Standard reference & strategy
Hearthstone / Standard

Keywords & mechanics

Understand the mechanics behind the text on a card.

Rules reference

Combat and protection keywords

Learn the words that change attacks and damage. Check each rule before you count a trade or a win.

2 min read
Rules reference

Triggers, return effects, and timing

Learn when card effects happen. Playing, summoning, dying, and coming back are different steps.

1 min read
Rules reference

Choices, resources, and cards in motion

These words change your choices, Mana, draws, and other resources. Plan the current turn and the next one.

2 min read
Rules reference

Timeways mechanics: Rewind and Fabled

Fabled cards add companions to your deck. Rewind lets you keep a random result or try it again.

1 min read
Rules reference

CATACLYSM mechanics: Colossal, Herald, and Shatter

Colossal and Herald build large threats. Shatter makes the order of cards in your hand matter.

1 min read
Rules reference

Violet Hold mechanics: Prepare and rule-changing families

Prepare can make a later play cheaper. Other Violet Hold cards trade gifts, pass effects, or change normal rules.

2 min read
Rules reference

Event and associated-card mechanics

Learn how Sidequests and Titans work. Check how a card can enter the game as a separate question.

1 min read
Historical reference

Past keywords

Learn older keywords such as Dredge, Forge, and Tourist. This list explains their rules, not which cards are legal now.

4 min read