Core Rules 1.3 Changes (Unleashed)

A Main Deck of at least 40 cards 1 Chosen Champion Unit Units Gear Spells

A Main Deck of at least 40 cards 1 Chosen Champion Unit, Units, Gear, Spells

The Play Area includes a space for Game Objects referred to as The Board.

The Play Area is a collection of logical Zones that are defined by their behaviors and relationships to Players. These Zones are grouped into The Board and Non-Board Zones.

The Board is divided into several Zones.

The Board

The Battlefield Zone

Battlefield Zone

The Facedown Zones

Facedown Zones

If the Hidden card's controller loses Control of the Battlefield, the card in the Facedown Zone is removed during the next Cleanup. See rule 318. Cleanups for more information. See rule 408. Hide for more information.

If a player loses Control of a Battlefield, any cards in the Facedown Zone associated with that Battlefield are removed during the next Cleanup. See rule 318. Cleanups for more information. See rule 421. Hide for more information.

The Legend Zone

Legend Zone

The Play Area also includes Non-Board Zones.

Non-Board Zones.

The Trash

The Chain

The cards in the Trash are unordered. Their sequence does not matter, and they may be reorganized.

Cards in each player’s Trash are unordered. Their sequence does not matter, and they may be reorganized.

The cards in any player's Trash are Public Information. See rule 127. Privacy for more information.

Cards in a player's Trash are Public Information. See rule 128. Privacy for more information.

The Chosen Champion here cannot be returned to this zone by normal means.

The Chosen Champion cannot be returned to this zone by normal means.

The Main Deck Zone

Main Deck Zones

The Rune Deck Zone

Rune Deck Zones

Whenever a Game Object changes zones to or from a Non-Board Zone, all Temporary Modifications of all kinds cease to be tracked on it in all capacities. Examples: Damage is cleared. Buffs are removed. Temporarily granted Keywords are no longer granted.

Whenever a Game Object changes zones to or from a Non-Board Zone, all Temporary Modifications of all kinds cease to be tracked on it in all capacities. Examples: Damage is cleared. Buffs are removed. Granted Keywords are no longer granted.

Turn Order repeats until the game ends.

The Turn Order generates a looping queue of turns, starting with the First Player and repeating until the game ends.

Game Objects include, but are not limited to, the following: Main Deck cards in any zone Runes in any zone Legends Battlefields Tokens Abilities of any type on the chain Buffs and other status markers

Game Objects include, but are not limited to, the following: Main Deck cards in any zone Runes in any zone Legends Battlefields Tokens in any zone Abilities of any type on the chain Buffs and other status markers

Secret: This level of Privacy indicates that neither player may read or look at the face of the card.

Secret: This level of Privacy indicates that no player may read or look at the face of the card.

Effects that need to determine a card’s cost for any purpose always use its base cost, even if that cost is altered or ignored as the card is played. Example: Sky Splitter is a spell that costs 8 Energy and says in part “This spell's Energy cost is reduced by the highest Might among units you control.” Lux, Illuminated is a unit that says “When you play a spell that costs 5 or more, give me +3 [M] this turn.” If a player who controls Lux plays Sky Splitter, Lux’s ability will trigger, regardless of how much was actually paid for Sky Splitter.

Effects that need to determine a card’s cost for any purpose always use its printed cost, even if that cost is altered or ignored as the card is played. Example: Sky Splitter is a spell that costs 8 Energy and says in part “This spell's Energy cost is reduced by the highest Might among units you control.” Lux, Illuminated is a unit that says “When you play a spell that costs 5 or more, give me +3 [M] this turn.” If a player who controls Lux plays Sky Splitter, Lux’s ability will trigger, regardless of how much was actually paid for Sky Splitter.

A card’s Rules Text is Inactive while that card is Attached to another card. See rule 716 Attachment for more information. See rule 720 Inactive for more information.

A card’s printed Rules Text is Inactive while that card is Attached to another card. See rule 716. Attachment for more information. See rule 720. Inactive for more information.

Effect Text is inactive unless the card with the Effect Text is Attached to another card. See rule 716 Attachment for more information. See rule 720 Inactive for more information.

Effect Text is inactive unless the card with the Effect Text is Attached to another card. See rule 716. Attachment for more information. See rule 720. Inactive for more information.

A card’s Might Bonus modulates the Might of the card to which the card that has the Might Bonus is Attached. See rule 716 Attachment for more information.

A card’s Might Bonus modulates the Might of the card to which the card that has the Might Bonus is Attached. See rule 716. Attachment for more information.

If a unit's Might is ever less than 0, it is treated as 0 for all purposes.

If a unit's Might is ever less than 0, it is treated as 0 when referenced by spells and abilities, and when summing Might to be assigned as damage in the Combat Damage Step. See rule 460. The Combat Damage Step for more information.

This action can be done any time during a player's Action Phase.

This action can be done any time during a player's Main Phase.

This action cannot be performed during a Showdown.

This action cannot be performed during a Showdown or Combat.

Units cannot Move to a Battlefield that already has units from 2 other players present.

Units cannot Move to a Battlefield that already has units from 2 other players present, or where a Combat is ongoing that has 2 other players as participants.

The Activated Ability of Units may be executed at any time during the controlling player's Action Phase during an Open State, and not during a Showdown.

The Activated Ability of Units may be executed at any time during the controlling player's Main Phase during an Open State, and not during a Showdown.

Gear can only be played to a player's Base.

Gear can only be played to a player's Base unless an effect specifies otherwise.

Gear enters play Ready.

Gear enter play Ready.

Gear can only be played to a player's Base.

Gear can only be played to a player's Base unless an effect specifies otherwise.

If a Gear is at a Battlefield for any reason, then it is immediately recalled to its controller's Base as a corrective action. See rule 432. Recalls for more information.

If an unattached Gear is at a Battlefield for any reason during a cleanup, then it is recalled to its controller's Base as a corrective action. See rule 449. Recalls for more information. See rule 318. Cleanups for more information.

The Activated Ability of Gear may be executed at any time during the controlling player's Action Phase during an Open State, and not during a Showdown.

