Core Rules 1.4 Changes (Vendetta)

To play Riftbound, a player must have two Decks, a Champion Legend, and a number of Battlefields determined by the Mode of Play.

To play Riftbound, a player must have a Main Deck, a Rune Deck, a Champion Legend, and a number of Battlefields determined by the Mode of Play. These are collectively referred to as a player’s deck.

This will dictate the Domain Identity of the Main Deck.

This will dictate the Domain Identity of the deck.

Cards included in your Deck must abide by your Domain Identity.

Cards included in your deck must abide by your Domain Identity.

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

A Main Deck of at least 40 cards: A Chosen Champion Unit, as well as Units, Gear, and Spells

This includes your Chosen Champion. Example: A deck could include Volibear, Furious as its Chosen Champion and still include 2 more copies of Volibear, Furious.

This includes your Chosen Champion. Example: A deck could include Volibear, Furious as its Chosen Champion and still include 2 more copies of Volibear, Furious in their Main Deck.

During Gameplay, the Main Deck is Secret Information.

Subject to card legality of the Format being played.

Cards in this deck must be of the Domain Identity of your Champion Legend.

Cards in the Rune Deck must be of the Domain Identity of your Champion Legend.

Each Base is a Location.

Each Base is a Location. See rule 197. Locations for more information.

Permanents attached to Permanents controlled by a player may also be found in that player’s Base.

Permanents attached to Permanents controlled by a player may also be found in that player’s Base, regardless of their controller.

Each Battlefield is individually a Location.

Each Battlefield is individually a Location. See rule 197. Locations for more information.

Non-Board Zones.

Non-Board Zones

Primarily houses the face-down deck during gameplay.

Primarily houses the face-down Main Deck during gameplay.

The order of cards in the deck is Secret Information during the course of play. See rule 128. Privacy for more information.

The order of cards in the Main Deck is Secret Information during the course of play. See rule 128. Privacy for more information.

The order of runes in the deck is Secret Information during the course of play. See rule 128. Privacy for more information.

The order of runes in the Rune Deck is Secret Information during the course of play. See rule 128. Privacy for more information.

Each player shuffles their decks, separately, then places them into their respective Zones.

Each player shuffles their Main and Rune Decks, separately, then places them into their respective Zones.

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

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 Counters and other status markers

For gameplay purposes, a card's Owner is the player who brought it into the game, either as their Champion Legend, one of their Battlefields, or part of their Main Deck or Rune Deck. The legal owner of a card doesn't matter during gameplay. Example: Bo didn't bring a deck, so Alice loans him a deck. During the game, Bo is considered the owner of those cards, even though legally they belong to Alice.

For gameplay purposes, a card's Owner is the player who brought it into the game, either as their Champion Legend, one of their Battlefields, as part of their Main Deck or Rune Deck, or Created during the process of play. The legal owner of a card doesn't matter during gameplay. Example: Bo didn't bring a deck, so Alice loans him a deck. During the game, Bo is considered the owner of those cards, even though legally they belong to Alice.

A card will have a different level of Privacy based on where it resides at a given time

A card will have a different level of Privacy based on its state or where it resides at a given time.

Non-Deck Cards are not part of any deck and begin the game in a zone determined by their type.

Other Cards are not part of either the Main or Rune Decks and begin the game in a zone determined by their type.

A sub-category encompassing cards with the legend type. They are not played or channeled. They start the game in the Legend Zone and cannot leave it during play.

A sub-category encompassing cards with the legend type. They are not played or channeled. They start the game in the Legend Zone and cannot typically leave it during play.

They describe the actions to be taken as the spell or ability resolves.

They describe actions to be performed by one or more players.

A [C] shorthand on a card with no Domain or with multiple Domains is processed as [A] instead.

A [C] shorthand on a card with no Domain is processed as [A] instead.

This could be a dependent keyword like [Legion][>] or [Level][>], or it could be a permissive keyword like [Action][>] or [Reaction][>].

This could be a dependent keyword like [Legion][>] or [Level][>], a triggered ability with a keyworded trigger condition like [Deathknell] or it could be a permissive keyword associated with an ability like [Action][>] or [Reaction][>].

Whatever instruction or ability comes after the [>] is modified by the keyword that comes before the [>]. Either it will be inactive, in the case of a dependent keyword, or it will receive the permission granted by the keyword in the case of a permissive keyword.

Whatever instruction or ability comes after the [>] is modified by the keyword that comes before the [>]. It will either be inactive, in the case of a dependent keyword; the trigger effect, in the case of a keyword triggered ability; or it will receive the permission granted by the keyword in the case of a permissive keyword.

At the end of each player's turn.

At the end of each player's turn. See rule 317.2. Ending Phase for more information.

Players may perform multiple Units' standard move simultaneously.

Players may perform multiple Units' standard move simultaneously. This is treated as one game action performed on multiple Units.

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.

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. See rule 447.2. For more information on valid destinations for movement.

A Unit’s Location is the Base or Battlefield it currently occupies.

A Unit’s Location is the Base or Battlefield it currently occupies. See rule 197. Locations 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.

If an unattached non-Unit 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 454. Recalls for more information. See rule 318. Cleanups for more information.

A Gear’s Location is the Base or Battlefield it currently occupies.

A Gear’s Location is the Base or Battlefield it currently occupies. See rule 197. Locations for more information.

Gear cannot normally become located at a Battlefield unless by some special means. Example: Gear are always played to Base. The only exception is a gear played from Facedown, which is played to the Battlefield it was played from. Gear can also become located at a Battlefield if they are attached to a unit who becomes located at a Battlefield. See rule 811. Hidden for more information. See rule 716. Attachment for more information.

Non-Unit Gear cannot normally become located at a Battlefield unless by some special means. Example: Gear are played to Base unless an effect specifies otherwise. A gear played from Facedown, which is specified to be played to the Battlefield it was played from, will enter at that Battlefield. Gear can also become located at a Battlefield if they are attached to a unit who becomes located at a Battlefield. A Gear that is a Unit can move to a Battlefield. See rule 811. Hidden for more information. See rule 716. Attachment for more information.

Players must first add Energy and Power to their Rune Pool in order to be able to spend it to play cards or pay for Abilities with costs.

Players must add Energy and Power to their Rune Pool in order to be able to spend it to play cards or pay for Abilities with costs.

Every player's Rune Pool empties at the end of each player's draw phase and the end of each player's turn.

Every player's Rune Pool empties at the start of each player's Main Phase and the end of each player's turn.

The Legend determines the Domain Identity of cards its owner can include. See rule 101. Deck Construction for more information.

The Champion Legend determines the Domain Identity of cards its owner can include. See rule 101. Deck Construction for more information.

The effect that creates a token may specify the conditions or circumstances under which it enters the board. These stipulations may alter the usual steps for playing a card.

The effect that creates a token may specify the conditions or circumstances under which it enters the board. These stipulations may alter the usual steps for playing a card if the token is played.

Tokens are played by their owner if their card type is played, following all the applicable steps for playing a card plus any restrictions or modifications from the effect that created the token. See rule 349. Playing Cards for more information.

Tokens can be played by their owner if their card type is played, following all the applicable steps for playing a card plus any restrictions or modifications from the effect that created the token. See rule 349. Playing Cards for more information.

Units moving to or being played to a battlefield apply Contested status if that battlefield is not already contested and that Unit’s controller does not already control that battlefield.

Units moving to or being played to a battlefield apply Contested status if that battlefield is not already Contested and that Unit’s controller does not already control that battlefield.

A Battlefield remains Contested until Control is established or re-established.

Once a Showdown or Combat begins at a Battlefield, it remains Contested until Control is established or re-established.

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.

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

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 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.

While a Battlefield is Controlled, its Controller controls its Abilities. That player takes responsibility for adding them to the Chain if applicable, and makes all choices required by them unless otherwise specified.

While a Battlefield is Controlled, its Controller controls its Abilities unless that ability indicates another player does. The controlling player takes responsibility for adding them to the Chain if applicable, and makes all choices required by them unless otherwise specified.

While a Battlefield is Uncontrolled, its Abilities are also Uncontrolled. The Turn Player takes responsibility for adding them to the Chain if applicable, makes all choices required by them unless otherwise specified, and is treated as their Controller if any game rule or effect requires one. Example: The Arena’s Greatest is a battlefield that reads “At the start of each player's first Beginning Phase, that player gains 1 point.” This ability will usually trigger while the battlefield has no controller. If it does, the Turn Player goes through the steps of adding the ability to the chain and receives priority after doing so, exactly as if they controlled the ability.

While a Battlefield is Uncontrolled, its Abilities are also Uncontrolled unless that ability indicates a player controls it. If there is no such indication, the Turn Player takes responsibility for adding them to the Chain if applicable, makes all choices required by them unless otherwise specified, and is treated as their Controller if any game rule or effect requires one. Example: The Arena’s Greatest is a battlefield that reads “At the start of each player's first Beginning Phase, that player gains 1 point.” This ability will usually trigger while the battlefield has no controller. If it does, the Turn Player goes through the steps of adding the ability to the chain and receives priority after doing so, exactly as if they controlled the ability.

