Planeswalkers on Parade: Navigating the Legendary Rule in Magic: The Gathering
The answer is a resounding no. You cannot control two planeswalkers with the exact same name simultaneously on the battlefield. This is due to the legendary rule in Magic: The Gathering. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t have multiple versions of the same planeswalker character on the field. Let’s delve into the nuances of this rule and explore some common misconceptions.
The Legendary Rule: A Closer Look
The legendary rule dictates that if a player controls two or more legendary permanents with the same name, they must choose one to keep and put the others into their owner’s graveyards. Planeswalkers inherently possess the supertype “legendary,” making them subject to this rule. Thus, if you control “Chandra, Torch of Defiance” and somehow bring another “Chandra, Torch of Defiance” onto the battlefield, you must immediately sacrifice one of them.
The key phrase here is “same name.” Different planeswalkers representing the same character, but with different card names (e.g., “Chandra, Awakened Inferno” and “Chandra, Heart of Fire”), can coexist under your control. This allows for strategic deckbuilding and synergistic plays with different iterations of your favorite planeswalkers.
Planeswalker Uniqueness: Names, Loyalty, and Strategy
Understanding the legendary rule is crucial for strategic deckbuilding and gameplay. It impacts not only how you construct your deck but also how you play the game. For example, it influences whether you decide to play a specific planeswalker at a particular time. Also, you need to be aware of the cards your opponent controls. If they put a planeswalker down, you can think about playing your own version to have them sacrifice one.
Planeswalker Deckbuilding
Planeswalkers add great diversity and strategic richness to any deck. You can have up to 4 of any one planeswalker card. However, you must keep the Legendary Rule in mind. You may not be able to keep multiple planeswalkers with the same name on the board.
Planeswalker Strategic Gameplay
You need to know the cards that your opponent controls. Then, you can make strategic decisions about which of your cards to play, based on your opponent’s planeswalkers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I have multiple copies of the same planeswalker card in my deck?
Yes! While you can’t have two planeswalkers with the same name on the battlefield simultaneously, you can include up to four copies of the same planeswalker card in your deck (unless the rules of a specific format, like Commander, dictate otherwise).
What happens if I cast a planeswalker with the same name as one I already control?
The legendary rule triggers immediately upon the second planeswalker entering the battlefield. You choose which one to keep, and the other is put into your graveyard. This is a state-based action, meaning it happens automatically and doesn’t use the stack.
Does the legendary rule affect non-legendary copies of planeswalkers?
No. The legendary rule only applies to legendary permanents, which includes planeswalkers. If you somehow manage to create a non-legendary copy of a planeswalker (through a card effect, for example), the legendary rule won’t prevent you from having both the original legendary planeswalker and its non-legendary copy on the battlefield.
Can my opponent’s planeswalker trigger the legendary rule for me?
No. The legendary rule only applies to permanents you control. Your opponent having a “Jace, the Mind Sculptor” doesn’t prevent you from playing your own copy.
Does the legendary rule apply to planeswalkers in Commander format?
Yes, the legendary rule still applies to planeswalkers in Commander. If you control a planeswalker with the same name as another planeswalker you control, you must sacrifice one of them.
Can a planeswalker be my commander?
Normally, no. But some planeswalkers have text on the card that says the card may be your commander. These planeswalkers can serve as your commander, adding a unique twist to deckbuilding and gameplay.
If I copy a planeswalker, does the copy trigger the legendary rule?
Yes. When a spell or ability copies a planeswalker, the copy is a legendary planeswalker with the same name. If you already control a planeswalker with that name, the legendary rule will apply, and you must choose one to keep.
How does the “spark double” card affect this?
Spark Double specifically states “You may have Spark Double enter the battlefield as a copy of a planeswalker you control, except it enters with an additional loyalty counter on it and isn’t legendary.” Because it isn’t legendary, you don’t need to follow the legendary rule.
Can I use a card that destroys target permanent to destroy my own planeswalker to play another one with the same name?
Yes, you can destroy your own planeswalker with a “destroy target permanent” effect. This can be a strategic move if you want to replace it with a newer version or another planeswalker with the same name.
Does deathtouch work on planeswalkers?
Normally, no. Deathtouch only affects creatures. However, some effects, like the ability of Vraska, Swarm’s Eminence, can change that.
What is the planeswalker name rule?
All planeswalkers have supertype “legendary” and are subject to the “legend rule”. Planeswalkers with the same subtypes can exist under your control as long as they are not of the same name.
How do I get rid of my opponent’s planeswalker?
There are many ways! You can attack it with creatures, use spells that destroy planeswalkers, or use spells that reduce its loyalty to zero.
Is there a planeswalker type restriction?
While there used to be a “planeswalker uniqueness rule” that restricted you to having only one planeswalker of each planeswalker type (e.g., one Garruk) on the battlefield, this rule was removed. Now, the only restriction is the legendary rule based on card name.
Can I reduce a planeswalker to zero loyalty?
Yes. Planeswalkers enter the battlefield with a set number of loyalty counters. Effects can add or remove loyalty counters. When a planeswalker’s loyalty reaches zero, it’s put into its owner’s graveyard as a state-based action.
Why is the legendary rule important in Magic: The Gathering?
The legendary rule helps maintain balance and prevent players from overwhelming the board with multiple copies of powerful legendary permanents. It encourages strategic decision-making and deck diversity. The principles of strategy and decision making can extend beyond the game and into our lives. To learn more about decision making and game theory, see the Games Learning Society or visit GamesLearningSociety.org.
Mastering the Battlefield
Understanding the legendary rule and how it applies to planeswalkers is essential for any Magic: The Gathering player. By mastering this rule, you can optimize your deckbuilding strategies, make informed gameplay decisions, and navigate the complexities of the game with greater confidence. Happy dueling!