MTG Wiki
(Rephrasing. "All other mana symbols" encompass colored, colorless and snow. Previous wording only accounted for colored.)
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{{CR|glossary|Converted Mana Cost}}
 
{{CR|glossary|Converted Mana Cost}}
Mana value is determined by converting the mana symbols of the card into numbers and calculating the sum of those numbers. Mana symbols represented by a number (including monocolored [[hybrid mana]] symbols ({{2/W}}{{2/U}}{{2/B}}{{2/R}}{{2/G}}}) are converted into that number. All other mana symbols are converted into 1. For example, spells with mana costs of {{2}}{{G}} and {{1}}{{G}}{{G}} both have a mana value of 3.
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Mana value is determined by converting the mana symbols of the card into numbers and calculating the sum of those numbers. Mana symbols represented by a number (including monocolored [[hybrid mana]] symbols ({{2/W}}{{2/U}}{{2/B}}{{2/R}}{{2/G}}) are converted into that number. All other mana symbols are converted into 1. For example, spells with mana costs of {{2}}{{G}} and {{1}}{{G}}{{G}} both have a mana value of 3.
   
 
The only case in which a spell's mana value can ever vary is for spells with {{X}} in the mana cost. When an object with X in the mana cost is on the stack, X equals whatever value was chosen for it when it was put on the stack. In any other zone, X equals 0.
 
The only case in which a spell's mana value can ever vary is for spells with {{X}} in the mana cost. When an object with X in the mana cost is on the stack, X equals whatever value was chosen for it when it was put on the stack. In any other zone, X equals 0.

Revision as of 23:54, 30 March 2021

The mana value of an object is an integer greater than or equal to zero. It's a number that determines the quantity of mana in a mana cost.

History

Mana value was known as converted mana cost (CMC) from Sixth Edition to Time Spiral Remastered, and casting cost in sets prior to Sixth Edition. The term "mana value" was introduced in Strixhaven: School of Mages.[1][2]

Rules

From the glossary of the Comprehensive Rules (April 12, 2024—Outlaws of Thunder Junction)

Converted Mana Cost (Obsolete)
An obsolete term for mana value. Cards printed with this term have received errata in the Oracle card reference.

Mana value is determined by converting the mana symbols of the card into numbers and calculating the sum of those numbers. Mana symbols represented by a number (including monocolored hybrid mana symbols ({2/W}{2/U}{2/B}{2/R}{2/G}) are converted into that number. All other mana symbols are converted into 1. For example, spells with mana costs of {2}{G} and {1}{G}{G} both have a mana value of 3.

The only case in which a spell's mana value can ever vary is for spells with {X} in the mana cost. When an object with X in the mana cost is on the stack, X equals whatever value was chosen for it when it was put on the stack. In any other zone, X equals 0.

Odd or even mana cost

Some cards care about if the mana value is odd or even.

^* Features the reminder text: zero is even.

Cost matters

Scryfall search: oracle:"converted mana cost"

"Cost matters" was a theme in Scourge that encouraged players to use spells with high mana values. In addition to providing numerous creatures and other spells with mana values 6 or greater, several cards were printed that enhanced or facilitated them.

References

  1. Blake Rasmussen (February 18, 2021). "The First Lesson: Introduction to Strixhaven". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  2. Magic Esports (February 18, 2021). "A small update in MTGStrixhaven". Twitter.