The Activated Ability of Gear may be executed at any time during the controlling player's Main Phase during an Open State, and not during a Showdown.

A spell can be played during an Open State Outside of Showdowns on its controller's turn.

A spell can be played during an Open State outside of Showdowns on its controller's turn.

If a later part of a spell applies a Replacement Effect that alters earlier parts of the spell, apply those replacement effects as appropriate. Example: A spell says "Choose a unit. Kill it the next time it takes damage this turn." and "[Legion] — Kill it now instead. (Get the effect if you've played another card this turn.)" If the Legion condition is satisfied, the unit is killed immediately and the instruction to kill it the next time it takes damage is ignored, even if the unit remains on the board somehow.

If a later part of a spell applies a Replacement Effect that alters earlier parts of the spell, apply those replacement effects as appropriate. Example: A spell says "Choose a unit. Kill it the next time it takes damage this turn." and "[Legion] — Kill it now instead. (Get the effect if you've played another card this turn.)" If the Legion condition is satisfied, the unit is killed immediately and the instruction to kill it the next time it takes damage is ignored, even if the unit remains on the board somehow. See rule 367. Replacement Effects for more information.

Finish resolving all effects of a spell before addressing anything the spell may have triggered or caused through execution.

Finish resolving all effects of a spell before addressing any chain items or Tasks the spell may have added or made outstanding through execution.

This indicates that, in addition to being able to be played during an Open State, this spell may also be played during Open States during Showdowns.

This indicates that, in addition to being able to be played during an Open State, this spell may also be played during Open States during Showdowns. See rule 806. Action for more information.

This will result in this spell resolving before spells and abilities that are already on the chain.

This will result in this spell resolving before spells and abilities that are already on the chain. See rule 813. Reaction for more information.

Tokens are created on the board and cannot exist elsewhere.

Tokens are Created on the board or the Chain and cannot exist elsewhere.

If a token is put into any Non-Board Zone, it ceases to exist immediately after moving to its new zone.

If a token is put into any Non-Board Zone besides the chain, it ceases to exist immediately after moving to its new zone.

The spell or ability that creates a token specifies some of its characteristics. It may have other characteristics, as listed below.

The spell or ability that Creates a token specifies some of its characteristics. It may have other characteristics, as listed below.

A 1[M] Recruit token is a domainless unit token with 1 Might and the Recruit tag.

A 1 [M] Recruit token is a domainless unit token with 1 Might and the Recruit tag.

A 3[M] Sprite token with Temporary is a domainless unit token with 3 Might, the Fae tag, and the Temporary keyword. See rule 742. Temporary for more information.

A 3 [M] Sprite token with Temporary is a domainless unit token with 3 Might, the Fae tag, and the Temporary keyword. See rule 816. Temporary for more information.

The state of a Battlefield being Contested is used to determine when Combat should occur, when a Showdown without a Combat should occur, and when Control will change.

The state of a Battlefield being Contested is used to determine when Combat should occur, when a Non-Combat Showdown should occur, and when Control will change.

If a player has no Units at a Battlefield, they lose Control of that Battlefield immediately, unless it is Contested.

If a player has no Units at a Battlefield and the turn is in an Open state, they lose Control of that Battlefield in the following cleanup, unless there is a Combat or Showdown ongoing there.

If one or more actions, game effects, or Triggered Abilities are activated simultaneously, then Turn Order is referenced to organize the sequence of actions. See rule 375. Triggered Abilities for more information.

If one or more game actions, game effects, or Triggered Abilities are activated simultaneously, then Turn Order is referenced to organize the sequence of actions. See rule 382. Triggered Abilities for more information.

If a Showdown is in progress, the turn is in a Showdown State.

If a Showdown or Combat is in progress, the turn is in a Showdown State.

If no Showdown is in progress, the turn is in a Neutral State.

If no Showdown or Combat is in progress, the turn is in a Neutral State.

Neutral Open: There is no Showdown in progress and no Chain exists.

Neutral Open: There is no Showdown or Combat in progress and no Chain exists.

Neutral Closed: There is no Showdown in progress and a Chain exists.

Neutral Closed: There is no Showdown or Combat in progress and a Chain exists.

Showdown Open: A Showdown is in progress and no Chain exists.

Showdown Open: A Showdown or Combat is in progress and no Chain exists.

Showdown Closed: A Showdown is in progress and a Chain exists.

Showdown Closed: A Showdown or Combat is in progress and a Chain exists.

When the turn is in a Neutral Open State during their Action Phase.

When the turn is in a Neutral Open State during their Main Phase.

The Turn Player readies all Game Objects they control that are able to be readied. See rule 402. Ready for more information.

1. The Turn Player readies all Game Objects they control that are able to be readied. See rule 415. Ready for more information.

The Turn Player gains their additional runes for the turn.

The following Task becomes Outstanding:

The Turn Player channels 2 runes from their Rune Deck. See rule 417. Channel for more information.

1. The Turn Player channels 2 runes from their Rune Deck. See rule 430. Channel for more information.

The Turn Player gains their additional card for the turn.

The following Task becomes Outstanding:

The Turn Player draws 1.

1. The Turn Player draws 1.

As the Draw Phase ends, each player's Rune Pool empties. See rule 161. Rune Pools for more information.

1. Each player's Rune Pool empties. Any unspent Energy and Power are lost. See rule 164. Rune Pools for more information.

Action Phase

Main Phase

When all steps of the Start of Turn have been completed, the Action Phase begins.

When all steps of the Start of Turn have been completed, the Main Phase begins.

The Action Phase has no defined structure.

The Main Phase has no defined structure.

In Modes of Play with teammates, the Turn Player's teammates may play spells and activate abilities, including ones without Action or Reaction.

In Modes of Play with teammates, the Turn Player's teammates may play spells and activate abilities, including ones without Action or Reaction. They can only do so when the Turn Player invites them to do so with their own Priority.

A Combat phase occurs as a result of Units controlled by opposing players being present at the same Battlefield.

A Combat occurs as a result of Units controlled by opposing players being present at the same Battlefield.

Play proceeds following the steps of combat. See rule 441. Steps of Combat for more information.