“You” in a battlefield’s abilities refers to the battlefield’s Controller, as does the implied “you” in instructions like “draw 1.” If the battlefield has no Controller, “you” refers to no one, and all such instructions are ignored.

“You” in a battlefield’s abilities refers to the battlefield’s Controller, as does the implied “you” in instructions that don’t specify a player like “draw 1.” If the battlefield has no Controller, “you” refers to no one, and all such instructions are ignored.

When a player Plays a Card or other Game Object, they are established as that Game Object's Controller.

When a player Plays, Hides, or Creates a Card or other Game Object, they are established as that Game Object's Controller.

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

When the turn is in a Closed State and they control the next item on the Chain.

When the turn is in a Closed State, all pending chain items finish being finalized, and they control the next item on the Chain.

Reminder: In Modes of Play with Teams, Battlefields held by a Teammate of the Turn Player during this phase are disqualified from being scored this turn by the Turn Player.

Reminder: In Modes of Play with Teams, Battlefields controlled by a Teammate of the Turn Player during this step are disqualified from being scored this turn by the Turn Player.

This could be the result of a Standard Move Standard Action, a Spell, or other Game Effect.

This could be the result of a Standard Move Intrinsic Ability, a Spell, or other Game Effect.

A Showdown is marked as Staged at a Battlefield when the Contested status is applied to a Battlefield with no current controller.

A Showdown is marked as Staged at a Battlefield in the cleanup after the Contested status is applied to that Battlefield.

These Showdowns are called Non-Combat Showdowns. During the proceedings of a Non-Combat Showdown, units controlled by a different player may become present at the Battlefield where the Showdown is ongoing. This will cause the Showdown to become a Combat Showdown.

These Showdowns are called Non-Combat Showdowns. During the proceedings of a Non-Combat Showdown, units controlled by a different player may become present at the Battlefield where the Showdown is ongoing. This will cause the Showdown to become a Combat Showdown in the following cleanup.

Insert “2c. Heal all Units.”

Insert “3c. Heal all Units.”

Insert “2d. All ‘this turn’ effects expire simultaneously.”

Insert “3d. All ‘this turn’ effects expire simultaneously.”

Insert “2e. Each player’s Rune Pool empties. Any unspent Energy and Power are lost.”

Insert “3e. Each player’s Rune Pool empties. Any unspent Energy and Power are lost.”

After a Pending Item becomes a Legal Item on the Chain

After a Pending Item becomes a Finalized Item on the Chain

While a Cleanup is occurring, Chain Items cannot be Resolved.

While a Cleanup is occurring, Chain Items cannot be Finalized or Resolved.

New Pending Items can be added, but Legal Items cannot be executed and Priority and Focus are not passed or awarded.

New Pending Items can be added, but Finalized Items cannot be executed and Priority and Focus are not passed or awarded.

3a. All Units that have non-zero Damage marked on them equalling or exceeding their Might that have Deathknell abilities will trigger their Deathknell ability now, making note of their current location, attributes, and other information relevant to add the trigger as a Pending Item See rule 808 Deathknell for more information.

3a. All Units that have Lethal Damage marked on them and that have Deathknell or other abilities that trigger on their own death will trigger such abilities now, making note of their current location, attributes, and other information relevant to add the trigger as a Pending Item See rule 808 Deathknell for more information.

3b. All Units that have non-zero Damage marked on them equalling or exceeding their Might are killed and placed in their owners' Trash.

3b. All Units that have LethalDamage marked on themare killed and placed in their owners' Trash. See rule 142.4. For more information on lethal damage.

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

4. Players lose control of any controlled Battlefields without their Units occupying them if the turn is in an Open State and there is no Showdown or Combat ongoing there.

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.

5. Recall all Unattached non-Unit Gear and non-Unit Runes 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.

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

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

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.

8. Remove Contested status from each Battlefield without Units controlled by the player who applied Contested to that Battlefield and without a Showdown or Combat ongoing there.

8a. If a Showdown and Combat are staged at the same Battlefield and the turn player chooses to initiate the Showdown there, the Showdown will open as a Combat Showdown.

9. If the current state is a Neutral Open State and one or more Showdowns are Staged at Battlefields without a Combat staged, the Turn Player chooses one of those Battlefields. A Showdown 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.

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

9a. If the current state is Showdown Open State and Combat is Staged at a Battlefield where there is a Non-Combat Showdown ongoing, that Showdown becomes a Combat Showdown.

10a. If the current state is Showdown Open State and Combat is Staged at a Battlefield where there is a Non-Combat Showdown ongoing, that Showdown becomes a Combat Showdown.

Cards are placed here as part of the process of being played.

Cards, abilities, and tokens are placed here as part of the process of being played. See rule 349. The Process of Play for more information. See rule 360. Abilities for more information on Abilities.

Cards and abilities added to the chain are added as Pending Chain Items that become Finalized Chain Items.

Cards, tokens, and abilities added to the chain are added as Pending Chain Items that become Finalized Chain Items.

If a card would begin to be played while a Chain already exists, it is placed on the existing Chain.

If a card or token would begin to be played while a Chain already exists, it is placed on the existing Chain.

Steps of Resolving Chain Items

Handling Tasks and Resolving Chain Items

During the FEPR process, new Tasks may be incurred. Pause the process and complete the necessary Tasks before continuing.

During the FEPR process, new Tasks may be incurred. Complete the current step of the process and then pause and complete the necessary Tasks before continuing.

If there are no Outstanding Tasks, no pending Chain Items, and it is the Main Phase, the Turn Player receives priority. If there are no Outstanding Tasks, no pending items, and it is any other phase of the turn, proceed to the next substep, step, phase, or turn.

If there are no Outstanding Tasks, no pending Chain Items, no ongoing Showdown or Combat, and it is the Main Phase, the Turn Player receives priority. If there are no Outstanding Tasks, no pending Chain Items, no ongoing Showdown, and it is any other phase of the turn, proceed to the next substep, step, phase, or turn.

If one or more Items are Pending, their controllers must complete the steps of Playing those Pending Items until they are Finalized Items or leave the Chain.

If there is at least one Chain Item Pending, the controller of the oldest Pending Chain Item must complete the steps of Playing that Pending Item until it is a Finalized Item or leaves the Chain. See rule 349. Playing Cards for more information on finalizing chain items.

This process does not pass Priority.

Finalizing an item to the chain does not pass Priority.

Each Item is Finalized in the order it was appended to the Chain.

Chain Items are Finalized in the order they were appended to the Chain.

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. Proceed to Step 2: Execute.

If, after finalizing the Chain Item, there are no more items on the chain to be Finalized, the controller of the next item on the chain gains Priority. Move to step 2: Execute.

Play a Card that is legally timed.

Play a Card or Activated Ability that is legally timed.

Cards, by default, cannot be played during a Closed State.

Cards and Activated Abilities, by default, cannot be played during a Closed State.

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

A Legally Timed Card or Activated Ability would be one with Reaction or one that will have Reaction when played under appropriate circumstances.

The card will be added to the chain as a Pending Item, following the steps of playing a card.

The Card or Activated Ability will be added to the chain as a Pending Item, following the steps of playing a card.

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.

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

Whether a Card is legally timed is evaluated during the “Check Legality” step of Playing a Card. See rule 349. Playing Cards for more information.

Whether a Card or Activated Ability is legally timed is evaluated during the “Check Legality” step of Playing a Card. See rule 349. Playing Cards for more information. See rule 398. Playing or Activating Abilities for more information.

Playing a card will create one or more Pending Items. Return to Step 1: Finalize.

Playing a Card or Activated Ability will create one or more Pending Items. Return to Step 1: Finalize.

If all players have passed Priority without adding any items to the Chain, proceed to Step 4: Resolve.

If all players have passed Priority in sequence without adding any items to the Chain, proceed to Step 4: Resolve.

Otherwise, the player with Priority 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 2: Execute.

The newest item on the Chain resolves. Execute its game effects in their entirety. See rule 349. Playing Cards for more information on resolving spells. See rule 398. Playing or Activating Abilities for more information on resolving abilities.

The newest Finalized Chain Item resolves. Execute its game effects in their entirety. See rule 349. Playing Cards for more information on resolving spells. See rule 398. Playing or Activating Abilities for more information on resolving abilities.

If this occurs during a Showdown, focus passes to the next player in turn order.

If this occurs during a Showdown and the chain wasn’t initiated by a triggered ability or an ability that Adds resources, focus passes to the next player in turn order.

A Showdown begins when Control of a Battlefield is Contested and the turn is in a Neutral Open State.

A Showdown begins when Control of a Battlefield is Contested during a Cleanup and the turn is in a Neutral Open State.

If Control of a Battlefield is Contested between two players, then a Showdown will be opened as the first step of Combat. See rule 454. Combat for more information.

