What are the rules for the clean up step in Magic The Gathering?

What are the Rules for the Clean Up Step in Magic The Gathering?

The clean up step is the second and final step of the ending phase in Magic: The Gathering. It is a crucial phase that wraps up the current turn and prepares for the next one. In this article, we will explore the rules governing the clean up step, helping you become a better Magic player.

What Happens During the Clean Up Step?

During the clean up step, the active player discards down to their maximum hand size, removes any damage marked on permanents, and ends all "until end of turn" and "this turn" effects. This phase is a critical part of the game, as it ensures that the game state is consistent and ready for the next turn.

Discarding Down to Maximum Hand Size

The clean up step begins with the active player discarding down to their maximum hand size. This means that if a player’s hand exceeds their maximum hand size (usually seven cards), they must discard the excess cards. This is an important part of the game, as it prevents players from manipulating the game state by keeping too many cards in hand.

Removing Damage from Permanents

Next, the clean up step involves removing any damage marked on permanents. This is an important part of the game, as it ensures that permanents are properly updated and that the game state is consistent.

Ending "Until End of Turn" and "This Turn" Effects

The clean up step also ends all "until end of turn" and "this turn" effects. These effects are important in Magic, as they can significantly impact the game state. By ending these effects, the game ensures that the game state is consistent and ready for the next turn.

When Can Spells Be Played During the Clean Up Step?

Normally, players cannot play spells during the clean up step. This is because the clean up step is a time when the game is wrapping up the current turn and preparing for the next one. However, there are certain situations where spells can be played during the clean up step. For example, if a player has a spell with a "trigger" ability, they can play the spell during the clean up step.

Rule 117: Costs

Rule 112.1: Spells

Rule 304: Instants

What is the Rule of 9 in Magic The Gathering?

The Rule of 9 is a simple deck-building strategy that recommends starting with a list of just nine cards. This list should include four playsets of each card (i.e., four copies of each card). Once you have your nine-card list, you can expand your deck by adding additional cards.

What is Rule 119 in Magic The Gathering?

Rule 119 governs how life totals are updated. According to this rule, if a player pays life, the payment is subtracted from their life total. For example, if a player has 20 life and pays 5 life, their new life total would be 15.

What is Rule 112.1 in Magic The Gathering?

Rule 112.1 governs how spells are cast. According to this rule, a player who has priority may cast an instant card from their hand. Casting an instant as a spell uses the stack.

What is Rule 304 in Magic The Gathering?

Rule 304 governs how instants are played. According to this rule, a player who has priority may play an instant card from their hand. Playing an instant uses the stack.

In conclusion, the clean up step is a critical phase in Magic: The Gathering that ensures the game state is consistent and ready for the next turn. By understanding the rules governing this phase, you can become a better Magic player and improve your chances of winning. Remember to always follow the rules and to respect your opponents. Happy gaming!