Magus of the VineyardHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Mandatory Mana Boost

Magus of the Vineyard features a triggered ability that occurs at the beginning of each player's first main phase. Unlike many modern effects, this ability is not optional; when the phase begins, the active player must add {G}{G} to their mana pool. This happens regardless of whether they have a use for the mana or if it might cause them to lose mana as the phase ends.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, the active player finishes their Draw Step and moves to their Pre-combat Main Phase. Immediately upon entering this phase, the Magus's ability triggers and is put onto the stack. Once the ability resolves, that player adds two green mana to their mana pool. They may then use this mana to cast spells or activate abilities before moving to the combat phase. If the mana is not spent, it will vanish as the main phase ends.

Strategic Timing and Common Pitfalls

Because this ability benefits every player on their respective turns, playing Magus of the Vineyard is a symmetrical effect. A common mistake is forgetting that the mana is added specifically during the first main phase. If a player skips to combat or tries to save the mana for the second main phase, they will find their mana pool empty, as mana usually empties between phases.

Interaction examples

Explosive Turn One Setup

Llanowar Elves

If you cast Magus of the Vineyard on your first turn, your opponent will be the first to benefit from it. On their first main phase, they will receive {G}{G}. They could then use that mana to cast Llanowar Elves and still have one green mana left over to cast another spell, effectively jumping to three mana on their very first turn.

Fixing and Accelerating

Birds of Paradise

With Magus of the Vineyard on the battlefield, you start your first main phase and automatically add {G}{G}. You can use one of those green mana to cast Birds of Paradise. This allows you to develop your board presence without tapping your lands, leaving your lands untapped to provide other colors of mana or to hold up interaction for your opponent's turn.