ETB

What does ETB mean in MTG?

Enters the battlefield

Magic: The Gathering (MTG) players use the acronym ETB to refer to "enters the battlefield" abilities. For example, the card Thragtusk says "When Thragtusk enters the battlefield, you gain 5 life." This ability may be referred to as Thragtusk's ETB.

ETBs trigger when a creature (or other card) actually comes into play, not when it is cast. So, if a card with an ETB ability is countered, its ETB will not happen.

Hearthstone's Battlecry mechanic is that game's version of ETBs. Notably, however, Battlecry effects trigger only when you play a card from your hand, while Magic's ETBs trigger whenever and however a card enters the battlefield.

Example

I use my Resto Angel to blink my Flametongue Kavu, triggering the Kavu's ETB
An ETB that bounces a creature
An ETB that bounces a creature

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Updated July 29, 2021

ETB definition by Slang.net

This page explains what the slang term "ETB" means. The definition, example, and related terms listed above have been written and compiled by the Slang.net team.

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