If Control of a Battlefield is Contested between two players, then a Showdown will be opened as the first step of Combat. If a Showdown is already ongoing at that Battlefield, it will become a Combat Showdown and a Combat will initiate there. See rule 459. Combat for more information.

If Control of a Battlefield is Contested and the Battlefield in question is uncontrolled when it becomes Contested, a Showdown is opened during the Cleanup at the end of the action that caused the Battlefield to become Contested.

If Control of a Battlefield is Contested, there aren’t units controlled by different players there, and the turn is in a Neutral Open State, a Showdown is opened during the next Cleanup. See rule 318. Cleanups for more information.

Focus will not pass in this way if the chain opened as a result of a triggered ability being added to the chain, nor if it opened as a result of an Add ability being added to the chain. Example: the Initial Chain opens as a result of triggered abilities being added to the chain, so when the last item on the Initial Chain resolves and the turn returns to an Open State, Focus will not pass.

Focus will not pass in this way if the chain opened as a result of a triggered ability being added to the chain, nor if it opened as a result of an Add ability being added to the chain. Example: the Combat Chain opens as a result of triggered abilities being added to the chain, so when the last item on the Combat Chain resolves and the turn returns to an Open State, Focus will not pass.

Play a card that is legally timed.

Play a Card or Activated Ability that is legally timed.

The card will start a Chain as normal.

The card or activated ability will start a Chain as normal.

1. Remove the card from the zone you are playing it from and put it onto the Chain.

1. Move the card from its current zone to the Chain.

If the card is a spell, or has an effect that specifies a choice "As I am played," those choices are made now.

If the card has an effect that specifies a choice "As I am played," those choices are made now.

For Units, choose a valid Location where that Unit will be placed upon being Played.

For Units, choose a valid Location where that Unit will enter upon being Played.

A valid Location is one other than the Units’ current Location where they are allowed to be present.

A valid Location for a Move Effect is one other than the Units’ current Location where they are allowed to be present.

This does not include making choices for Triggered Abilities of permanents, even if those abilities trigger when the permanent is played. Example: A unit with a triggered ability that says "When I'm played, kill a unit" does not require you to choose a target as it's played. The target will be chosen when the ability triggers. See rule 382. Triggered Abilities for more information.

This does not include making choices for Triggered Abilities of permanents, or Delayed or Reflexive Triggers generated by the item being finalized, even if those abilities trigger when the chain item is played. Example: A unit with a triggered ability that says "When I'm played, kill a unit" does not require you to choose a target as it's played. The target will be chosen when the ability triggers. Example: Targon’s Peak reads “When you conquer here, ready up to 2 runes at the end of this turn.” Readying up to 2 runes at the end of the turn is the effect of a delayed trigger; any choices involved are not made when finalizing the conquer effect but when finalizing the resulting delayed trigger at the end of the turn. See rule 382. Triggered Abilities for more information.

It meets all targeting restrictions. e.g., A unit is a valid target for a spell that refers to a “unit at a battlefield,” “enemy unit,” “unit you control,” or “unit with Might 4 or greater” only if it meets the appropriate criteria.

It meets all targeting restrictions. e.g., A unit is a valid target for a spell that refers to a “unit at a battlefield,” “enemy unit,” “unit you control,” or “unit with Might 4 or greater” only if it meets the appropriate criteria. e.g. A unit that reads “I can’t be chosen by enemy spells or abilities.” is not a valid target for any enemy spell or ability, even if it meets other targeting restrictions.

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.

It is included only as part of a targeting restriction for another choice or only as a restriction or permission for a game action. 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., “Play a unit from your hand to a battlefield” doesn’t target a battlefield.

It is programmatically selected based on its characteristics rather than chosen by the spell or ability’s controller. e.g., “Kill all units at a battlefield” targets a battlefield, but does not target any units. e.g., “Kill all units at battlefields” doesn’t target anything. e.g., “Destroy a unit. Its controller draws 2 cards” targets the unit, but not its controller. e.g., “Ready your legend” doesn’t target anything, because you can only have one legend. e.g., “Ready a friendly legend” targets a legend, because in a 2v2 game there are two friendly legends. e.g., “Recycle all cards in your trash” doesn’t target anything, because it affects all cards and you only have one trash.

It is programmatically selected based on its characteristics rather than chosen by the spell or ability’s controller. e.g., “Kill all units at a battlefield” targets a battlefield, but does not target any units. e.g., “Kill all units at battlefields” doesn’t target anything. e.g., “Kill a unit. Its controller draws 2” targets the unit, but not its controller. e.g., “Ready your legend” doesn’t target anything, because you can only have one legend. e.g., “Ready a friendly legend” targets a legend, because in a 2v2 game there are two friendly legends. e.g., “Recycle all cards in your trash” doesn’t target anything, because it affects all cards and you only have one trash.

Each Target is valid, and contributes to Chosen triggers individually.

Each Target is valid, and contributes to Targeting Effects individually.

These choices cannot be changed after this step.

These choices cannot be changed after this step unless instructed to by a spell or ability. See rule 750. Making New Choices 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 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.

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.

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

In addition, pay any non-standard Cost summed in step 3 in any order. Example: A card reads in part “As an additional cost to play me, kill a friendly unit and discard a unit.” When paying the costs for that card, its controller can pay those two costs in any order; they can kill a friendly unit first and then discard a unit, or they can discard a unit and then kill a friendly unit.

Ensure that the outcome of the effect of this card being played would not create an illegal state. Example: Check that a spell's execution does not create a state where a Battlefield has Units controlled by 3 different players.

Check that the outcome of the effect of this card being played would not create an illegal state. Example: Check that a spell's execution does not create a state where a Battlefield has Units controlled by 3 different players.

Ensure that the card has the appropriate permissions to be played at this timing. Example: If the state is Showdown Closed and the card was the one that Closed the state, ensure that it has [Action] or [Reaction]. Example: If the state is Closed and the card wasn’t the one that Closed the state, ensure that it has [Reaction].

Check that the card has the appropriate permissions to be played at this timing. Example: If the state is Showdown Closed and the card was the one that Closed the state, ensure that it has [Action] or [Reaction]. Example: If the state is Closed and the card wasn’t the one that Closed the state, ensure that it has [Reaction].

If the card, if continued to be played, would create an illegal state, or if a choice or action at this state is illegal, the actions taken in this process are undone and the action is cancelled.

If any of the above checks fail, the actions taken in this process are undone and the action is cancelled.

If it is a Gear, it enters the Board Ready at the player's Base.

If it is a Non-Unit Gear, it enters the Board Ready at the player's Base.

If a target changes Zones to or from a Non-Board Zone and then returns to its original zone, it is no longer a legal target, because it's not treated as the same object. Examples: An enemy unit at a battlefield is no longer a legal target if it is no longer an enemy, no longer a unit, or no longer at a battlefield. A unit with 3 or less Might is no longer a legal target if it is no longer a unit or if its Might is greater than 3. Something that's exhausted is no longer a legal target if it is no longer exhausted. (It can't stop being "something.") A spell that's played from hidden can normally only target its own battlefield or something at that battlefield. A target for such a spell may cease to be a legal target if it moves from the battlefield where that spell was played, even if the spell has no location targeting requirement otherwise.

If a target changes Zones to or from a Non-Board Zone and then returns to its original zone, it is no longer a legal target, because it's not treated as the same object. Examples: An enemy unit at a battlefield is no longer a legal target if it is no longer an enemy, no longer a unit, or no longer at a battlefield. A unit with 3 or less Might is no longer a legal target if it is no longer a unit or if its Might is greater than 3. Something that's exhausted is no longer a legal target if it is no longer exhausted. (It can't stop being "something.")

If any of the spell's targets are no longer legal, those targets are unaffected by the spell as it resolves. Example: A player plays Void Seeker, a spell that says "Deal 4 to a unit at a battlefield. Draw 1." The unit's controller uses a Reaction to move the unit to their base. Since the unit is no longer a legal target, it is not dealt any damage. Void Seeker's controller still draws 1.

If any of the spell's targets are no longer legal, those game objects, players, or zones are unaffected by the spell as it resolves. Any instructions related to an illegal target can’t be followed. Example: A player plays Void Seeker, a spell that says "Deal 4 to a unit at a battlefield. Draw 1." The unit's controller uses a Reaction to move the unit to their base. Since the unit is no longer a legal target, it is not dealt any damage. Void Seeker's controller still draws 1. Example: A player plays Bellow’s Breath targeting a unit in combat that reads in part “I can’t be chosen by enemy spells and abilities unless I’m in combat.” In reaction, that unit’s controller plays Flash, moving the unit to their base. The unit is no longer in combat, so it is no longer a legal target for Bellow’s Breath. The unit will be unaffected by Bellow’s Breath as it resolves. Example: A player plays Hidden Blade from the facedown zone at a battlefield, targeting an enemy unit. In reaction to Hidden Blade, their opponent plays Tideturner from facedown at another battlefield, choosing to swap locations with the unit Hidden Blade targeted. When Hidden Blade resolves, the chosen unit is no longer at the appropriate battlefield, so any instructions related to that unit are ignored.

