MTG Tapping Rule. Can I tap to attack or prevent damage?

Question

If ure opponent declares a blocker, can u tap it in response and let ure damage go through, or do u have to tap b4 blocker(s) is declared?

Also, is there a difference between mana activated abilities that don't require tapping, like Azorius Guildmage, and a card like Ballynock Trapper? Mana is supposed to be the fastest thing in MTG, so would it allow tapping in response to a declared blocker?

Answer 1

if your asking can you tap mana and make a attack go through even if a blocker is declared then no.

mana is the fastest thing in the game but it doesnt make your creatures attacks go through if there blocked.

those are done via spells examples enchantments instants and sorceries.

and yes there is a difference in mana activated abillities.

examplses if a card says tap to use abilliy then you tap that card if it says tap a certain number of mana then you tap mana and that card.

it depends what the card says.

Answer 2

You are confusing a bunch of things.

A mana ability is any ability which PRODUCES mana. Mana abilities do not use the stack, and cannot be responded to.

An activated ability is written cost: effect. The cost can be anything. It can be mana (Azorius guildmage), tapping (prodigal sorcerer), sacrificing (mogg fanatic), or any combination of things. Unless an activated ability produces mana (says add x to your mana pool), you CAN respond to it.

Now to the question of using an activated ability to tap a creature in combat. You can certainly tap a blocker after he declares blocks... but the creature is still blocking, and will still both take and deal damage. So your play is legal, but it doesn't do what you though it does. It actually winds up making no difference at all.

The correct way to stop a creature from blocking is to tap it BEFORE he can declare it as a blocker. There is a point in time after you declare attackers but before he declares blockers where you can play these abilities.