Do You Discard Before or After the End Step in Magic: The Gathering?
In Magic: The Gathering, understanding the phasing of the game can be a complex topic, particularly when it comes to card interactions and effects. Two aspects that frequently confound new players are discarding cards and the end step. In this article, we’ll explore the rules of discarding in Magic, focusing on when you should discard cards: before or after the end step?
What is Discarding in Magic?
To clarify, discarding a card in Magic involves moving it from your hand to your own graveyard, as per Rule 701.8a: "To discard a card, move it from its owner’s hand to that player’s graveyard." When you discard a card, it’s as if the card never existed in the first place. This mechanism is essential in Magic, as it enables players to manipulate their hand size and create strategic opportunities.
The Phasing of Magic: The Gathering
The game of Magic is composed of several phases, with each phase representing a critical moment in the game where players can interact with cards and the board. There are five primary phases, which we’ll outline here:
- Beginning Phase: This phase starts the turn, where players can set up their strategies and deploy creatures.
- Pre-combat Main Phase: The pre-combat main phase allows players to play non-creature spells and interact with the board.
- Combat Phase: The combat phase is where creatures can attack and block each other.
- Post-combat Main Phase: After the combat phase, players can play additional spells and create opportunities for further interaction.
- Ending Phase: Finally, the ending phase takes place, where players execute any final effects and transitions to the end step.
When Do You Discard Cards in Magic?
Now, let’s address the central question of this article: when should you discard cards in Magic? Rule 501.1c provides the answer: "Cards are discarded in the Clean-up step, which happens after the end step."
Clean-up Step in Magic
In the Clean-up step, Magic players perform a few tasks:
- Remove all damage marked on permanents: If a card has been dealt damage during the game, this phase removes the damage marker, allowing the permanent to heal.
- Discard down to maximum hand size: This is the moment where cards are removed from your hand to adhere to the game’s standard hand size limits.
- End all effects with "until end of turn": Any ongoing effects with a duration limited to the turn are reset, as they no longer apply.
As you can see, discarding occurs during the Clean-up step, which takes place after the End step. By understanding this crucial timing, you can make informed decisions about when to discard cards and when to hold on to them.
Takeaways
In summary:
- Discarding cards occurs during the Clean-up step, which happens after the End step.
- You should never discard cards before the end step, as this is not a sanctioned part of the game.
Key Points to Keep in Mind
- Keep track of your hand size and manage it accordingly by discarding excess cards when necessary.
- Timing matters: understand the phasing of the game to coordinate your card effects and timing.
- Plan ahead and anticipate your opponents’ moves to stay ahead in the game.
By grasping the fundamental principles of card discarding in Magic and the phasing of the game, you’ll enhance your strategic capabilities and navigate the complex world of MTG with confidence. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, this knowledge will help you improve your game and elevate your skills to the next level.