

For example, the "Bushido" keyword was developed for the samurai-themed Kamigawa block.

Keywords introduced in blocks and expansions are called expert keywords, and have typically been developed for the theme of that block or expansion. Some keywords are given as "keyword actions" that describe an action that the player takes when either casting the card or using the card's abilities, such as "Sacrifice" which means to remove a summoned permanent from the game field and put it to the graveyard.Ī number of keywords and keyword actions are designated as Evergreen, and apply across all Core sets, blocks and expansions.

Most keywords describe a card's abilities, for example, a summoned creature with the keyword "Flying" means it may only be blocked by opponent's creatures with "Flying" or under other special conditions. To simplify these instructions, some of these instructions are given as keywords, which have a common meaning across all cards. Within the collectible card game Magic: the Gathering published by Wizards of the Coast, individual cards can carry instructions to be followed by the players when played.
