What is Convoke?

Convoke

/kənˈvōk/
verb• Magic: The Gathering keyword ability
1.

A static ability that allows you to tap your creatures to help pay for spells during casting.

Each tapped creature contributes either one generic mana or one mana of its color toward the spell's total cost.

"When you cast a spell with convoke, tap your army to make it cheaper—each creature pays either {1} or one mana of its color."

Official Rules Reference

From the Magic: The Gathering Comprehensive Rules — Section 702.51

702.51 — Convoke

KEYWORD ABILITY

Official rule text from the Magic: The Gathering Comprehensive Rules document.

702.51a
Convoke is a static ability that matters while the spell is on the stack. When paying the spell's total cost, you may tap untapped creatures you control. Each tapped creature can pay either 1 generic, or one mana that matches its color (to cover a colored symbol).
702.51b
Convoke isn't an additional or alternative cost. You apply it only after the spell's total cost has been determined (after cost increases/reductions).
Ex

Example

If a cost reducer makes a convoke spell cheaper (for example, reducing {5}{G}{G} to {3}{G}{G}), you convoke based on the reduced total: tap up to two green creatures for the {G}{G} and up to three other creatures for the {3}.

702.51c
A creature tapped this way is said to have "convoked" the spell.
702.51d
Multiple instances of convoke on the same spell don't stack (they are redundant).

Note: This is a summary for quick reference. For the complete and most current official wording, always refer to the Magic: The Gathering Comprehensive Rules published by Wizards of the Coast.

Quick Reference

Can summoning-sick creatures be tapped?

Yes

Convoke is part of casting, not an activated ability

Can convoke pay colored mana symbols?

Yes, if creature shares color

A creature can pay for mana of its own color(s)

Is convoke optional?

Always optional

You choose how many creatures to tap (including zero)

Do multiple convoke abilities stack?

No, they're redundant

Multiple instances provide no additional benefit

Convoke in action

Example Convoke Cards

Here are three cards that showcase convoke and what it enables.

Eirdu, Carrier of Dawn // Isilu, Carrier of Twilight

Eirdu, Carrier of Dawn // Isilu, Carrier of Twilight

Legendary Creature — Elemental God

Makes your creature spells easier to cast by letting your board help pay for them.

View on Scryfall
Selfless Safewright

Selfless Safewright

Creature — Elf Warrior

Save your army at instant speed by paying with your creatures, with Flash and Convoke

View on Scryfall
Collective Inferno

Collective Inferno

Enchantment

Tribal token decks can levage their numbers to cast Collective Inferno and scale damage.

View on Scryfall
Convoke Games

What is Convoke Games?

Convoke Games is a modern webcam Magic: The Gathering platform with AI card recognition. Add friends, find communities, import decks and so much more.

Magic: The Gathering players at table

Key Features

AI Card Recognition

Automatically identifies cards on camera to keep the game state clear.

Spectate Games

Come spectate games and chat with the players.

Find Players

Add friends and find the best online MTG communities to play with.

Built for Casuals and Competitive Players

From explaining cards to new players to revealing hands and decks for competitive players.

Note: Convoke is a word and an MTG mechanic that conveys togetherness and community. We felt like it was a perfect name for what we're trying to build.