What is the legendary creature rule?

What is the Legendary Creature Rule?

In the world of Magic: The Gathering, a legendary creature is a type of permanent that has a unique set of rules and restrictions. The legendary creature rule, also known as the "legend rule," is a fundamental concept in the game that governs the behavior of legendary permanents on the battlefield.

Direct Answer

The legendary creature rule is simple: you can’t control more than one legendary permanent (land, creature, enchantment, artifact, or Planeswalker) with the same name at the same time.

What Counts as a Legendary Creature?

Any permanent with the legendary supertype is bound by the legend rule. This includes creatures, lands, enchantments, artifacts, and Planeswalkers. Not all legendary cards are creatures, however. For example, a legendary land like Mishra’s Workshop or a legendary artifact like Juggernaut is also subject to the legend rule.

How Does the Legend Rule Work?

When a legendary permanent is played or enters the battlefield, it checks to see if there is already a permanent with the same name under the same player’s control. If there is, the new legendary permanent is put into the graveyard. This rule applies to all legendary permanents, not just creatures.

Exceptions to the Rule

There are a few exceptions to the legend rule:

• Mirror Gallery and Mirror Box allow you to have multiple copies of the same legendary permanent on the battlefield.
• Sakashima of a Thousand Faces allows you to have multiple copies of the same legendary Planeswalker on the battlefield.

Consequences of Ignoring the Legend Rule

If you ignore the legend rule and play multiple copies of the same legendary permanent, you will be penalized. The excess copies will be put into the graveyard, and you may lose the game.

Strategies for Working with the Legend Rule

Here are a few strategies for working with the legend rule:

• Use cards that allow you to have multiple copies of the same legendary permanent, such as Mirror Gallery or Sakashima of a Thousand Faces.
• Choose legendary permanents with different names, such as Jace, the Mind Sculptor and Jace, Vryn’s Prodigy.
• Use cards that destroy or exile legendary permanents, such as Path to Exile or Supreme Verdict.

Table: Legendary Creature Rule Summary

In conclusion, the legendary creature rule is a fundamental concept in Magic: The Gathering that governs the behavior of legendary permanents on the battlefield. By understanding the rule and its exceptions, you can develop strategies for working with legendary creatures and improve your gameplay.