Does Legend Rule Go on the Stack?
The Legend Rule is a fundamental concept in Magic: The Gathering that governs the behavior of legendary permanents. But does it go on the stack? In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of the Legend Rule and explore the answer to this question.
What is the Legend Rule?
The Legend Rule is a state-based action that prevents multiple copies of the same legendary permanent from existing on the battlefield under the same player’s control. This rule is triggered whenever a legendary permanent would enter the battlefield, and it ensures that only one copy of a legendary permanent can exist at a time.
Does the Legend Rule Go on the Stack?
The short answer is no, the Legend Rule does not go on the stack. According to the Magic: The Gathering Comprehensive Rules, the Legend Rule is a state-based action that is checked and resolved before any ETB (Enters the Battlefield) triggers make it to the stack.
Why Does the Legend Rule Not Go on the Stack?
The Legend Rule is a state-based action because it is a check that is performed by the game state, rather than a spell or ability that is played to the stack. State-based actions are checked and resolved at specific points in the game, such as when a player’s life total falls to 0 or when a card’s ability triggers.
When is the Legend Rule Checked?
The Legend Rule is checked whenever a legendary permanent would enter the battlefield. This means that if a player tries to play a second copy of a legendary permanent, the Legend Rule will be checked and the second copy will be sacrificed.
What Happens When the Legend Rule is Checked?
When the Legend Rule is checked, the game state is updated to reflect the fact that only one copy of the legendary permanent can exist. The second copy of the legendary permanent is sacrificed, and the game continues as normal.
Examples of the Legend Rule in Action
Here are a few examples of the Legend Rule in action:
- Example 1: A player tries to play a second copy of a legendary creature, such as Sakashima the Impostor. The Legend Rule is checked, and the second copy is sacrificed.
- Example 2: A player tries to play a second copy of a legendary planeswalker, such as Chandra, Torch of Defiance. The Legend Rule is checked, and the second copy is sacrificed.
- Example 3: A player tries to play a second copy of a legendary land, such as Misty Rainforest. The Legend Rule is checked, and the second copy is sacrificed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Legend Rule does not go on the stack. Instead, it is a state-based action that is checked and resolved before any ETB triggers make it to the stack. The Legend Rule is an important part of the Magic: The Gathering game state, and it helps to ensure that only one copy of a legendary permanent can exist at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I play multiple copies of a legendary permanent in the same game?
- A: No, the Legend Rule prevents multiple copies of the same legendary permanent from existing on the battlefield under the same player’s control.
- Q: What happens when the Legend Rule is checked?
- A: The game state is updated to reflect the fact that only one copy of the legendary permanent can exist, and the second copy is sacrificed.
- Q: Can I use an ability to bypass the Legend Rule?
- A: No, the Legend Rule is a fundamental part of the Magic: The Gathering game state, and it cannot be bypassed by an ability or spell.
Table: Legend Rule Examples
| Example | Result |
|---|---|
| Play a second copy of a legendary creature | Sacrifice the second copy |
| Play a second copy of a legendary planeswalker | Sacrifice the second copy |
| Play a second copy of a legendary land | Sacrifice the second copy |
Bullets: Key Points to Remember
- The Legend Rule is a state-based action that prevents multiple copies of the same legendary permanent from existing on the battlefield under the same player’s control.
- The Legend Rule is checked whenever a legendary permanent would enter the battlefield.
- The Legend Rule is not a spell or ability that is played to the stack.
- The Legend Rule is an important part of the Magic: The Gathering game state, and it helps to ensure that only one copy of a legendary permanent can exist at a time.