<p>No, haste gives you the choice to attack or activate abilities with the tap (or untap) symbol in the cost, but does not create a requirement. If a creature is required to attack it will be explicitly spelled out like with <a class="mtg-autocard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bJuggernaut%5d">Juggernaut</a>. (As far as I know there are no cards that require you to activate an ability)</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>702.10b</strong> If a creature has haste, it can attack even if it hasn’t been controlled by its controller continuously since his or her most recent turn began.</p>
<p><strong>702.10c</strong> If a creature has haste, its controller can activate its activated abilities whose cost includes the tap symbol or the untap symbol even if that creature hasn’t been controlled by that player continuously since his or her most recent turn began.</p>
</blockquote>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-12-12T21:07:52.153Z
2016-12-12T21:07:52.153Z
2020-06-17T09:01:24.697Z
diego
<p>No, having haste doesn't mean the creature has to attack.  Especially if you cast your creature during the second main phase: it couldn't attack that turn, period.  </p>

<p>Haste has other benefits than attacking the same turn, like activating tap abilities.  <a class="mtg-autocard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bMad%20Prophet%5d">Mad Prophet</a> can use its ability the turn it comes into play, unlike other looters (e.g. <a class="mtg-autocard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bReckless%20Scholar%5d">Reckless Scholar</a>).</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-12-12T21:21:31.393Z
If you cast a creature with haste in the second main phase, it can attack that turn if there's a another combat phase. Not too common, but there are  several cards that initiate a second combat phase, like Aggravated Assault.
Nuclear Hoagie
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-12-12T20:50:46.197Z
2016-12-12T21:20:26.757Z
2016-12-12T21:20:26.757Z
JonTheMon
<p>When I play a card with haste, do I have to attack or use an ability, or can I just play it without attacking?</p>

<magic-the-gathering>
Does Haste make attacking a must?
Ryan
# Does Haste make attacking a must?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-12-12)

When I play a card with haste, do I have to attack or use an ability, or can I just play it without attacking?

**Tags:** magic-the-gathering


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## 2 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2016-12-12. Score: 3

No, haste gives you the choice to attack or activate abilities with the tap (or untap) symbol in the cost, but does not create a requirement. If a creature is required to attack it will be explicitly spelled out like with [Juggernaut](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bJuggernaut%5d). (As far as I know there are no cards that require you to activate an ability)

> **702.10b** If a creature has haste, it can attack even if it hasn’t been controlled by its controller continuously since his or her most recent turn began.
>
> **702.10c** If a creature has haste, its controller can activate its activated abilities whose cost includes the tap symbol or the untap symbol even if that creature hasn’t been controlled by that player continuously since his or her most recent turn began.


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### Answer by username_2 on 2016-12-12. Score: 1

No, having haste doesn't mean the creature has to attack. Especially if you cast your creature during the second main phase: it couldn't attack that turn, period.

Haste has other benefits than attacking the same turn, like activating tap abilities. [Mad Prophet](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bMad%20Prophet%5d) can use its ability the turn it comes into play, unlike other looters (e.g. [Reckless Scholar](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bReckless%20Scholar%5d)).

> **Comments:**
> **username_3**: If you cast a creature with haste in the second main phase, it can attack that turn if there's a another combat phase. Not too common, but there are  several cards that initiate a second combat phase, like Aggravated Assault.  

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