Do "displayed" cards count as being used when their effects are applied?

[Alex319]

For instance, if Divine Fortune is active, does adding the 1d6 to a local check count as playing it (which would mean you couldn't use it when another spell is played on the check?)

[Frencois]

Yes if the power requires you to activate it (typical example: while display, when XXX, you MAY do YYY).
No if the power is passive and always active (which is the case for Divine Fortune).

[elcoderdude]

+1 to our good Frenchman.
The relevant rule is:

Core Rulebook p.7, emphasis added wrote:

Playing Cards

...Playing a card means using a power on that card by performing an action with that card that is specified by the card itself. ...
Choosing to activate a power on a character or on a displayed card also counts as playing that card.

The easy-to-overlook term "Choosing" is what matters. If the power on the displayed card applies without any choice on your part - which is the case with Divine Fortune - then gaining the buff is not playing the card. But if you are able to choose - for example, if the card says "While displayed, you may add d6 to your check" - then gaining the buff is playing the card.