Timing rules for Navigator's Compass ability
Asked by shogunjp 4 years ago
Question 1: is Navigator's Compass ability a mana ability? (My assumption is no, because it has a target)
Question 2: when declaring that I am casting a spell can Navigator's Compass be tapped during the pay mana cost phase of casting the spell? Question 2b: Or do I need to tap Navigator's Compass first to set the basic land type, allow the ability to resolve, and then declare the spell that I am casting, then pay the correct mana cost?
darkmatter32x says... #2
For question 2. You need to use the navigator's compass ability before you tap for mana. Mana abilities does not use the stack therefore resolves immediately.
Gidgetimer says... Accepted answer #1
Navigator's Compass is not a mana ability because it fails on 2 out of 3 criteria. Not only does it target, as you pointed out, but arguably more importantly it doesn't add mana to your mana pool.
Since it is not a mana ability you can not activate it during the casting of spells.
February 26, 2020 3:14 p.m.