Play proceeds following the steps of combat. See rule 458. The Steps of Combat for more information.

This ends the Action Phase.

This ends the Main Phase.

Play proceeds to the End of Turn.

Play proceeds to the Ending Phase.

End of Turn Phase

Ending Phase

A Cleanup occurs at the following times:

A Cleanup will be made an Outstanding Task at the following times:

After the game transitions between Phases

After the game transitions between Phases, unless specified otherwise

When a Cleanup occurs, the following steps occur in order:

When a Cleanup occurs, the following Tasks become Outstanding in the order described:

1. If a player has as many points as the Victory Score, that player wins.

1. If a player has points greater than or equal to the Victory Score, and more points than any opponent, that player wins.

3. Assign or Remove the Attacker or Defender designation from Units as needed if there is a Combat in progress

2. Assign or Remove the Attacker or Defender designation from Units as needed if there is a Combat in progress

4. Battlefields with no Units occupying them and no Contested status become Uncontrolled.

4. If the turn is in an Open State, Battlefields with no Units occupying them and no Showdown or Combat ongoing become Uncontrolled.

5. Recall all Gear at Battlefields. Remove all Hidden cards from all Battlefields that are not controlled by the same player and place them in their owner's Trash.

5. Recall all Unattached non-Unit Gear at Battlefields, and all Permanents and Runes in Bases other than their controller’s. Remove all Hidden cards from all Battlefields that are not controlled by the same player and place them in their owner's Trash.

6. Mark a Showdown as Staged at each Battlefield that Contested was applied to that is Uncontrolled.

6. Mark a Showdown as Staged at each Battlefield that Contested was applied to.

The Showdown remains Staged at each Battlefield that is Contested and has only units present controlled by the player that applied Contested

The Showdown remains Staged at each Battlefield that is Contested and has units present controlled by the player that applied Contested.

9. If the current state is a Neutral Open State and one or more Showdowns are Staged, the Turn Player chooses one of those Battlefields. A Showdown begins there.

8. If the current state is a Neutral Open State and one or more Showdowns are Staged, the Turn Player chooses one of those Battlefields. A Showdown begins there.

10. If the current state is a Neutral Open State and Combat is Staged at one or more Battlefields, the Turn Player chooses one of those Battlefields. Combat begins there.

9. If the current state is a Neutral Open State and Combat is Staged at one or more Battlefields, the Turn Player chooses one of those Battlefields. Combat begins there.

When a Special Cleanup is invoked, the unique steps added will be inserted and defined by the sub-section that invokes it. Example: When a Combat Cleanup is invoked, the Combat section defines what steps are added to the Cleanup.

When a Special Cleanup is invoked, the unique steps added will be inserted and defined by the sub-section that invokes it. Example: When a Combat Cleanup is invoked, the Combat section defines what steps are added to the Cleanup. See rule 461. The Resolution Step for more information. Example: When an End of Turn Cleanup is invoked, the End of Turn Phase subsection defines what steps are added to the Cleanup. See rule 317. The Ending Phase for more information.

The player that created the chain becomes the first Active Player.

The player that created the chain becomes the first player with Priority.

Abilities that Add resources, Units, and Gear resolve immediately when Finalized and do not progress to Step 2: Execute. See rule 346. Playing Cards for more information.

Units, Gear, and abilities that Add resources resolve immediately when Finalized and do not progress to Step 2: Execute. See rule 349. Playing Cards for more information.

The Active Player may do any the following:

The player with Priority may do any the following:

A Legally Timed Card would be a Card with Reaction.

A Legally Timed Card would be a Card with Reaction or a card that will have Reaction when played under appropriate circumstances.

This can be an additional card to the item that Started the Chain in the case of the first Active Player after creating the Chain.

This can be an additional card to the item that Started the Chain in the case of the first player with Priority after creating the Chain.

The Active Player passes Priority to the next Player in Turn Order. Proceed to Step 3: Pass.

The player with Priority passes Priority to the next Player in Turn Order. Proceed to Step 3: Pass.

Otherwise, the Active Player passes Priority to the next Player in Turn Order. Return to Step 3: Execute.

Otherwise, the player with Priority passes Priority to the next Player in Turn Order. Return to Step 3: Execute.

If the Chain is not empty and there are no Pending Items, the controller of the newest item on the chain gains Priority and becomes the Active Player. Return to Step 2: Execute.

If the Chain is not empty and there are no Pending Items, the controller of the newest item on the chain gains Priority. Return to Step 2: Execute.

The State of the turn is partially determined by whether or not a Showdown is in progress.

The State of the turn is partially determined by whether or not a Showdown or Combat is in progress.

The turn is said to be in a Showdown State if a Showdown is in progress.

The turn is said to be in a Showdown State if a Showdown or Combat is in progress.

The turn is said to be in a Neutral State if no Showdown is in progress.

The turn is said to be in a Neutral State if no Showdown or Combat is in progress.

When the last item on the chain resolves during a Showdown, Focus passes, and the next Player gains both Focus and Priority.

When the last item on the chain resolves and the turn returns to an Open State during a Showdown, Focus passes, and the next Player gains both Focus and Priority.

Play a spell that is legally timed.

Play a card that is legally timed.

The spell will start a Chain as normal.

The card will start a Chain as normal.

If this Showdown opened as a result of Combat, proceed with the remaining steps of Combat to resolve the phase. See rule 441. The Steps of Combat for more information.

If it is a Combat Showdown, proceed with the remaining steps of Combat to resolve the phase. See rule 458. The Steps of Combat for more information.

2. Make necessary choices.

2. Make relevant choices.

Some Game Effects may grant players permission to play Units to locations that are not normally Valid. Such locations become Valid for the purposes of Playing the Unit..

Some Game Effects may grant players permission to play Units to locations that are not normally Valid. Such locations become Valid for the purposes of Playing the Unit.

When a card Chooses one or more specific Game Objects to affect, it is Targeted.

When a card Chooses one or more specific Game Objects to affect, it is Targeted unless indicated otherwise by the rules in this section.

