Flash
Flash is a keyword ability which allows the card it is printed on to be cast at any time you could cast an Instant.
From the Comprehensive Rules (November 8, 2024—Edge of Eternities)
- 702.8. Flash
- 702.8a Flash is a static ability that functions in any zone from which you could play the card it’s on. “Flash” means “You may play this card any time you could cast an instant.”
- 702.8b Multiple instances of flash on the same object are redundant.
History
Flash first appeared in the Time Spiral expansion,[1] its first appearance in a core set was in Tenth Edition.[2] Although this ability existed before Time Spiral, this is the first time it was used a keyword. The earliest card with Flash is King Cheetah from Visions. Older cards with this ability have received errata to give them Flash.[3]
Flash used to be primary in blue, secondary in green and black and tertiary in white and red.[4][5][6] Starting with Kaldheim, white also became secondary to help solve its problems in Commander.
Flash in practice
The idea behind Flash is to have instant speed in other type of cards most common on creatures, artifacts and enchantments, you could take ETB advantage of effects or use cards that the opponent isn’t prepared for to be cast on their turn.
