Anoint is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.

Official card text

Buyback (You may pay an additional as you cast this spell. If you do, put this card into your hand as it resolves.) Prevent the next 3 damage that would be dealt to target creature this turn.

Complete guide

Anoint is a defensive white instant that provides lasting protection for your creatures through the classic Buyback mechanic. While it may seem like a simple damage prevention spell, its ability to return to your hand makes it a recurring nuisance for opponents trying to win through combat or burn.

What Anoint Does

Anoint targets a single creature and sets up a 'shield' that prevents the next 3 damage that would be dealt to it during the current turn. The most important feature is Buyback {3}. If you choose to pay the total cost of {3}{W}, the card returns to your hand instead of going to the graveyard, allowing you to cast it again later in the same turn or on subsequent turns.

Resolving the Spell Step-by-Step

First, you announce the spell and choose a target creature. At this time, you decide whether to pay the Buyback cost. As the spell resolves, it checks if the target is still legal. If it is, a prevention effect is created for that creature. If the Buyback cost was paid, the physical card is placed back into your hand. If the target was illegal (removed or granted hexproof), the spell is fouled and goes to the graveyard regardless of whether you paid for Buyback.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A frequent error is assuming Anoint protects against all damage for the whole turn. It only prevents the *next* 3 damage. If the creature takes 1 damage, the shield still has 2 'points' left for the next instance of damage. Additionally, remember that damage prevention does not stop 'destroy' effects or exile effects. If a spell doesn't say the word 'damage', Anoint cannot prevent it.

When to Play Anoint

Anoint is best used during the combat phase after blockers are declared but before damage is dealt. In a long game where you have excess mana, paying the Buyback cost allows you to protect your utility creatures or blockers turn after turn, effectively exhausting your opponent's combat options.

Interaction examples

Blocking with Anoint

If your 2/2 creature blocks a 3/3 creature, you cast Anoint targeting your 2/2. When combat damage is dealt, the 3 damage from the attacker is prevented. Your creature survives, and if you paid the Buyback cost, Anoint returns to your hand.

Anoint vs. Swords to Plowshares

Swords to Plowshares

Your opponent casts Swords to Plowshares on your creature. You respond with Anoint. While Anoint resolves and creates a damage prevention shield, Swords to Plowshares does not deal damage—it exiles. Therefore, Anoint will not save the creature from being removed.

Losing the Buyback

Path to Exile

You cast Anoint with Buyback targeting your creature. In response, your opponent casts Path to Exile on that same creature. Path to Exile resolves first, removing the creature. When Anoint tries to resolve, its target is gone, so the spell is removed from the stack and put into the graveyard. You do not get the card back and you do not get a refund on the mana spent.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.