Nimble Obstructionist — ruling 1

When you cycle this card, first the cycling ability goes on the stack, then the triggered ability goes on the stack on top of it. The triggered ability will resolve before you draw a card from the cycling ability.

Nimble Obstructionist — ruling 2

The cycling ability and the triggered ability are separate. If the triggered ability doesn't resolve (because, for example, it has been countered, or all of its targets have become illegal), the cycling ability will still resolve, and you'll draw a card.

Nimble Obstructionist — ruling 3

If you counter a delayed triggered ability that triggers at the beginning of the "next" occurrence of a specified step or phase, that ability won't trigger again the following time that phase or step occurs.

Nimble Obstructionist — ruling 4

Activated abilities are written in the form "Cost: Effect." Some keyword abilities, such as equip and eternalize, are activated abilities and will have colons in their reminder texts.

Nimble Obstructionist — ruling 5

Abilities that create replacement effects, such as a permanent entering the battlefield tapped or with counters on it, can't be targeted. Abilities that apply "as [this creature] enters the battlefield" are also replacement effects and can't be targeted.

Nimble Obstructionist — ruling 6

Mana abilities can't be targeted. An activated mana ability is one that could add mana as it resolves, doesn't have a target, and isn't a loyalty ability. A triggered mana ability is one that could add mana as it resolves and triggers on an activated mana ability.

Nimble Obstructionist — ruling 7

Triggered abilities use the word "when," "whenever," or "at." They're often written as "[Trigger condition], [effect]." Some keyword abilities, such as prowess and afflict, are triggered abilities and will have "when," "whenever," or "at" in their reminder text.

Nimble Obstructionist : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Nimble Obstructionist 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

Flash Flying Cycling (, Discard this card: Draw a card.) When you cycle this card, counter target activated or triggered ability you don't control.

How it works : Nimble Obstructionist

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1December 8, 2022· Wizards of the Coast
When you cycle this card, first the cycling ability goes on the stack, then the triggered ability goes on the stack on top of it. The triggered ability will resolve before you draw a card from the cycling ability.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2December 8, 2022· Wizards of the Coast
The cycling ability and the triggered ability are separate. If the triggered ability doesn't resolve (because, for example, it has been countered, or all of its targets have become illegal), the cycling ability will still resolve, and you'll draw a card.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#3July 14, 2017· Wizards of the Coast
If you counter a delayed triggered ability that triggers at the beginning of the "next" occurrence of a specified step or phase, that ability won't trigger again the following time that phase or step occurs.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#4July 14, 2017· Wizards of the Coast
Activated abilities are written in the form "Cost: Effect." Some keyword abilities, such as equip and eternalize, are activated abilities and will have colons in their reminder texts.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#5July 14, 2017· Wizards of the Coast
Abilities that create replacement effects, such as a permanent entering the battlefield tapped or with counters on it, can't be targeted. Abilities that apply "as [this creature] enters the battlefield" are also replacement effects and can't be targeted.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#6July 14, 2017· Wizards of the Coast
Mana abilities can't be targeted. An activated mana ability is one that could add mana as it resolves, doesn't have a target, and isn't a loyalty ability. A triggered mana ability is one that could add mana as it resolves and triggers on an activated mana ability.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#7July 14, 2017· Wizards of the Coast
Triggered abilities use the word "when," "whenever," or "at." They're often written as "[Trigger condition], [effect]." Some keyword abilities, such as prowess and afflict, are triggered abilities and will have "when," "whenever," or "at" in their reminder text.
No other card is named in this ruling.