Instructions that can't be followed, either because of illegal targets or other circumstances, are ignored.

Instructions that can't be followed, either because of illegal targets or other circumstances, are ignored. Example: A player plays Ride the Wind choosing to move their unit at Vilemaw’s Lair to base. Base is a legal move destination for Ride the Wind, but on resolution of Ride the Wind’s effect, the move instruction will be ignored because Vilemaw’s restriction makes the instruction impossible.

If all of an instruction's Targets become Invalid or Unavailable by the time the spell is finished being played, that instruction will not execute.

If all of an instruction's Targets become Invalid or Unavailable by the time the spell begins resolving, that instruction will not execute.

If an instruction has more than one Target and fewer than all of the Targets become Invalid or Unavailable by the time the spell is finished being played, the instruction will execute, with only the Targets available and valid being operated on.

If an instruction has more than one Target and fewer than all of the Targets become Invalid or Unavailable by the time the spell begins resolving, the instruction will execute, with only the Targets available and valid being operated on. Example: Singularity reads “deal 6 to each of up to two units.” The instruction will execute even if one of those units is made unavailable before the spell begins.

Instructions that can be partially followed are followed as much as possible and ignored otherwise. Example: A player plays a spell that says "Discard 2, then draw 2" If their hand is empty, the instruction to discard 2 will be ignored. They'll still draw 2. If they had 1 card in hand, they would discard it and draw 2.

Instructions that can be partially followed are followed as much as possible and ignored otherwise. Example: A player plays a spell that says "Discard 2, then draw 2." If their hand is empty, the instruction to discard 2 will be ignored. They'll still draw 2. If they had 1 card in hand, they would discard it and draw 2.

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.

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. Strike Down reads “Choose an equipped friendly unit. It deals damage equal to its Might to an enemy unit. Then detach an Equipment from it.” While Strike Down is on the chain targeting a unit with only one Equipment attached to it, that unit has its Equipment detached via Angle Shot. When Strike Down goes to resolve, the targeted unit is no longer legal, so the unit’s Might will return as “null” and the instructions related to it are ignored.

If the spell checks information about a target that is legal, or a card or permanent whose location, zone, or status has not changed such that information is no longer available, that information is accessible.

If the spell checks information about a target that is legal or a card or permanent whose location, zone, or status has not changed such that information is no longer available, that information is accessible.

Some instructions may reference Game Objects affected by, or Game Actions performed in, other instructions in a card. The referenced and referencing instructions are called “linked instructions.”

Some instructions may reference Game Objects affected by, or Game Actions performed in, other instructions in a card. The referenced and referencing instructions are called “linked instructions.” Example: Hidden Blade reads “Kill a unit at a battlefield. Its controller draws 2.” The “its” in the second instruction references the unit in the first, so the two instructions of the spell are linked.

In order for a later linked instruction to execute, its earlier linked instruction must have executed. If the earlier linked instruction is ignored for any reason, the later linked instruction will also be ignored.

In order for a later linked instruction to execute, its earlier linked instruction must have executed. If the earlier linked instruction is ignored for any reason, the later linked instruction will also be ignored. Example: Hidden Blade reads “Kill a unit at a battlefield. Its controller draws 2.” If the chosen unit changes zones or moves to base in reaction to Hidden Blade, the spell will mistarget and the first instruction will be ignored. If the first instruction is ignored, the second instruction will not execute and the unit’s controller will not draw 2.

If the Game Action performed in an earlier linked instruction is replaced, this will not affect the later linked instruction.

If the Game Action performed in an earlier linked instruction is replaced, this will not affect the later linked instruction, unless the later linked instruction directly references the Game Action being performed. Example: Hidden Blade reads “Kill a unit at a battlefield. Its controller draws 2.” This effect is split into two instructions: killing the unit and the targeted unit’s controller drawing 2. The later linked instruction doesn’t reference an action directly, so it will execute even if the kill action of the earlier linked action is replaced by some other event. Example: Deathgrip reads “Kill a friendly unit. If you do, give +[M] equal to its Might to another friendly unit this turn.” If the friendly unit in question is not killed by Deathgrip because its death is replaced with another event, the later linked instruction will not execute because “if you do” directly references the game action.

In the case of a linked ability that references information from a linked triggered ability, that information may be referenced from the trigger condition of the linked triggered ability if specified.

In the case of a linked ability that references information from a linked triggered ability, that information may be referenced from the trigger condition of the linked triggered ability if specified. Example: Iascylla reads “When I hold, at the start of your next Main Phase, you may move an enemy unit to this battlefield.” The “this battlefield” in her delayed triggered ability refers to the battlefield she held, and so will be referenced from the trigger condition, when the triggered ability is generated.

Passive Abilities of cards in zones that are outside of the Board will self-describe their context. Example: The passive ability "Play me only during an opponent's turn." applies in any zone from which that card can be played.

Passive Abilities of cards in zones that are outside of the Board will self-describe their context. Example: The passive ability "Play me only during an opponent's turn." applies in any zone from which that card can be played. Example: Undying Legion has a passive ability that reads “[Legion][>] You may play me from your trash for [3][C].” That passive ability only applies when Undying Legion is in the trash.

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.

A Replacement Effect can usually be identified by the presence of the terms “as,” “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. Example: Undertitan is a unit that reads in part “As I’m revealed from your deck, [Add] [2].” This is a replacement effect that alters the execution of any Game Effect that reveals Undertitan from your deck.

Some Replacement Effects will begin with “once each turn.”

Some Replacement Effects will begin with “once each turn,” or “N times each turn.”

If they do not, it has not been applied this turn.

If they do not, it has not been applied this turn. Example: Zilean, Time mage reads “Once each turn, if you would play a token unit while I'm at a battlefield, you may play that token and an additional copy of it instead.” When his controller plays a token, they can choose not to apply the replacement effect to that event. If they do, they can choose to apply it to a later event of a token being played.

If more than one Replacement Effect applies to the same event being executed, then the owner of the object being acted on determines the order the Replacement Effects will apply.

If more than one Replacement Effect applies to the same event being executed, then the controller of the object being acted on determines the order the Replacement Effects will apply.

If an event that a Replacement Effect applies to would be modified by a Game Effect, or the results of that event would be modified by a Game Action, the Replacement Effect will inherit those modifications. Example: Treasure Hunter reads “When I move, play a Gold gear token exhausted.” A Replacement Effect that says “if you would play a token gear, play that token and an additional copy instead” is applied to the event of the Gold gear token being played. The additional copy will also be exhausted, as it inherits the “exhausted” modification. Example: Another Replacement Effect says “if you would play a token, draw 1 instead.” The modification cannot apply, so we ignore it. Example: A spell reads “play a ready 3 [M] Mech token. Then do this: Give it Temporary.” A Replacement Effect that says “if you would play a unit token, play that token and a 1 [M] Recruit token instead” is applied to the event of the Mech token being made. The Recruit token enters ready and is given Temporary.

If an event that a Replacement Effect applies to would be modified by the Game Effect that generated that event, or the results of that event would be modified by a Game Action from a linked ability that references the replaced event, the Replacement Effect will inherit those modifications. Example: Treasure Hunter reads “When I move, play a Gold gear token exhausted.” A Replacement Effect that says “if you would play a token gear, play that token and an additional copy instead” is applied to the event of the Gold gear token being played. The additional copy will also be exhausted, as it inherits the “exhausted” modification. Example: Another Replacement Effect says “if you would play a token, draw 1 instead.” The modification from Treasure Hunter’s ability cannot apply, so we ignore it. Example: A spell reads “play a ready 3 [M] Mech token. Then do this: Give it Temporary.” A Replacement Effect that says “if you would play a unit token, play that token and a 1 [M] Recruit token instead” is applied to the event of the Mech token being made. The Recruit token enters ready and is given Temporary.

Card text will refer to activating Activated Abilities with the word “use.”

Card text will refer to activating Activated Abilities with the word “use” or “play.”

If “using” an Activated Ability is part of a trigger condition, that condition is fulfilled when the Activated Ability resolves.

If “using” or “playing” an Activated Ability is part of a trigger condition, that condition is fulfilled when the Activated Ability resolves.

If an Activated Ability has a condition on “using” it, that condition must be true in order to activate the ability in question. Example: Ultrasoft Poro reads “[E]: Play two 1 [M] Bird unit tokens with [Deflect]. Use this ability only while I'm at a battlefield.” In order to activate the ability, Ultrasoft Poro must be located at a battlefield.

If an Activated Ability has a condition on “using” or “playing” it, that condition must be true in order to activate the ability in question. Example: Ultrasoft Poro reads “[E]: Play two 1 [M] Bird unit tokens with [Deflect]. Use this ability only while I'm at a battlefield.” In order to activate the ability, Ultrasoft Poro must be located at a battlefield.

The Condition follows the When.

The Condition is the clause with When, At, or the Nth Time.

The Effect is the Instruction that follows the comma after the Condition.