It is included only as part of a targeting restriction for another choice. e.g., “Kill a unit at a battlefield” targets a unit, but not a battlefield, because the units are targets and “at a battlefield” is a restriction. e.g., “Kill all units at a battlefield” targets a battlefield, but not any units. e.g., “Move a unit to a battlefield” targets both a unit and a battlefield.

It is included only as part of a targeting restriction for another choice. e.g., “Kill a unit at a battlefield” targets a unit, but not a battlefield, because the units are targets and “at a battlefield” is a restriction. e.g., “Kill all units at a battlefield” targets a battlefield, but not any units.

If the group of targets no longer collectively fulfill the targeting restriction as the spell or ability resolves, that spell or ability’s controller can choose a subset of the original targets that fulfills the targeting requirement for the spell or ability to affect. Example: A player plays Fox-Fire, a spell that says in part “Kill any number of units at a battlefield with total Might 4 or less.” That player chooses four 1 [M] Recruit tokens at a single battlefield. As a Reaction, another player gives two of those Recruits +1 [M], so the Recruits’ Mights are 1, 1, 2, and 2. Then Fox-Fire resolves. The Recruits no longer have total Might 4 or less, so Fox-Fire’s controller must choose a legal subset of the original targets to affect. They could choose to kill the two 2 [M] Recruits, or the two 1 [M] Recruits plus one 2 [M] Recruit. The units they choose are Fox-Fire’s remaining legal targets. They can’t choose to affect units at the same battlefield that weren’t initially chosen as targets, and they can’t affect any units that are no longer at the chosen battlefield.

If the group of targets no longer collectively fulfill the targeting restriction as the spell or ability resolves, that spell or ability’s controller can choose a subset of the original targets that fulfills the targeting requirement for the spell or ability to affect. Example: A player plays Fox-Fire, a spell that says in part “Kill any number of units at a battlefield with total Might 4 or less.” That player chooses four 1 [M] Recruit tokens at a single battlefield. As a Reaction, another player gives two of those Recruits +1 [M], so the Recruits’ Mights are 1, 1, 2, and 2. Then Fox-Fire resolves. The Recruits no longer have total Might 4 or less, so Fox-Fire’s controller must choose a legal subset of the original targets to affect. They could choose to kill the two 2 [M] Recruits, or the two 1 [M] Recruits plus one 2 [M] Recruit. The units they choose are Fox-Fire’s remaining legal targets. They can’t choose to affect units at the same battlefield that weren’t initially chosen as targets. They can, however, choose to affect units that were initially chosen as targets that left the chosen battlefield before Fox-Fire resolved as long as those units are all located at the same battlefield.

If a card specifies that a player may choose some number of Game Objects to be affected by a card, then all choices are considered targeted and chosen independently.

If a spell specifies that a player may perform a Game Action on some number of Game Objects, then all choices are considered targeted and chosen independently of the decision to perform the Game Action.

Valid damage is a positive integer amount, greater than or equal to 1 damage.

Valid damage is a positive integer amount, greater than or equal to 1 damage. See rule 417. Deal for more information.

A player may not make choices during this step that will deterministically result in illegal choices or actions later in this process unless they have no choice. Example: A player plays Cruel Patron, which says "As an additional cost to play me, kill a friendly unit." They control exactly one unit, which is at a battlefield. They can't choose to play Cruel Patron to that battlefield, because by the time they have finished paying costs, they will no longer control that battlefield.

A player may not make choices during this step that will deterministically result in illegal choices or actions later in this process unless they have no choice. Example: A player plays a card which reads “as an additional cost to play this, kill the unit you control with the most Might. Give a friendly unit +[M] equal to the killed unit’s Might this turn. Predict 2.” They cannot choose to target their unit with the highest Might during this step of finalization.

Some Optional Costs specified by Passive Abilities on the card being played or another card are Non-Mandatory, and must be paid only if the player made the choice to pay them in rule 352. They use the phrase "as an additional cost" and the word "may." Example: A unit has the ability "As you play me, you may discard 1 as an additional cost. If you do, reduce my cost by [2]." While playing the unit, its controller declares their intention to pay the additional cost in rule 352, applies that additional cost in rule 353.2, applies the discount granted by paying that cost in rule 353.4, and discards a card to pay that additional cost in rule 354.2. See rule 360. Passive Abilities for more information.

Some Optional Costs specified by Passive Abilities on the card being played or another card are Non-Mandatory, and must be paid only if the player made the choice to pay them in step 2. They use the phrase "as an additional cost" and the word "may." Example: A unit has the ability "As you play me, you may discard 1 as an additional cost. If you do, reduce my cost by [2]." While playing the unit, its controller declares their intention to pay the additional cost in step 2, applies that additional cost in rule 356.2, applies the discount granted by paying that cost in rule 356.4, and discards a card to pay that additional cost in rule 357.2. See rule 363. Passive Abilities for more information.

An optional additional cost was "paid" if the player made the decision in rule 352 to pay it. It doesn't matter how much the player actually paid. Example: Clockwork Keeper is a unit that costs 2 Energy and 0 Power and says "As you play me, you may pay [C] as an additional cost. If you do, draw " A player controls a card that says "Units you play cost [A] less." That player plays Clockwork Keeper and chooses to pay the optional additional cost of [C]. They will draw a card, even though the optional additional cost was reduced to 0.

An optional additional cost was "paid" if the player made the decision to pay it. It doesn't matter how much the player actually paid. Example: Clockwork Keeper is a unit that costs 2 Energy and 0 Power and says "As you play me, you may pay [C] as an additional cost. If you do, draw 1." A player controls a card that says "Units you play cost [A] less." That player plays Clockwork Keeper and chooses to pay the optional additional cost of [C]. They will draw a card, even though the optional additional cost was reduced to 0.

During this step, the spell's controller can use activated abilities with the Reaction tag that Add resources to add Energy and Power to pay the spell's costs. See rule 161. Rune Pools and rule 416. Add for more information.

During this step, the card's controller can use activated abilities with the Reaction tag that Add resources to add Energy and Power to pay the card's costs. See rule 164. Rune Pools and rule 429. Add for more information.

