Does the legendary rule apply before ETB?

Does the Legendary Rule Apply Before ETB?

The legendary rule is a crucial aspect of Magic: The Gathering, governing the behavior of legendary permanents. However, the timing of its application can be confusing, especially when it comes to enter the battlefield (ETB) triggers. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of the legendary rule and its relationship with ETB, providing a comprehensive answer to the question: Does the legendary rule apply before ETB?

The Legendary Rule: A Brief Overview

The legendary rule (704.5) states that if a player controls two or more legendary permanents with the same name, they must choose one of those permanents and put the others into their owners’ graveyards. This rule applies when state-based effects are checked, which typically occurs during the beginning of the end step.

The Timing of the Legendary Rule

Now, let’s address the question at hand: Does the legendary rule apply before ETB? The answer is no. The legendary rule does not apply before ETB triggers go on the stack. Here’s a breakdown of the timing:

• When a legendary permanent enters the battlefield, its ETB trigger is placed on the stack.
• State-based effects, including the legendary rule, are checked before the ETB trigger resolves.
• If the legendary rule is triggered, the chosen permanent remains on the battlefield, and the others are exiled.

A Critical Timeline

To better understand the timing, consider the following scenario:

1. A player controls two legendary permanents with the same name, Liliana, the Last Hope.
2. They cast a third Liliana, the Last Hope.
3. The ETB trigger from the new Liliana is placed on the stack.
4. State-based effects are checked, triggering the legendary rule.
5. The player chooses one of the Liliana‘s and puts the others into their owners’ graveyards.
6. The chosen Liliana remains on the battlefield.

Key Takeaways

• The legendary rule does not apply before ETB triggers go on the stack.
• State-based effects, including the legendary rule, are checked before ETB triggers resolve.
• The legendary rule only applies when a player controls two or more legendary permanents with the same name.

Implications for Deckbuilding and Gameplay

Understanding the timing of the legendary rule is crucial for deckbuilding and gameplay. When building a deck, consider the following:

• Legendary permanents with unique effects can be powerful additions to your deck.
• However, be mindful of the potential for legendary rule triggers, which can exile your permanents.
• In competitive play, managing legendary permanents can be a key strategy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the legendary rule does not apply before ETB triggers go on the stack. Instead, state-based effects, including the legendary rule, are checked before ETB triggers resolve. By understanding this timing, you can better navigate the complexities of the legendary rule and make informed decisions in your Magic: The Gathering games.

Additional Resources

For further reading, check out the official Magic: The Gathering Comprehensive Rules (CR) and the official Magic: The Gathering FAQ.

Table: Legendary Rule Timing

Bullets List: Key Takeaways

• The legendary rule does not apply before ETB triggers go on the stack.
• State-based effects, including the legendary rule, are checked before ETB triggers resolve.
• The legendary rule only applies when a player controls two or more legendary permanents with the same name.
• Legendary permanents with unique effects can be powerful additions to your deck.
• Be mindful of the potential for legendary rule triggers, which can exile your permanents.