Understanding the stack and priority
How the stack, priority and responses work in Magic: The Gathering — the foundation of every interaction.
Last in, first out
When a spell or ability is cast, it goes on the stack and waits. Players then get a chance to respond before it resolves. The most recently added object resolves first.
This is why a counterspell cast in response to a spell resolves before — and stops — the spell it targets.
Priority
Priority is permission to act. The active player receives it first each step; after both players pass priority with an empty stack, the game moves on.
Holding priority lets you respond to your own spells — useful for stacking triggers in the order you want.
FAQ
- What is the stack in Magic: The Gathering?
- The stack is the zone where spells and abilities wait to resolve. Players can respond before anything resolves, and the most recently added object resolves first (last in, first out).
- Can you respond to a counterspell?
- Yes. A counterspell goes on the stack above the spell it targets, so you can respond to it before it resolves — for example with another counter or by protecting your spell.