The Effect is the Instructions that are not part of the Condition.

If a Game Object with a Triggered Ability that is active in a specific zone, it is evaluated and subsequently triggered if it enters that zone at the same time that its Trigger’s condition is met. Example: Immortal Phoenix says “When you kill a unit with a spell, you may pay [1][C] to play me from your trash.” This ability triggers if Immortal Phoenix is in your trash immediately after you kill a unit with a spell, even if the unit you killed with a spell was that Immortal Phoenix.

If a Game Object has a Triggered Ability that is active in a specific zone, it is evaluated and subsequently triggered if it enters that zone at the same time that its Trigger’s condition is met. Example: Immortal Phoenix says “When you kill a unit with a spell, you may pay [1][C] to play me from your trash.” This ability triggers if Immortal Phoenix is in your trash immediately after you kill a unit with a spell, even if the unit you killed with a spell was that Immortal Phoenix.

A Game Object will not be able to successfully be able to evaluate its Trigger Condition, however, if it leaves the zone that its Trigger is active from at the same time that its Trigger is satisfied. Example: Viktor, Leader says “When another non-Recruit unit you control dies, play a 1 [M] Recruit unit token into your base.” This ability triggers if Viktor is on the board immediately after another non-Recruit unit you control dies. It does not trigger if Viktor and another non-Recruit unit you control die during the same game action (for instance, if they are both killed in the same Cleanup due to the damage dealt by Unchecked Power).

A Game Object will not be able to successfully evaluate its Trigger Condition, however, if it leaves the zone that its Trigger is active from at the same time that its Trigger is satisfied. Example: Viktor, Leader says “When another non-Recruit unit you control dies, play a 1 [M] Recruit unit token into your base.” This ability triggers if Viktor is on the board immediately after another non-Recruit unit you control dies. It does not trigger if Viktor and another non-Recruit unit you control die during the same game action (for instance, if they are both killed in the same Cleanup due to the damage dealt by Unchecked Power).

If a Triggered Ability says “you may” as the first part of its Effect, the controller of its source will choose whether or not to place the Triggered Ability on the chain when its trigger Condition is fulfilled.

If a Triggered Ability says “you may”or “they may” as the first part of its Effect, the controller of its source will choose whether or not to perform the Triggered Ability during finalization. Example: Tideturner reads “When you play me, you may choose a unit you control at another location. Move me to its location and it to my original location.” This “you may” appears as the first part of its effect, so the choice represents whether or not to perform the triggered ability.

If a Triggered Ability contains a cost within instructions, that cost is treated as the base cost of the Triggered Ability.

If a Triggered Ability contains a cost within instructions at the beginning of the effect or immediately following the “you may” or “they may” that appears as the first part of the effect, that cost is treated as the base cost of the Triggered Ability. Example: Ekko, Recurrent reads “[Deathknell][>] Recycle me to ready your runes.” In this case, “recycle me to ready your runes” is a cost within instructions that appears at the beginning of the effect of the ability, and thus “recycle me” is taken as the base cost of the triggered ability. Example: Insightful Investigator reads “When you play me, choose an opponent. They reveal their hand. You may pay 2 XP to choose a card from their hand. If you do, they discard that card and draw 1.” The “pay 2 XP” is a cost within instructions, but because it does not appear in the first part of the effect, it is not taken as the base cost of the triggered ability. Paying 2 XP is performed on resolution.

Some Triggered Abilities will trigger “once each turn.”

Some Triggered Abilities will trigger “once each turn,” or “N times each turn.”

When the Condition is fulfilled, the player who controls the source of the Triggered Ability may choose to place it on the chain.

During finalization of the Triggered Ability, the player who controls the Triggered Ability may choose to perform it.

Play Effects are Triggered Abilities with the Condition that the Permanent that has the Play Effect being played to the board.

Play Effects are Triggered Abilities whose Condition includes the Permanent that has the Play Effect being played to the board.

Targeting Effects are Triggered Abilities with the Condition that a Game Object becomes targeted.

Targeting Effects are Triggered Abilities whose Condition includes a Game Object becoming targeted.

Conquer Effects are Triggered Abilities with a Condition of a Unit participating in, and successfully Conquering a Battlefield.

Conquer Effects are Triggered Abilities whose Condition includes a Unit participating in, and successfully Conquering a Battlefield.

Hold Effects are Triggered Abilities with a Condition of a Unit being present at a Battlefield during the Beginning phase when a player scores Victory Points from Holding.

Hold Effects are Triggered Abilities whose Condition includes a Unit being present at a Battlefield during the Beginning phase when a player scores Victory Points from Holding.

Attack Triggers are Triggered Abilities that trigger when a Unit gains the Attacker designation for the first time during a combat.

Attack Triggers are Triggered Abilities that trigger when a Unit or Player gains the Attacker designation for the first time during a combat.

These are commonly structured as “When I attack…”

These are commonly structured as “When I attack…” or “When you attack…”

Defend Triggers are Triggered Abilities that trigger when a Unit gains the Defender designation for the first time during a combat.

Defend Triggers are Triggered Abilities that trigger when a Unit or Player gains the Defender designation for the first time during a combat.

These are commonly structured as “When I defend…”

These are commonly structured as “When I defend…” or “When you defend…”

Delayed Abilities are a type of Ability whose trigger Condition identifies a specific time during a turn or a specific event that can occur during a specific timeframe.

Delayed Abilities are a type of Ability that specifies a window of applicability during which they are active.

Delayed Linked Abilities are Linked Abilities that are generated by another Ability and reference that Ability or Game Objects it affects. Delayed Linked Abilities don’t necessarily identify a specific window of time, and instead are defined by the Ability they are linked with.

Delayed Linked Abilities are Linked Abilities that are generated by another Ability and reference that Ability or Game Objects it affects instead of a window of time.

Delayed Abilities will resolve or be active just like the ability they augment, but only during the specified time in the effect that created the Delayed Ability. Example: Ravenborn Tome reads “The next spell you play this turn deals 1 Bonus Damage” is a Delayed Passive Ability that passively adds 1 damage to just the next spell played. The next spell is a specific time, and the 1 Bonus Damage is a passive ability. Example: Noxian Guillotine reads “Choose a unit. Kill it the next time it takes damage this turn.” When the chosen unit takes damage is the specified time, and killing it is the condition for a Delayed Triggered Ability.

Delayed Abilities will resolve or be active just like the ability they augment, but only during the specified time in the effect that created the Delayed Ability. Example: Ravenborn Tome reads “The next spell you play this turn deals 1 Bonus Damage.” This is a Delayed Passive Ability that passively adds 1 Bonus Damage to just the next spell played. The next spell is a specific time, and the 1 Bonus Damage is a passive ability. Example: Noxian Guillotine reads “Choose a unit. Kill it the next time it takes damage this turn.” When the chosen unit takes damage is the specified time, and killing it is the condition for a Delayed Triggered Ability.

In order for a set of Abilities to be Linked, they must be present in the printed Effect or Rules Text of the same Game Object, or be granted by the same source to another Game Object.

In order for a set of Abilities to be Linked, they must be present in the printed Effect or Rules Text of the same Game Object, or be granted by the same source to another Game Object. Example: The Zero Drive is an Equipment gear whose rules text reads in part “[3][B], Banish this: Play all units banished with this, ignoring their costs.” The Zero Drive’s effect text reads “[Deathnkell][>] Banish me.” The granted deathknell ability is linked with the Zero Drive’s activated ability.

A component Linked Ability that references a Game Object affected by another Ability in the set may only interact with Game Objects affected by the Abilities it is Linked with.

A component Linked Ability that references a Game Object affected by another Ability in the set may only interact with Game Objects affected by the Abilities it is Linked with. Example: The Zero Drive is an Equipment gear whose rules text reads in part “[3][B], Banish this: Play all units banished with this, ignoring their costs.” Any units banished by effects other than component Linked Abilities in the same set as the activated ability cannot be played when resolving the activated ability.

When an Ability finishes the steps of playing it becomes a Chain Item just like a Spell.

When an Ability finishes the steps of playing it becomes a Finalized Chain Item just like a Spell.

When an Ability with the [Add] action is finalized it resolves immediately instead of becoming a Chain Item, like a Unit or Gear.

When an Ability with the [Add] action is finalized it resolves immediately, like a Unit or Gear.

If there are not enough options to make legal choices for a Triggered Ability that has been put on the chain, remove it from the Chain now. It ceases to be a Pending Item but never becomes a Chain Item.

If there are not enough options to make legal choices for a Triggered Ability that has been put on the chain, remove it from the Chain now. It ceases to be a Pending Item but never becomes a Finalized Chain Item.

At this stage, players may decline to pay for Triggered Abilities that have incurred a cost. If they do, the ability will cease being a Pending Item and be removed from the Chain. It never becomes a Chain Item.

At this stage, players may decline to pay for Triggered Abilities that have incurred a cost. If they do, the ability will cease being a Pending Item and be removed from the Chain. It never becomes a Finalized Chain Item.

