What is sacrificing in magic the gathering?

Answer 1

The act of sacrificing in magic the gathering has to do with either a creature, land, enchantment or artifact. these are known as "permanents" as, once cast, they remain in play until destroyed, removed or returned to their owner's hand. some cards, (Yawgmoth Demon and Grave Pact for example) require a player or players to sacrifice a permanent at the beginning or end of a turn, either to their benefit or detriment, depending on the details outlined by the card demanding a sacrifice. A player or player then puts the required permanent into his or her graveyard at the specified time.

Sacrificing, as a rule, only refers to cards in play (permanents). when a card demands that a player give up life, the terminology is "pay (variable) life." when a card demands that a player give up cards from his or her hand, the terminology is "discard (variable) card(s) from your hand."