Ward Ward is a triggered ability. Ward [cost] means “Whenever this permanent becomes the target of a spell or ability an opponent controls, counter that spell or ability unless that player pays [cost].”
Some ward abilities include an X in their cost and state what X is equal to. This value is determined at the time the ability resolves, not locked in as the ability triggers. (CR 702.21)
You may look at the top card of your library any time.
You may
playTo play a land means to put it onto the battlefield from the zone it’s in (usually the hand). A player may play a land if they have priority, it’s the main phase of their turn, the stack is empty, and they haven’t played a land this turn. Playing a land is a special action (see rule 116), so it doesn’t use the stack; it simply happens. Putting a land onto the battlefield as the result of a spell or ability isn’t the same as playing a land. See rule 305, “Lands.”
To play a card means to play that card as a land or to cast that card as a spell, whichever is appropriate.
Some effects instruct a player to “play” with a certain aspect of the game changed, such as “Play with the top card of your library revealed.” “Play” in this sense means to play the Magic game.
Previously, the action of casting a spell, or casting a card as a spell, was referred to on cards as “playing” that spell or that card. Cards that were printed with that text have received errata in the Oracle card reference so they now refer to “casting” that spell or that card.
Previously, the action of using an activated ability was referred to on cards as “playing” that ability. Cards that were printed with that text have received errata in the Oracle card reference so they now refer to “activating” that ability. (CR 701.18) lands and
castTo cast a spell is to take it from the zone it’s in (usually the hand), put it on the stack, and pay its costs, so that it will eventually resolve and have its effect. A player may cast a spell if they have priority. See rule 601, “Casting Spells.”
To cast a card is to cast it as a spell. (CR 701.5) Mutant, Ninja, or Turtle spells from the top of your library. If you
castTo cast a spell is to take it from the zone it’s in (usually the hand), put it on the stack, and pay its costs, so that it will eventually resolve and have its effect. A player may cast a spell if they have priority. See rule 601, “Casting Spells.”
To cast a card is to cast it as a spell. (CR 701.5) a creature spell this way, that creature enters with an additional +1/+1
counterTo counter a spell or ability is to cancel it: remove it from the stack without resolving it. A counter on an object or player is instead a marker that changes characteristics or interacts with rules or abilities; for example, a +1/+1 counter modifies a creature’s power and toughness. (CR 701.6; 122.1) on it.