In addition, pay any non-standard Cost summed in rule 353.2 in any order.

In addition, pay any non-standard Cost summed in step 3 in any order.

Costs that are replaced with other events by replacement effects are still considered paid. Example: A player plays Cruel Patron, which says "As an additional cost to play me, kill a friendly unit." They also control Zhonya’s Hourglass, which says “If a friendly unit would die, kill this instead. Heal that unit, exhaust it, and recall it.” They choose to kill a friendly unit during rule 353.2, but as they pay the cost in rule 354.2, Zhonya’s Hourglass replaces that unit’s death. The cost is considered paid, and the player can continue playing Cruel Patron.

Costs that are replaced with other events by replacement effects are still considered paid. Example: A player plays Cruel Patron, which says "As an additional cost to play me, kill a friendly unit." They also control Zhonya’s Hourglass, which says “If a friendly unit would die, kill this instead. Heal that unit, exhaust it, and recall it.” They choose to kill a friendly unit during step 3, but as they pay the cost in step 4, Zhonya’s Hourglass replaces that unit’s death. The cost is considered paid, and the player can continue playing Cruel Patron.

6. Finalize this card and proceed with the card's category of Play.

6. Finish finalizing this card and proceed with the card's category of Play.

If the spell checks information about a target that is no longer legal or a card or permanent whose location, zone, or status has changed such that that information is no longer available, that check returns "null" and all calculations based on it are ignored. Examples: A unit that is no longer on the board is treated as having null Might, null cost, etc. A unit that is no longer on the board has no location, is neither exhausted nor readied, etc. Baited Hook says "[1][C], [E]: Kill a friendly unit. Look at the top 5 cards of your Main Deck. You may banish a unit from among them that has Might up to 1 more than the killed unit and play it, ignoring its cost. Then recycle the rest." While Baited Hook’s ability is on the chain, an opponent reacts with a spell that returns the friendly unit to its owner's hand. Because the friendly unit is no longer a legal target, it can't be killed and its Might is treated as null. Baited Hook’s controller reveals the top 5 cards of their Main Deck, but can’t choose any unit from among them.

If the spell checks information about a target that is no longer legal or a card or permanent whose location, zone, or status has changed such that that information is no longer available, that check returns "null" and all calculations based on it are ignored. Examples: A unit that is no longer on the board is treated as having null Might, null cost, etc. A unit that is no longer on the board has no location, is neither exhausted nor readied, etc. Baited Hook says "[1][C], [E]: Kill a friendly unit. Look at the top 5 cards of your Main Deck. You may banish a unit from among them that has Might up to 1 more than the killed unit and play it, ignoring its cost. Then recycle the rest." While Baited Hook’s ability is on the chain, an opponent reacts with a spell that returns the friendly unit to its owner's hand. Because the friendly unit is no longer a legal target, it can't be killed and its Might is treated as null. Baited Hook’s controller looks at the top 5 cards of their Main Deck, but can’t choose any unit from among them.

These abilities have a wide variety of formats to recognize. Example: "I get +1[M] while you have 2 or more cards in your hand." Example: "Friendly Yordles at my battlefield have [Shield]."

These abilities have a wide variety of formats to recognize. Example: "I get +1 [M] while you have 2 or more cards in your hand." Example: "Friendly Yordles at my battlefield have [Shield]."

A Replacement Effect can be identified by the presence of the term "instead." Example: Zhonya's Hourglass reads "The next time a friendly unit would die, kill this instead. Recall that unit exhausted." This is a replacement effect that alters the execution of any Game Effect that would kill a friendly unit.

A Replacement Effect can usually be identified by the presence of the terms “would” or "instead." Example: Zhonya's Hourglass reads "The next time a friendly unit would die, kill this instead. Heal that unit, exhaust it, and recall it." This is a replacement effect that alters the execution of any Game Effect that would kill a friendly unit.

These triggers can only become fulfilled once per combat, despite a Unit being able to gain and lose the Attacker designation multiple times in the same combat.

These triggers will only have their condition checked once per combat, despite a Unit being able to gain and lose the Attacker designation multiple times in the same combat.

These triggers can only become fulfilled once per combat, despite a Unit being able to gain and lose the Defender designation multiple times in the same combat.

These triggers will only have their condition checked once per combat, despite a Unit being able to gain and lose the Defender designation multiple times in the same combat.

Make all choices required for this ability, such as targets, options, or other relevant decisions. See rule 346. Playing Cards for more information

Make all choices required for this ability, such as targets, modes, or other relevant decisions. See rule 349. Playing Cards for more information

Drawing a card takes a single card from the top of the Main Deck and adds it to the player's Hand.

Drawing a card takes a single card from a zone and adding it to the player's Hand.

Exhausting is an action that marks a non-spell Game Object as "spent."

Exhausting is an action that marks a non-spell Game Object on the board as "spent."

"Exhausted" is a state for Game Objects that other game effects and rules can reference.

"Exhausted" is a state for Game Objects on the board that other game effects and rules can reference.

Readying is an action that marks a non-spell Game Object as available for action.

Readying is an action that marks a non-spell Game Object on the board as available for action.

"Ready" is a state for Game Objects that other game effects and rules can reference.

"Ready" is a state for Game Objects on the board that other game effects and rules can reference.

The player may also Ready their Game Objects when effects or spells instruct them to do so.

Players may also Ready Game Objects on the board when effects or spells instruct them to do so.

Assigning Damage during Combat Resolution is not Dealing Damage, but will cause Damage to be Dealt when assignment is complete.

Assigning Damage during the Combat Damage Step is not Dealing Damage, but will cause Damage to be Dealt when assignment is complete.

As long as a player has the resources to pay the costs associated with the card, they may play cards.

As long as a player has the resources to pay the costs associated with the card and legal choices to make for their cards, they may Play cards.

Moving is the act of a Game Object moving between two Locations on The Board.

Moving is the act of a Game Object moving between two Locations on The Board. See rule 440. Movement for more information on movement.

The Standard Move inherent to Units may also cause Movement. See rule 142 for more information on the Standard Move.

The Standard Move inherent to Units may also cause Movement. See rule 144. for more information on the Standard Move.