This Ability becomes a Chain Item.

This Ability becomes a Finalized Chain Item.

If there are other Pending Items on the Chain, their controllers perform the remaining steps of playing now.

If there are other Pending Chain Items on the Chain, their controllers perform the remaining steps of playing now.

Other players have an opportunity to play Reactions before the resolution of spells. See rule 327. Chains for more information.

Other players have an opportunity to play Reactions before the resolution of spells and abilities. See rule 327. Chains for more information.

These actions can only be taken when a player is instructed to do so as the execution of an effect or during their specified occasion during the turn. Example: A player may Draw during the Draw Step of the Beginning Phase of their turn or when instructed to do so by a spell or ability. They can't choose to Draw at any other time.

These actions can only be taken when a player is instructed to do so as the execution of an effect or during their specified occasion during the turn. Example: A player may Draw during the Draw Phase on their turn or when instructed to do so by a spell or ability. They can't choose to Draw at any other time.

Game Actions may be the responsibility of up to one player. The player that performs the Game Action is responsible for it.

Game Actions may be the responsibility of up to one player. The player that performs the Game Action is responsible for it. Example: Cull the Weak is a spell that reads “Each player kills one of their units.” When the spell resolves, each player chooses a unit they control and kills that unit. They are responsible for the death of their own unit.

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

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

Unless specified otherwise, drawing takes cards from the Main Deck.

Unless specified otherwise, drawing takes cards from the top of the Main Deck.

Each player draws 1 during the Draw Step of their Beginning Phase.

Each player draws 1 during the Draw Phase on their turn.

A Unit that is already Exhausted cannot be Exhausted again.

A Game Object that is already Exhausted cannot be Exhausted again.

If a Unit is instructed to be Exhausted while it is already Exhausted, nothing additional happens.

If a Game Object is instructed to be Exhausted while it is already Exhausted, nothing additional happens.

A player Readies all non-spell Game Objects they Control during the Ready Step of the Beginning Phase on their turn.

A player Readies all non-spell Game Objects they Control during the Awakening Phase on their turn.

This action, when instructed, is sometimes formatted as "Recycle X from [Zone]." That means to take X cards of the instructed player's choice from the relevant zone and recycle them. Example: Dr. Mundo, Expert has the ability "At the start of your Beginning Phase, recycle 3 from your trash." As that ability resolves, its controller recycles 3 cards from their trash. If there are fewer than 3 cards in that player's trash, they recycle as many as they can.

This action, when instructed, is sometimes formatted as "Recycle X from [Zone]." That means to take X cards of the instructed player's choice from the relevant zone and recycle them. Such an instruction does not target the recycled cards. Example: Dr. Mundo, Expert has the ability "At the start of your Beginning Phase, recycle 3 from your trash." As that ability resolves, its controller recycles 3 cards from their trash. If there are fewer than 3 cards in that player's trash, they recycle as many as they can.

Only Valid Damage is Dealt. Example: A unit has “when I take damage, give me +2 [M] this turn.” A spell is played that Prevents the next 3 damage the unit would take. If a player plays Hextech Ray targeting the unit, it will take no damage and its triggered ability will not trigger. If that player had played Void Seeker instead, it would be Dealt 1 and trigger its ability. Example: A unit is present at Void Gate. A spell is played that Prevents the next 3 damage the unit would take. If a player plays Hextech Ray targeting the unit, it will take no damage - in order to apply the Bonus Damage from Void Gate, the Deal game action would have to occur, and Hextech Ray did not Deal any damage.

Only Valid Damage is Dealt. Example: A unit reads “when I take damage, give me +2 [M] this turn.” A spell is played that Prevents the next 3 damage the unit would take. If a player plays Hextech Ray targeting the unit, it will take no damage and its triggered ability will not trigger. If that player had played Void Seeker instead, it would be Dealt 1 and trigger its ability.

When a spell or ability specifies a Unit as the source of the Damage for the Deal action, it is not in addition to the spell or ability that specified it. Example: Challenge is a spell that reads “Choose a friendly unit and an enemy unit. They deal damage equal to their Mights to each other.” The damage that Challenge causes to be dealt is dealt by the chosen units, not by Challenge.

When a spell or ability specifies a Unit as the source of the Damage for the Deal action, it is not in addition to the spell or ability that instructed it. Example: Challenge is a spell that reads “Choose a friendly unit and an enemy unit. They deal damage equal to their Mights to each other.” The damage that Challenge causes to be dealt is dealt by the chosen units, not by Challenge.

If there are no eligible cards to Play when instructed to Play in this manner like this, then nothing happens and resolution continues.

If there are no eligible cards to Play when instructed to Play in this manner, then nothing happens and resolution continues.

These abilities trigger when the act of playing the card has been completed by the resolution of the card.

Any such triggered abilities trigger when the act of playing the card has been completed by the resolution of the card.

If a game effect prevents the resolution of the card—for example, because the card was countered—the card wasn't played and no abilities that trigger on playing cards trigger. See rule 425. Counter for more information.

If a game effect prevents the resolution of the card—for example, because the card was countered—abilities that trigger on playing cards will not trigger. See rule 425. Counter for more information.

The Effect is Moving those Unit.

The Effect is Moving those Units.

Stunned Units lose the Stunned status at the beginning of the next Ending Step.

Stunned Units lose the Stunned status during step 3d of the end of turn cleanup.

This action is formatted as "Reveal cards from [zone]." Example: "Reveal 2 cards from the top of your Main Deck" would be executed by taking the two cards from the top of your Main Deck, and then presenting them to all players to clearly read and understand at the table. Then, when all players have had a chance to understand the revealed information, return them to the top of the deck in the same order.

This action is formatted as "Reveal cards from [zone]." or “Reveal [Zone].” Example: "Reveal 2 cards from the top of your Main Deck" would be executed by taking the two cards from the top of your Main Deck, and then presenting them to all players to clearly read and understand at the table. Then, when all players have had a chance to understand the revealed information, return them to the top of the Main Deck in the same order.

While cards are Revealed, those cards can be further manipulated, or accessed. They can even have their destination modified for when the Reveal ends. Example: "Reveal 2 cards from the top of your Main Deck. Put one into your hand and Recycle the other" would be executed by taking the top two cards from your Main Deck to the table, and once every player present has had a chance to understand them you would make the selection of one of them to add to your hand. The one you did not select would then be Recycled to the bottom of the Main Deck.

While cards are Revealed, those cards can be further manipulated, or accessed. They can even have their destination modified for when the Reveal ends. Example: "Reveal 2 cards from the top of your Main Deck. Put one into your hand and Recycle the other" would be executed by taking the top two cards from your Main Deck, presenting them to the table, and once every player present has had a chance to understand them you would make the selection of one of them to add to your hand. The one you did not select would then be Recycled to the bottom of the Main Deck.

A card that is Countered is not considered to have been played.

A card that is Countered is not considered to have been played for abilities that trigger on cards being played.

Units with Buff Counters can still be chosen for actions that Buff units, but will not be Buffed as part of the execution. Example: A spell reads "Buff a unit. Then, if it was buffed this way, draw a card." It will place a buff counter on a unit that has no buff counter, and then its controller will draw a card. However, if the player chooses a unit with a buff counter on it already, then the card will not be drawn.

Units with Buff Counters can still be chosen for actions that Buff units, but will not be Buffed as part of the execution. Example: A spell reads "Buff a unit. Then, if it was buffed this way, draw a card." It will place a buff counter on a unit that has no buff counter, and then its controller will draw a card. However, if the player chooses a unit with a buff counter on it already, then the card will not be drawn. Example: A unit reads “When you buff me, ready me.” If that unit is chosen for a game effect that would buff it and it is already buffed, its ability will not trigger.

Banishing is the action of placing a card from any zone to Banishment. See 107.5. Banishment for more information.

Banishing is the action of placing a card from any other zone into Banishment. See 108.6. Banishment for more information.

When a unit with a Deathknell is to be put in the Trash due to a Kill Instruction, it first has its Deathknell added to the chain as a Pending Item. Note the unit’s location, attributes, and other relevant information to process its Deathknell when finalized before completing this Kill Instruction.

When a unit with a Deathknell or other ability that triggers on its own death is to be put in the Trash due to a Kill Instruction, it first has any such ability added to the chain as a Pending Item. Note the unit’s location, attributes, and other relevant information to process those abilities when finalized before completing this Kill Instruction. Example: Draven, Audacious reads in part “When I die in combat, choose an opponent. They gain 1 point.” The ability triggers when Draven himself dies, so it will go on the chain first when a kill instruction is performed on Draven, before he is put in the trash.

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.

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.

Spells, triggered abilities, and activated abilities that Add resources finalize immediately.

Triggered and activated abilities that Add resources resolve as soon as they 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 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 at any time that 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. Example: A player moves two units to a battlefield where their opponent controls a Mageseeker Investigator. Although they have no window of priority, they may activate Add Reactions to pay for the applied cost from Mageseeker Investigator, and those abilities finalize and resolve immediately.

