What makes a target illegal MTG?

What Makes a Target Illegal MTG?

Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is a popular trading card game that requires players to strategically choose targets for their spells and abilities. A target is a recipient of the effects of a spell or ability, and it can be an object, a player, or even the game state itself. However, not all targets are created equal, and some may be considered illegal due to various reasons. In this article, we will delve into what makes a target illegal in MTG and explore the various scenarios that may arise.

What are Legal Targets?

Before we discuss what makes a target illegal, it’s essential to understand what a legal target is. According to the official MTG rules, a legal target is an object or player that can be affected by a spell or ability. This can include creatures, planeswalkers, and even lands. A target can also be the game state itself, such as the top card of the library or the life totals of a player.

What Makes a Target Illegal?

So, what makes a target illegal? There are several reasons why a target may be considered illegal, including:

• The target is no longer in the zone it was in when it was targeted: This is a crucial rule to remember. If a target is no longer in the zone it was in when it was targeted, it is illegal. For example, if a creature is targeted with a spell and then dies, it is no longer a legal target.

• The target is not under the control of the player who cast the spell: This is another important rule to consider. If a player casts a spell that targets an object or player not under their control, it is illegal.

• The target is a permanent that is not a creature, planeswalker, or artifact: While some permanents, such as lands and enchantments, can be targeted, others, such as tokens and other effects, cannot. If a player tries to target an illegal permanent, it will be considered illegal.

• The target is not a legal recipient of the spell’s effect: This is a bit more abstract, but essentially, a target must be able to receive the effects of a spell or ability. If a target cannot receive the effects, it is illegal.

Scenarios Where Targets May Be Illegal

Here are some scenarios where targets may be illegal:

• Creature dies after being targeted: If a creature is targeted with a spell and then dies, it is no longer a legal target.

• Targeted object moves to a different zone: If a targeted object is moved to a different zone, such as from the battlefield to the graveyard, it is no longer a legal target.

• Player loses control of the target: If a player loses control of the target, such as through a spell or ability that steals control, it is no longer a legal target.

• Targeted permanent is no longer in the game: If a targeted permanent, such as a creature or planeswalker, is destroyed or exiled, it is no longer a legal target.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a target is illegal in MTG if it is no longer in the zone it was in when it was targeted, not under the control of the player who cast the spell, is a permanent that is not a creature, planeswalker, or artifact, or is not a legal recipient of the spell’s effect. Understanding what makes a target illegal is crucial for successful gameplay and can help prevent disputes at the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Can I target a creature that has already died?
A: No, a creature that has already died is no longer a legal target.

• Q: Can I target an object that is under the control of another player?
A: No, a target must be under the control of the player who cast the spell.

• Q: Can I target a permanent that is not a creature, planeswalker, or artifact?
A: No, a permanent must be a creature, planeswalker, or artifact to be targeted.

• Q: Can I target a player?
A: Yes, a player can be targeted, but they must be able to receive the effects of the spell or ability.

References

• Official Magic: The Gathering rules
• Magic: The Gathering faq
• Magic: The Gathering wikia