Kicker — what does it mean?

You may pay an extra kicker cost as you cast this spell for an extra effect.

Kicker appears on 235 cards.

How does Kicker work?

Kicker is an optional additional cost you pay as you cast the spell (rule 702.33). You decide while casting whether to pay it, and you pay it along with the mana cost. If you do, the spell is ‘kicked’ and the text that starts with ‘if this spell was kicked’ applies. Kicker costs are usually mana, but can be something else, like sacrificing a permanent. Some cards have two kicker costs, and with multikicker you can pay the cost as many times as you like.

Kicker doesn't change mana value, because it isn't part of the mana cost. If a kicked spell is countered, you lose everything you paid, kicker included. If the kicked part has a target, you choose that target only if you kick it. A copy of a kicked spell is kicked too.

With permanents, the card checks whether it was kicked as it enters, for example to get counters or trigger an ability. That only works if you actually cast it. If it's put onto the battlefield without being cast, or if it leaves and comes back, it isn't kicked. Kicker is an additional cost, so it combines with alternative costs. If you cast a spell without paying its mana cost, you can still pay the kicker on top.

An example at the table

You have a 3-mana creature, a 2/2 with kicker 2: if it was kicked, it enters with two +1/+1 counters. On turn 3 you cast it for 3 as a 2/2, right on curve. Or you wait until turn 5 and pay 5 for a 4/4. If it gets countered on turn 5, you've lost all 5 mana. In your hand, library, and graveyard its mana value is always 3, kicked or not.

Cards with Kicker

Tear AsunderIllustration: Dave KendallRite of ReplicationIllustration: Matt CavottaMaddening CacophonyIllustration: Magali VilleneuveGaladriel's DismissalIllustration: Alexander MokhovOrim's ChantIllustration: Kev Walker

Common mistakes

• Thinking kicker raises mana value. It stays based on the printed mana cost.
• Deciding after casting whether to kick. You choose while casting and pay right away.
• Thinking a kicked creature stays kicked if it returns to the battlefield. It's a new object then, and not kicked.
• Thinking multikicker can only be paid once. You can pay it as many times as you like.

Frequently asked questions

Does kicker increase mana value?

No. Kicker is an additional cost and doesn't count toward mana value.

Can I pay kicker when I cast a spell for free?

Yes. Kicker is an additional cost, so you can pay it on top of an alternative cost, even one that's free.

Is a copy of a kicked spell also kicked?

Yes. A copy copies the choices made while casting, including whether it was kicked.

Does kicker work if a creature is put onto the battlefield without being cast?

No. Only a spell that was cast can be kicked.

Official rule: Comprehensive Rules 702.33. More on where this rulebook comes from under Sources.

Often seen with

FlyingHasteLifelinkTrampleScry

← All 303 keywords

Which cards with Kicker do you own? →

Last updated: 26 October 2026