Players may only channel runes when Game Effects direct them to do so.

Players may also Channel runes when Game Effects direct them to do so.

If a player must Draw cards in excess to the number of cards in their deck, they will Draw as many as possible, perform this action, then Draw the remaining amount instructed.

If a player must Draw cards in excess to the number of cards in their Main Deck, they will Draw as many as possible, perform this action, then Draw the remaining amount instructed.

Points gained after the first Burn Out being processed in sequence cannot be replaced or prevented by any means. Points gained after the first Burn Out being processed in sequence that cause a player to reach or surpass the Victory Score for their game mode will cause that player to win the game if they also have more points than any opponent. The player wins immediately, without needing to wait for a cleanup to occur.

Points gained after the first Burn Out being processed in sequence cannot be replaced or prevented by any means.

Swapping creates two different effects that apply to each attribute. One that Increases one value and one that Decreases the other.

Swapping creates two different effects that apply to each attribute. One that Increases one value and one that Decreases the other. These effects last for the duration specified by the effect that instructed the Swap.

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’ printed Rules Text to become Inactive for as long as they remain Attached. See rule 716. Attachment for more information.

If the Detached card was a Gear and this causes it to become present at a Battlefield, it will be Recalled during the next Cleanup.

If the Detached card was a Gear and this causes it to become present at a Battlefield, it will be Recalled during the next Cleanup. See rule 318. Cleanups for more information.

When more than one card is Predicted, the Predicting player looks at that many cards and Recycles any number of them.

When more than one card is Predicted, the Predicting player looks at that many cards and Recycles any number of them before putting the rest back on top of their Main Deck in any order.

Damage can be assigned to a Unit up to a value that would be Lethal considering the Prevent Value of all Prevent Actions on a Unit. Example: A unit with 2 [M] is being assigned damage in the combat damage step. The unit has “prevent the first 3 damage I would take each combat.” The unit would need to be assigned 5 damage in order to have lethal damage assigned to it.

Damage can be assigned to a Unit up to a value that would be Lethal considering the Prevent Value of all Prevent Actions on a Unit, following the normal rules for damage assignment. Example: A unit with 2 [M] is being assigned damage in the combat damage step. The unit has “prevent the first 3 damage I would take each combat.” The unit would need to be assigned 5 damage in order to have lethal damage assigned to it.

Tokens that have been Created through a Replace action can be instructed to be “Swapped back.”

Tokens that have been Created through a Replace action can be instructed to be “Swapped back.” This may also appear as “replace [the token] with the [Game Object] it replaced.”

“Swapping Back” is an extension of the Replace action.

Swapping Back is an extension of the Replace action.

If there is nothing in Banishment to swap back to, usually because a token was replaced, then this object can never swap back.

If there is nothing in Banishment to swap back to then this object can never swap back.

If a zone is not specified by the effect, the Game Object will be created to the appropriate zone for its type. Permanents will be Created to any location on the Board that they can be played to.

If a zone is not specified by the effect, the Game Object will be created to the appropriate zone for its type.

Spells will be Created to the Chain.

Spells will be Created on the Chain.

Runes will be Created to base.

Runes will be Created at base.

Legends will be Created to the Legend Zone.

Legends will be Created in the Legend Zone.

Battlefields will be Created to the Battlefield Zone.

Battlefields will be Created in the Battlefield Zone.

An effect that Creates a Game Object will specify the nature of the Game Object created.

An effect that Creates a Game Object will specify the state and nature of the Game Object created.

A Created permanent, rune, legend, or spell is controlled by its owner as it is created.

A Created permanent, rune, legend, or spell is controlled by its owner as it is Created.

A Created battlefield is uncontrolled as it is created.

A Created battlefield is uncontrolled as it is Created.

This action, when instructed, is usually formatted as "Create [X] to [Y]" or “Add [X] to [Y].”

This action, when instructed, is usually formatted as "Create [X] at [Y]" or “Add [X] to [Y].”

A Permanent changing its position from any space on the Board to another space on the Board is a Move, unless it is caused by a corrective Recall. See rule 420. Move for more information.

A Permanent changing its position from any space on the Board to another space on the Board is a Move, unless it is caused by a corrective Recall or an Attached Permanent changing locations to or with its Top-Most Card. See rule 420. Move 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 not involved in those Combats or 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 units at that Battlefield.

In Modes of Play with teammates, Battlefields Controlled by a player’s teammates are Invalid Destinations for Moves of all kinds (Standard Moves or otherwise) by Units that player controls.

In Modes of Play with teammates, Battlefields occupied by a player’s teammates are Invalid Destinations for Moves of all kinds (Standard Moves or otherwise) by Units that player controls.

The Destination becomes Contested if it is a Battlefield not controlled by the controller of the Unit or Units that moved.

The Destination becomes Contested if it is an Uncontested Battlefield not controlled by the controller of the Unit or Units that moved.

Units may cause a Showdown without a Combat when they Move.

Units may cause a Non-Combat Showdown when they Move. See rule 341. Showdowns for more information.

Units may cause Combat when they Move.

Units may cause Combat when they Move. See rule 459. Combat for more information.

When an un-attached Gear is created or played at a battlefield, or is at a battlefield for any other reason, it is Recalled to its controller's base during the next Cleanup. Example: An Equipment is attached to a unit at a battlefield, so the Equipment is present at that battlefield. If the unit dies, the Equipment will be recalled during the next cleanup.

When an un-attached non-Unit Gear is created or played at a battlefield, or is at a battlefield for any other reason, it is Recalled to its controller's base during the next Cleanup. Example: An Equipment is attached to a unit at a battlefield, so the Equipment is present at that battlefield. If the unit dies, the Equipment will be recalled during the next cleanup.

Unless otherwise stated by the source of the Recall, Damage, Exhausted Status, Buffed Status, and applied Layer alterations will all remain unaffected by a Recall.

Unless otherwise stated by the source of the Recall, Damage and statuses of a permanent will all remain unaffected by a Recall.

In Modes of Play with more than two players, Battlefields with Staged Combats or Combats in Progress are Invalid to be chosen as a location to play one or more Units by a player not involved in that Combat by any means,

In Modes of Play with more than two players, Battlefields with Staged Combats or Combats in Progress are Invalid to be chosen as a location to play one or more Units by a player not involved in that Combat by any means.

1. Establish who is Attacker and who is Defender.

2. Establish who is Attacker and who is Defender.

The Attacker is the player whose unit(s) applied the Contested status to the Battlefield. They gain the Attacker designation now.

The Attacker is the player whose unit(s) applied the Contested status to the Battlefield.

This player gains Focus as the showdown begins.

If a showdown opens as part of combat, this player gains Focus as the showdown begins.

The Defender is the player who did not apply the Contested status to the Battlefield. They gain the Defender designation now.

The Defender is the player who did not apply the Contested status to the Battlefield.

Units at the Contested Battlefield controlled by the Attacker gain the Attacker designation now.

The attacker and defender gain the Attacker or Defender designation now, as appropriate. Units at the Contested Battlefield controlled by the Attacker or Defender gain the Attacker or Defender designation now, as appropriate.

If a Unit controlled by the Attacker becomes present at this Battlefield after this moment, it will gain the Attacker designation during the Cleanup phase following the action that caused it to become present

If a Unit controlled by the Attacker or Defender becomes present at this Battlefield after this moment, it will gain the Attacker or Defender designation during the Cleanup phase following the action that caused it to become present, as appropriate for its controller.

2. The Attacker gains Focus.

3. The Attacker gains Focus.

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

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

Units cannot have more damage assigned to them than the minimum required to constitute lethal damage unless no further units remain to have damage assigned to them.

Units cannot have more damage assigned to them than the minimum required to constitute lethal damage unless no further units remain to have damage assigned to them. Example: If a player has 5 damage to distribute among four 3 Might units and those units each have 1 damage already marked on them, that player may not assign more than 2 damage to any of those units.

A player must obey all requirements and restrictions on damage assignment if able. Example: A player is assigning damage to the following units: a unit with Tank ("I must be assigned combat damage first."); Caitlyn, Patrolling ("I must be assigned combat damage last."); and another unit without any abilities. That player must assign combat damage first to the unit with Tank, then to the unit with no abilities, then to Caitlyn.

A player must obey all requirements and restrictions on damage assignment if able. Example: A player is assigning damage to the following units: a unit with Tank ("I must be assigned combat damage first."); a unit with Backline ("I must be assigned combat damage last."); and another unit without any abilities. That player must assign combat damage first to the unit with Tank, then to the unit with no abilities, then to the unit with Backline.

If a Unit has one or more Abilities or effects applying to it that demand it be assigned damage in a specific way that is exclusionary, then the assigning player chooses only one of those abilities to apply when assigning damage. Example: Caitlyn, Patrolling ("I must be assigned combat damage last.") has been given the Tank ability ("I must be assigned combat damage first."). A player is assigning damage to this Caitlyn with Tank and two units with no abilities. That player can’t fulfill both of Caitlyn’s damage requirements, so they may choose to assign damage to Caitlyn first, fulfilling the Tank requirement, or last, fulfilling Caitlyn’s printed requirement. They can’t choose to apply damage to Caitlyn in between the other two units, because that wouldn’t fulfill either requirement.