If a facedown card would be put into a zone whose Privacy is Private or Secret, or if the game ends, its owner reveals it to all players. See rule 127. Privacy for more information.

If a facedown card would change zones or if the game ends, its owner reveals it to all players. See rule 128. Privacy for more information.

When Discarding is part of an effect, then a player must Discard as many cards as possible from their hand. If instructed to discard more cards than they have in their hand, further discard instructions are ignored. Example: Undercover Agent has the ability "[Deathknell] — Discard 2, then draw 2. (When I die, get the effect.)" If Undercover Agent's controller has 2 or more cards in hand, they must discard 2. If they have 1 card in hand, they discard 1, and the rest of the discard instruction is ignored. If they have no cards in hand, the entire discard instruction is ignored. Regardless of how many cards they discard, they then draw 2.

When Discarding is part of an effect, then a player must Discard as many cards as possible from their hand. If instructed to discard more cards than they have in their hand, further discard instructions are ignored. Example: Undercover Agent has the ability "[Deathknell][>] Discard 2, then draw 2. (When I die, get the effect.)" If Undercover Agent's controller has 2 or more cards in hand, they must discard 2. If they have 1 card in hand, they discard 1, and the rest of the discard instruction is ignored. If they have no cards in hand, the entire discard instruction is ignored. Regardless of how many cards they discard, they then draw 2.

A Stunned Unit does not contribute its might to damage in combat.

A Stunned Unit does not contribute its might to damage in the combat damage step. See rule 460. The Combat Damage Step for more information.

Countering is the act of negating the execution, activation, or otherwise playing of a card by a player.

Countering is the act of negating the execution, activation, or otherwise playing of a card or ability by a player.

A card that is Countered does nothing and is then placed in the Trash.

A card or ability that is Countered does nothing and is cleared from the chain.

Countering does not refund any costs paid to play a card.

Countering does not refund any costs paid to play a card, activate an ability, or trigger an ability.

Players may only Counter cards when directed to by Game Effects.

Players may only Counter cards and abilities when directed to by Game Effects.

Separate instances of an object or effect banishing cards do not reference other banished cards by objects of the same name or effects originating from cards of the same name. Example: A spell reads "Banish the top card of your Main Deck. When you conquer this turn, draw it." This card effect allows you to draw the banished card from banishment if a condition is met. If more than one of these effects is played, each one triggers separately. Each card will be drawn separately. If the turn player passes the turn without playing the card, the card remains in banishment indefinitely. If the same player plays another copy of the same spell, banishes another card, and satisfies its condition, they could play the new banished card, but not the original banished card.

Separate instances of an object or effect banishing cards do not reference other banished cards by objects of the same name or effects originating from cards of the same name. Example: A spell reads "Banish the top card of your Main Deck. When you conquer this turn, draw it." This card effect allows you to draw the banished card from banishment if a condition is met. If more than one of these effects is played, each one triggers separately. Each card will be drawn separately. If the turn player passes the turn without playing the card, the card remains in banishment indefinitely. If the same player plays another copy of the same spell, banishes another card, and satisfies its condition, they could play the new banished card, but not the original banished card. See rule 393. Linked Abilities for more information.

When one or more Units is killed due to a Cleanup, the spell or ability that resolved immediately prior to that Cleanup that applied damage to the Unit or Units is responsible for that Kill action.

When one or more Units is killed due to a Cleanup, that kill action is attributed to the spell or ability that resolved immediately prior to that Cleanup that dealt damage to the Unit or Units. The player responsible for the deal action is responsible for the kill action.

Abilities originating from Game Objects that are responsible for Kill Actions are responsible in addition to the Game Object that created them. Example: Falling Star is a spell that says “Do this twice: Deal 3 to a unit.” Immortal Phoenix is a unit that says “When you kill a unit with a spell, you may pay [1][C] to play me from your trash.” A player plays Falling Star while Immortal Phoenix is in their trash. The “do this” phrasing on Falling Star means that it has a reflexive triggered ability, which places two triggered abilities on the chain. As each of those triggered abilities resolve, it deals damage to the unit chosen for that ability. If one of these abilities deals lethal damage to a unit, both Falling Star and its ability are considered sources of the damage, and so both Falling Star and its ability are responsible for killing the unit. This means that Falling Star’s controller killed a unit with a spell, so Immortal Phoenix’s ability will trigger.

Abilities originating from Game Objects that are attributed Kill Actions are attributed in addition to the Game Object that created them. Example: There is a spell that says “Do this twice: Deal 3 to a unit.” Immortal Phoenix is a unit that says “When you kill a unit with a spell, you may pay [1][C] to play me from your trash.” A player plays the spell while Immortal Phoenix is in their trash. The “do this” phrasing means that it has a reflexive triggered ability, which places two triggered abilities on the chain. As each of those triggered abilities resolve, it deals damage to the unit chosen for that ability. If one of these abilities deals lethal damage to a unit, both the spell and its ability are considered sources of the damage, and so both the spell and its ability receive attribution for killing the unit. This means that the spell’s controller killed a unit with a spell, so Immortal Phoenix’s ability will trigger.

Priority and Focus will not pass from Add abilities being finalized, and will resolve before any other outstanding items on the chain are finalized.

Priority and Focus will not pass from Add abilities being finalized or resolving, and will resolve before any other outstanding items on the chain are finalized.

Activated abilities that Add resources and have the Reaction tag can be activated during the playing or resolution of other spells and abilities, any time that those spells or abilities require that resources be paid. Example: A player can add Energy and Power through any means before initiating the process of playing a spell. After initiating that process, in the Pay Costs step, they may activate Add Reactions to add Energy or Power to pay costs.

Activated abilities that Add resources and have the Reaction tag can be activated during the playing or resolution of other spells and abilities, any time that those spells or abilities require resources be paid. Example: A player can add Energy and Power through any means before initiating the process of playing a spell. After initiating that process, in the Pay Costs step, they may activate Add Reactions to add Energy or Power to pay costs.

Attaching is the act of linking two cards on the board together to combine their effects in some way. This causes one or more cards to become Attached and at least one card to become a Top-Most Card. See rule 716 Attachment for more information.

