How Does Sorcerous Spyglass Work

Sorcerous Spyglass: A Guide to Its Effects on Activated Abilities

Understanding Activated Abilities

In MTG, activated abilities are abilities that have a cost to activate. Examples include activating planeswalkers or sacrificing permanents.

Sorcerous Spyglass and Activated Abilities

Sorcerous Spyglass is a two-mana colorless artifact that effectively shuts down activated abilities. Upon entering the battlefield, you can look at an opponent's hand and choose a card name. Any card with that name, regardless of its zone, cannot have its activated abilities used.

Exceptions to the Rule

There are a few notable exceptions to Sorcerous Spyglass's effects:

• Triggered abilities: Triggered abilities are not affected by Sorcerous Spyglass. For instance, Cindervines' triggered ability activates when your opponent casts a spell.
• Activated mana abilities: Activated mana abilities are abilities that produce mana, not those that cost mana to activate. As such, they are unaffected by Sorcerous Spyglass.