If a Unit has one or more Abilities or effects applying to it that demand it be assigned damage in a specific way that is exclusionary, then the assigning player chooses only one of those abilities to apply when assigning damage. Example: Caitlyn, Patrolling with the Backline ability ("I must be assigned combat damage last.") has been given the Tank ability ("I must be assigned combat damage first."). A player is assigning damage to this Caitlyn with Tank and two units with no abilities. That player can’t fulfill both of Caitlyn’s damage requirements, so they may choose to assign damage to Caitlyn first, fulfilling the Tank requirement, or last, fulfilling the Backline requirement. They can’t choose to apply damage to Caitlyn in between the other two units, because that wouldn’t fulfill either requirement.

If there is more than one unit in which this situation applies to, each unit is dealt with individually. The assigning player chooses which ability or effect applies, and then resolves the assignment. If this creates a situation where now more than one unit must be assigned with the same priority, those units may be assigned damage in any order as normal within that priority. Example: Two copies of Caitlyn, Patrolling ("I must be assigned combat damage last.") have been given the Tank ability ("I must be assigned combat damage first."). A player assigning damage to these two Caitlyns and one unit with no abilities could choose to fulfill both Caitlyns’ Tank requirements by assigning them both damage before the other unit.

If there is more than one unit in which this situation applies to, each unit is dealt with individually. The assigning player chooses which ability or effect applies, and then resolves the assignment. If this creates a situation where now more than one unit must be assigned with the same priority, those units may be assigned damage in any order as normal within that priority. Example: Two copies of Caitlyn, Patrolling with the Backline ability ("I must be assigned combat damage last.") have been given the Tank ability ("I must be assigned combat damage first."). A player assigning damage to these two Caitlyns and one unit with no abilities could choose to fulfill both Caitlyns’ Tank requirements by assigning them both damage before the other unit.

If a unit cannot be dealt damage, then no amount of damage can be considered lethal. Such a unit is exempt from any considerations of mandatory assignment. Example: Kayn, Unleashed says “If I have moved twice this turn, I don't take damage.” While Kayn can’t take damage, it is ignored for the purposes of assigning lethal damage in combat.

If a unit cannot be dealt damage, then no amount of damage can be considered lethal. Such a unit is exempt from any considerations of mandatory assignment. Example: Kayn, Unleashed says “If I have moved twice this turn, I don't take damage.” While Kayn can’t take damage, it is ignored for the purposes of assigning lethal damage in combat. Example: Counter Strike says “Choose a unit. The next time that unit would be dealt damage this turn, prevent it.” The unit in question has a replacement effect applied to it, but it still can be dealt damage. Thus, it is not exempt from considerations of mandatory assignment.

2. Skip the FEPR process and proceed to the Resolution Step.

2. Skip the FEPR process and cancel any outstanding tasks. Proceed to the Resolution Step.

The following Task becomes Outstanding:

The following Task becomes Outstanding: Reminder: Resolve any items on the chain from dealing combat damage and the Combat Cleanup and associated FEPR before performing this step.

There is “No Result” if either both Players have units present during this step, or neither player has units present during this step.

There is “No Result” if units were recalled during step 3d of the Combat Cleanup, if both Players have units present during this task, or if neither player has units present during this task.

If “No Result” was reached, and both players have units remaining, stage a Combat at this battlefield.

If “No Result” was reached, and both players have units remaining, stage a Showdown and a Combat at this battlefield.

The following Task becomes Outstanding:

The following Task becomes Outstanding: Reminder: Resolve any items on the chain from determining combat result and associated FEPR before performing this step.

1. 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 if they didn’t already control this Battlefield.

The following Task becomes Outstanding:

The following Task becomes Outstanding: Reminder: Resolve any items on the chain from establishing control and associated FEPR before performing this step.

In Modes of Play with teammates, Battlefields under the Control of a teammate during the Beginning Phase are also disqualified from being Scored through Conquer by any means.

In Modes of Play with teammates, Battlefields under the Control of a teammate during the scoring step of the Beginning Phase of a player’s turn are also disqualified from being Scored through Conquer by any means by that player’s team.

A player will gain control of a Battlefield after establishing Control by applying Contested first.

A player will gain control of a Battlefield after establishing Control.

Hold: A player maintains Control of a Battlefield during their Beginning Phase.

Hold: A player maintains Control of a Battlefield they did not yet Score this turn during their Beginning Phase.

The Winning Point has additional restrictions.

The Final Point has additional restrictions.

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

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

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:

When a player tries to Gain a Point through a Conquer, 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 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.

If the player has Scored every Battlefield this turn, that player Gains the Final Point. If the player has not Scored every Battlefield this turn, that player draws a card instead.

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 one Game Object becomes a copy of another, all copyable traits 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.

Copy effects will copy the copyable traits of a Game Object: by default, those are the printed traits of the Game Object. When a Game Object becomes a copy of something, its copyable traits are updated to the new traits it has received. Example: A player triggers Leblanc, Deceiver’s hold effect and plays a Reflection token, making it a copy of Honest Broker. That player then plays Mirror Image, targeting the Reflection token. When the Mirror Image Reflection token is played, it copies all of the copyable traits of the original Reflection token - which are currently those of Honest Broker which it is a copy of. That player will have three units named Honest Broker in play, two of which are token Copies with Temporary.

Copy effects will copy the copyable traits of a Game Object. By default, those are the printed traits of the Game Object. When a Game Object becomes a copy of something, its copyable traits are updated to the new traits it has received. Example: A player triggers Leblanc, Deceiver’s hold effect and plays a Reflection token, making it a copy of Honest Broker. That player then plays Mirror Image, targeting the Reflection token. When the Mirror Image Reflection token is played, it copies all of the copyable traits of the original Reflection token - which are currently those of Honest Broker which it is a copy of. That player will have three units named Honest Broker in play, two of which are token Copies with Temporary.

This layer deals with effects that grant, remove, or replace the abilities or rules text of Game Objects. Keywords Passive Abilities Appending rules text Removing rules text Duplicating Rules Text from one Game Object to another

This layer deals with non-Copy effects that grant, remove, or replace the abilities or rules text of Game Objects. Keywords Passive Abilities Appending rules text Removing rules text

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.

When an arithmetic effect from a source that is not a passive ability 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. Example: A unit reads “Units you control here have their Might increased to 5 [M].” This is a passive ability, so it will not snapshot. Example: A spell reads “Increase a friendly unit’s Might to 5 [M].” This effect is applied once, with an unlimited duration. Because it isn’t from a passive ability, it will snapshot.

If there is a restriction or limitation to this increase, the limitation is “snapshotted” for the duration of the effect.

If there is a restriction or limitation to this increase and it isn’t from a passive ability, the limitation is “snapshotted” for the duration of the effect.

If there is a restriction or limitation to this decrease, the limitation is snapshotted for the duration of the effect.

If there is a restriction or limitation to this decrease and it isn’t from a passive ability, the limitation is snapshotted for the duration of the effect.

Applying one of the effects alters the number of objects the other effect can influence

Applying one of the effects alters the number of objects the other effect can influence; or

To determine which effect Depends on another, determine which of the prior criteria applies, and then also which effect’s evaluation is altered by the sequence of applications. That effect is said to Depend on the other.

To determine which effect Depends on another, determine which of the prior criteria applies, and then also which effect’s evaluation is altered by the sequence of applications. That effect is said to Depend on the other. Example: A unit with 4 [M] is under the effects of a passive ability that reads “Units you control here have their Might increased to 5 [M].” Its controller plays Discipline on the unit, giving it +2 [M]. When applying Layer alterations, both effects are applied in the same layer. If we apply the passive ability first, the passive ability will give +1 [M] while the Discipline effect will give +2 [M]. If we apply them in the other order, the Discipline effect will give +2 [M], and the passive ability will give +0 [M]. The passive ability is altered by the sequence of applications, so it depends on the Discipline effect.

To resolve a dependency, the effects within the same layer that created the dependency must be applied such that: 1. Identify which effect Depends on the other within the Layer. 2. Apply the effect that is depended on first. 3. Immediately apply the effect that Depends on the first effect next.

To resolve a dependency, the effects within the same layer that created the dependency must be applied such that: 1. Identify which effect Depends on the other within the Layer. 2. Apply the effect that is depended on first. 3. Immediately apply the effect that Depends on the first effect next. Example: A unit with 4[M] is under the effects of a passive ability that reads “Units you control here have their Might increased to 5 [M].” Its controller plays Discipline on the unit. As previously established, the passive ability depends on the Discipline effect. We apply the Discipline effect first, giving the unit +2 [M], and then immediately apply the passive ability that depends on it. The unit’s final Might is 6 [M].

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.

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, if a player won, 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.