legendary Spider not only has Reach but creates 1/2 Spider tokens with Reach when opponents cast instants or sorceries, making her and her brood excellent defenders.
Keep Exploring Those Keywords
So, there you have it, I hope you enjoyed my introduction into keywords. Remember, understanding these terms helps you move from passively accumulating cards to actively understanding their function and significance.
While this guide covers common abilities, MTG has over 100 keywords including many “expert keywords” for specific sets. The most important advice I can give is to continue to experiment with all the different keywords until you find a playstyle you enjoy. And as always, happy collecting!