🧙♂️ Initial Phase: What do you do at the beginning of a turn in Magic?
Okay, if you're just starting to play Magic: The Gathering , you've probably noticed that each turn has its own structure. It's not just "draw a card and attack," there's a whole system to it. And it all starts with the initial phase .
This part, while lacking fireworks, is key. It's when you prepare your cards and get everything ready before taking action. It has three steps: straighten , upkeep , and draw . I'll explain them as if we were sitting down playing a game in the store.
🔄 Step 1: Straighten
The first thing you do when it's your turn: you untap all the cards you had tapped. Lands, creatures, everything. Everything you used last turn is ready to use again.
Why are the cards turned over?
Because you used them. It's that simple. You attacked, you spent mana, you activated something… so you flipped the card. Now it's time to turn them right side up again.
Important: In this step, you cannot play anything or cheat. No spells are cast, and no abilities are activated. Just straighten and continue.
🛠️ Step 2: Maintenance
After straightening comes upkeep . This is where some cards will ask you to do things, or where you can gain some advantage.
Example?
You have a creature that says "at the beginning of your upkeep, draw a card." Well, now's the time. Or one that requires you to pay mana to avoid destruction. Anything that says "upkeep" triggers now.
And yes, finally, you can cast instants or activate abilities here if you want. It's the first window of your turn where you're allowed to do things.
A little tip: sometimes you go so fast that you forget about these automatic skills. I'm telling you this because it's happened to me more than once, and then you want to kick yourself.
📥 Step 3: Steal
This move is cool. You draw a card. Period.
There's always some excitement when you draw, especially if you're waiting for that card that can change everything.
Just one letter?
Generally, yes. Unless a card says otherwise. There are effects that make you draw more, or even less (ouch!). But if nothing unusual happens, you take the top card from your deck and add it to your hand.
And after stealing?
You can cast instants or activate abilities. You or your opponent. So if you have something prepared, you can put it into action here before moving on to the next phase.
One important detail to remember: if you start the game, you don't draw a card on your first turn. It's a rule that's often forgotten in casual games.
🧠 Conclusion (no beating around the bush)
The initial phase is like making coffee before breakfast: it's not the most exciting part, but if you don't do it right, everything else falls apart. If you forget to straighten or use a maintenance skill, you can lose a significant advantage. And if you skip the stealing... well, that's another story.
My advice: take this phase slowly at first. Once you've internalized it, you won't even notice; it will become automatic.
And if you want to improve your start from the first turn, at Akiba Loots you have everything: single cards, booster packs, pre-made decks... so you don't get caught empty-handed at the beginning.
Need to learn more about Magic? Explore our step-by-step guide and learn everything about the game.