Convoke — what does it mean?
You may tap your creatures to help cast this spell: each tapped creature pays for 1 generic mana or 1 mana of its color.
Convoke appears on 106 cards.
How does Convoke work?
Convoke lets your creatures help pay for a spell (rule 702.51). For each generic mana in the total cost, you may tap an untapped creature you control instead of paying that mana. For each colored mana, you may tap a creature of that color. You can mix creatures and mana freely, and each creature pays exactly one mana.
Tapping for convoke isn't a tap ability of the creature. That means summoning-sick creatures can help, even tokens you made this turn. A multicolored creature pays one mana of one of its colors or one generic; a colorless creature pays generic only. Convoke isn't an alternative or additional cost. It applies to the total cost after increases and reductions, so you can use it to pay for X, kicker, or commander tax. The spell's mana value doesn't change.
The price is that tapped creatures can't attack or block. Creatures that already attacked are tapped unless they have vigilance, so attacking and then convoking with the same creatures usually doesn't work. Each turn you choose: attack, hold back to block, or convoke. With an instant that has convoke, you can tap creatures in your opponent's end step once you no longer need them to block. Multiple instances of convoke on one spell do nothing extra.
An example at the table
You want to cast a 5-mana spell: 3 generic plus 2 green. You have two untapped lands, a green 1/1 token you made this turn, a green 2/2, and a white 3/3. You tap the two green creatures for the 2 green, the white 3/3 for 1 generic, and your two lands for the last 2 generic. The spell is cast and still has mana value 5. Your three creatures are tapped, though, so they can't block on your opponent's turn.
Cards with Convoke
Chord of CallingIllustration: Heather Hudson
Clever ConcealmentIllustration: Jurijus Chitrovas
City on FireIllustration: Jake Murray
Hour of ReckoningIllustration: Joseph Meehan
Lethal SchemeIllustration: Néstor Ossandón LealCommon mistakes
- Thinking summoning-sick creatures can't convoke. They can; it isn't a tap ability of the creature.
- Thinking any creature can pay any colored mana. A creature only pays mana of its own color, or generic.
- Thinking convoke lowers mana value. The spell keeps its normal mana value.
- Attacking first and then convoking with the same creatures. After attacking they're tapped, unless they have vigilance.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I tap creatures that just entered the battlefield?
- Yes. Summoning sickness doesn't matter for convoke.
- Can a multicolored creature pay two mana?
- No. Each creature pays exactly one mana, of one of its colors or generic.
- Can convoke pay for commander tax or X?
- Yes. Convoke applies to the total cost, including X and cost increases.
- Does convoke change mana value?
- No. Mana value stays based on the printed mana cost.
Official rule: Comprehensive Rules 702.51. More on where this rulebook comes from under Sources.
Often seen with
FlyingVigilanceFlashTrampleHaste
Which cards with Convoke do you own? →
Last updated: 26 October 2026