Attaching is the act of linking two cards on the board together to combine their effects in some way. This causes one or more cards to become Attached and at least one card to become a Top-Most Card. See rule 716. Attachment for more information.

Attaching one or more cards will cause those cards’ Rules Text to become Inactive for as long as they remain Attached. See rule 716 Attachment for more information.

Attaching one or more cards will cause those cards’ Rules Text to become Inactive for as long as they remain Attached. See rule 716. Attachment for more information.

Attaching a card will cause it to Detach from any card to which it is currently Attached.

Attaching a card to a new Top-Most Card will cause it to Detach from the card to which it is currently Attached.

In Modes of Play with more than two players, Battlefields with Staged Combats or Combats in Progress are Invalid Destinations for Moves of all kinds (Standard Moves or otherwise) by Units controlled by Players who don't already have permanents at that Battlefield.

In Modes of Play with more than two players, Battlefields with Staged Combats or Combats in Progress are Invalid Destinations for Moves of all kinds (Standard Moves or otherwise) by Units controlled by Players not involved in those Combats or who don't already have permanents at that Battlefield.

A Combat is triggered when a Move causes a Battlefield to become Contested and Units controlled by opposing players. See rule 437. Combat for more information.

A Combat is opened when a Move causes a Battlefield to become Contested and Units controlled by opposing players, or when a Move causes Units controlled by opposing players to become present in the same Battlefield where a Showdown is ongoing. See rule 454. Combat for more information.

In Modes of Play with more than two players, Battlefields with Staged Combats or Combats in Progress are Invalid Destinations for Moves of all kinds (Standard Moves or otherwise) by Units controlled by Players who don't already have Units at that Battlefield. See rule 425.2.a. for more information on Invalid Destinations.

In Modes of Play with more than two players, Battlefields with Staged Combats or Combats in Progress are Invalid Destinations for Moves of all kinds (Standard Moves or otherwise) by Units controlled by Players not involved in those Combats or who don't already have Units at that Battlefield. See rule 442.2.a. for more information on Invalid Destinations.

Step 1: The Showdown Step

Step 1: The Combat Showdown Step

Establish who is Attacker and who is Defender.

1. Establish who is Attacker and who is Defender.

This player gains Focus as this Showdown begins.

This player gains Focus as the showdown begins.

Finalize items on the Initial Chain if establishing Attacker and Defender has caused Triggered Abilities to become Pending.

3. Add items to the Combat Chain if establishing Attacker and Defender has caused Triggered Abilities to become Pending.

The State Closes if an Initial Chain was created.

The State Closes if a Combat Chain was created.

Otherwise the Showdown continues, with the State Open as normal.

Otherwise the Combat Showdown continues, with the State Open as normal.

Focus does not pass upon closure of the Initial Chain, if any.

Focus does not pass upon closure of the Combat Chain, if any.

When the Showdown closes, Attackers and Defenders resolve Combat Damage at the Battlefield that was attacked, using their current Might.

1. When the Showdown closes, Attackers and Defenders resolve Combat Damage at the Battlefield that was attacked, using their current Might.

Insert “2c. Heal all Units.”

Insert “3c. Heal all Units.”

Insert “2d. Recall Attackers present at the Battlefield if Defenders are still present.” See rule 432. Recalls for more information.

Insert “3d. Recall Attackers present at the Battlefield if Defenders are still present.” See rule 449. Recalls for more information.

2. If no Showdown or Combat is staged at this location, the player with Units remaining here Establishes Control.

1. If no Showdown or Combat is staged at this location, the player with Units remaining here Establishes Control.

The player earns up to one Point, depending on their current score.

The player Gains up to one Point, depending on their current score.

The Final Point has additional restrictions.

The Winning Point has additional restrictions.

Notably, points earned from sources that are not Conquer or Hold are not beholden to these restrictions.

Notably, points Gained from sources that are not Conquer or Hold are not beholden to these restrictions.

When a player tries to earn a Point through a Score, and their current Point Total is 1 point from the Victory Score of the Mode of Play, the following occurs:

When a player tries to Gain a Point through a Score, and their current Point Total is 1 point from the Victory Score of the Mode of Play or higher, the following occurs:

If the player has Scored through Hold, that player scores the Final Point.

If the player has Scored through Hold, that player Gains the Winning Point.

If the player has Scored through a Conquer and has Scored every Battlefield through either method this turn, that player scores the Final Point. If the player has Scored through a Conquer and has not Scored every Battlefield this turn, that player draws a card.

If the player has Scored through a Conquer and has Scored every Battlefield through either method this turn, that player Gains the Winning Point. If the player has Scored through a Conquer and has not Scored every Battlefield this turn, that player draws a card.

When a player accrues Points equal to the Victory Score for their Mode of Play, they Win the Game immediately.

When a cleanup occurs and a player has accrued Points greater than or equal to the Victory Score for their Mode of Play, and if they have more points than any opponent, they Win the Game.

The removal or disqualification of an effect is separate from the application of the effect, but still can only be applied once. Example: Fiora, Victorious has printed Might 4 and says “While I'm Mighty, I have Deflect, Ganking, and Shield.” If a player places a buff on Fiora, her Might is increased in the Arithmetic layer, after the layer for Ability-Altering Effects. The Ability-Altering Effect layer is then re-checked and the abilities Deflect, Ganking, and Shield applied. Since each effect has been applied once and there are no other effects to apply, Fiora’s characteristics are finalized as 5 Might with Deflect, Ganking, and Shield. While a buffed Fiora, Victorious is in combat as a defender, an additional +1 Might will be applied in the Arithmetic layer, giving her 6 Might and the 3 keywords. Example: A buffed Fiora, Victorious is in combat as a defender when her buff is removed. Reevaluating the layers in sequence, she no longer gains Deflect, Ganking, and Shield during the Ability-Altering Effect layer, so when the Arithmetic layer is evaluated, neither the buff (which is gone) nor Shield (which she no longer has) apply. She goes directly from 6 Might with three keywords to 4 Might with no keywords..

