What is the Legendary Rule in Magic: The Gathering 2023?
In Magic: The Gathering, the legendary rule is a fundamental concept that has been a part of the game since its inception. In this article, we will delve into the details of the legendary rule, its implications, and how it affects gameplay.
What is the Legendary Rule?
The legendary rule states that a player can only control one legendary permanent (creature, planeswalker, or other permanent) with a specific name at any given time. This means that if a player controls a legendary creature, such as a Serra Angel, and another player plays a second Serra Angel, the first Serra Angel will be put into the graveyard.
How Does the Legendary Rule Work?
When a player controls a legendary permanent, they are considered to be "controlling" that permanent. If another player plays a second legendary permanent with the same name, the first permanent will be put into the graveyard. This is known as "legendary destruction."
Exceptions to the Legendary Rule
There are a few exceptions to the legendary rule:
- Mirror Gallery: This card allows a player to have multiple legendary permanents with the same name on the battlefield.
- Other effects: Some cards or abilities may allow a player to have multiple legendary permanents with the same name.
Commander and the Legendary Rule
In Commander format, the legendary rule is applied differently. When a player plays a legendary creature as their commander, they can only control one copy of that creature on the battlefield. If another player plays a second copy of the same legendary creature, the first copy will be put into the graveyard.
Modern and the Legendary Rule
In Modern format, there is no restriction on the number of legendary permanents a player can control. However, the legendary rule still applies to individual legendary permanents, meaning that a player can only control one copy of a specific legendary permanent at a time.
Conclusion
The legendary rule is an important part of Magic: The Gathering, and understanding how it works is crucial for any player. Whether you’re playing in a casual game or a competitive tournament, knowing the legendary rule will help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I have multiple legendary permanents with the same name on the battlefield?
- No, the legendary rule states that a player can only control one legendary permanent with a specific name at any given time.
- What happens if I play a second legendary permanent with the same name as one I already control?
- The first legendary permanent will be put into the graveyard.
- Are there any exceptions to the legendary rule?
- Yes, Mirror Gallery and other effects may allow a player to have multiple legendary permanents with the same name on the battlefield.
Additional Resources
- Magic: The Gathering Official Rules: For a comprehensive look at the official rules of Magic: The Gathering, including the legendary rule.
- Magic: The Gathering FAQ: For answers to frequently asked questions about Magic: The Gathering, including the legendary rule.
- Magic: The Gathering Tutorials: For video tutorials and guides on how to play Magic: The Gathering, including the legendary rule.