The removal or disqualification of an effect is separate from the application of the effect, but still can only be applied once. Example: Fiora, Victorious has printed Might 4 and says “While I'm Mighty, I have Deflect, Ganking, and Shield.” If a player places a buff on Fiora, her Might is increased in the Arithmetic layer, after the layer for Ability-Altering Effects. The Ability-Altering Effect layer is then re-checked and the abilities Deflect, Ganking, and Shield applied. Since each effect has been applied once and there are no other effects to apply, Fiora’s characteristics are finalized as 5 Might with Deflect, Ganking, and Shield. While a buffed Fiora, Victorious is in combat as a defender, an additional +1 Might will be applied in the Arithmetic layer, giving her 6 Might and the 3 keywords. Example: A buffed Fiora, Victorious is in combat as a defender when her buff is removed. Reevaluating the layers in sequence, she no longer gains Deflect, Ganking, and Shield during the Ability-Altering Effect layer, so when the Arithmetic layer is evaluated, neither the buff (which is gone) nor Shield (which she no longer has) apply. She goes directly from 6 Might with three keywords to 4 Might with no keywords.

All Traits, including the Rules Text, replace or are added to those of the original Game Object as specified by the Game Effect directing the Copy. This is applied in this layer.

When one Game Object becomes a copy of another, all Traits, including the Rules Text, replace or are added to those of the original Game Object as specified by the Game Effect directing the Copy. This is applied in this layer.

When an arithmetic effect has a limitation that applies, it is limited at the time of its application, and is “remembered” at that limited level for the duration of its effect. This process is called “snapshotting.” Example: If an effect gives a unit “-4 [M] to a min of 1 until end of turn” choosing a unit with 2 [M], then the effect will generate -1 [M] until end of turn.

When an arithmetic effect has a limitation that applies, it is limited at the time of its application, and is “remembered” at that limited level for the duration of its effect. This process is called “snapshotting.” Example: If an effect gives a unit “-4 [M] to a min of 1 this turn” choosing a unit with 2 [M], then the effect will generate -1 [M] this turn.

Applying one of the effects alters the outcome when applying the other non- deterministically

Applying one of the effects alters the outcome when applying the other.

Setup: Each player randomly selects one (1) of their three (3) Battlefields. The other two are removed and will not be used for this game. The selected Battlefields are placed in the Battlefield Zone.

Setup: Each player randomly selects one (1) of their three (3) Battlefields. The other two are removed and will not be used for this game. The selected Battlefields are placed simultaneously in the Battlefield Zone.

Setup: Each player selects one (1) of their three (3) Battlefields. The other two are set aside and will not be used for this round of play. The selected Battlefields are placed in the Battlefield Zone. After this game, the Battlefields that were used are to be removed and not selected again for this Match. One of the remaining Battlefields that were set aside must be chosen instead.

Setup: Each player selects one (1) of their three (3) Battlefields. The other two are set aside and will not be used for this round of play. The selected Battlefields are placed simultaneously in the Battlefield Zone. After this game, the Battlefields that were used are to be removed and not selected again for this Match. One of the remaining Battlefields that were set aside must be chosen instead.

Format: Best of 3. The first player to reach the Victory Score in Points wins the game. The winner of that game earns One Set Point. Players then reset the game state, remove the Battlefields in play from the game, choose new Battlefields from those set aside, and play again. The first player to earn Two Set Points wins.

Format: Best of 3. The first player to reach the Victory Score in Points wins the game. The winner of that game earns One Game Win. Players then reset the game state, remove the Battlefields in play from the game, choose new Battlefields from those set aside, and play again. The first player to earn Two Game Wins wins the match.

Setup: Each player randomly selects one (1) of their three (3) Battlefields. The other two are discarded and will not be used for this game. The selected Battlefields are placed between the three Players before play and will be used for this game.

Setup: Each player randomly selects one (1) of their three (3) Battlefields. The other two are discarded and will not be used for this game. The selected Battlefields are placed simultaneously between the three Players before play and will be used for this game.

Setup: Each player who is not going first randomly selects one (1) of their three (3) Battlefields. The other two are removed and will not be used for this game. The selected Battlefields are placed between the players before play and will be used for this game.

Setup: Each player who is not going first randomly selects one (1) of their three (3) Battlefields. The other two are removed and will not be used for this game. The selected Battlefields are placed simultaneously between the players before play and will be used for this game.

Each player provides one (1) Battlefield, included in their deck during deck building.

Each player provides three (3) Battlefields, included in their deck during deck building.

Each player who is not going first randomly selects one (1) of their three (3) Battlefields. The other two are removed and will not be used for this game. The selected Battlefields are placed between the players before play and will be used for this game.

Each player who is not going first randomly selects one (1) of their three (3) Battlefields. The other two are removed and will not be used for this game. The selected Battlefields are placed simultaneously between the players before play and will be used for this game.

Players may play spells during their Teammate's Turn.

Players may play spells or activate abilities during their Teammate's Turn. In order to do so, their Teammate will invite them to play a spell or activate an ability using their own Priority.

Hands are still Private Information.

Hands are Private Information. Players may show their Private Information to one or more players at any time during play, including their teammate.

Banish all permanents and runes they currently control and all permanents and runes they own.

Banish all permanents, runes, and facedown cards they currently control and all permanents, runes, and facedown cards they own.

If it was in use, replace it with a token battlefield with no abilities.

If it was in use, Replace it with a token battlefield with no abilities.

Any units or hidden cards there do not move and are otherwise unaffected by this process.

Any units or hidden cards there do not move and are otherwise unaffected by this process. See rule 438. Replace for more information.

Attaching is a limited action that causes cards to become linked to each other to combine their effects in some way. This causes one card to become Attached and the other to become A Top-Most Card. See rule 421 Attach for more information.

Attaching is a limited action that causes cards to become linked to each other to combine their effects in some way. This causes one card to become Attached and the other to become A Top-Most Card. See rule 434. Attach for more information.

While in this state, the card’s Rules Text is Inactive. See rule 720 Inactive for more information.

While in this state, the card’s printed Rules Text is Inactive. See rule 720. Inactive for more information.