Can You Have 2 Legendary Planeswalkers on the Field? A Comprehensive Guide to MTG’s Planeswalker Rules
Yes, you absolutely can have two legendary planeswalkers on the field simultaneously! However, there’s a crucial caveat: they must have different names. The key here is understanding the “legend rule” as it applies to planeswalkers in Magic: The Gathering (MTG). While you can’t control two planeswalkers with the exact same name, you’re free to amass a formidable team of different planeswalkers to dominate the battlefield. This rule has evolved over time, making it even easier to build complex and powerful planeswalker-centric decks. Let’s dive into the specifics and clear up any confusion surrounding this often-misunderstood rule.
Understanding the Legend Rule for Planeswalkers
The legend rule states that if a player controls two or more legendary permanents with the same name, that player must choose one to keep and put the others into their owner’s graveyard. This applies to all legendary permanents, including creatures, artifacts, enchantments, lands, and, most importantly, planeswalkers.
Before a rules change a few years ago, the rule applied to planeswalker subtypes. For instance, you couldn’t have two “Jace” planeswalkers on the battlefield at the same time, even if they were different cards like Jace Beleren and Jace, the Mind Sculptor.
However, this has changed. Now, you can have Jace Beleren and Jace, the Mind Sculptor simultaneously, because their card names are different. The relevant factor is the specific card name, not the planeswalker type.
Strategic Implications
This seemingly small change has had a significant impact on deck building and gameplay. It allows for more diverse and synergistic planeswalker strategies. Players can now build decks that take advantage of multiple versions of the same planeswalker character, each with unique abilities and roles to play. Think about combining the early game control of Teferi, Time Raveler with the late game power of Teferi, Hero of Dominaria. It opens up a world of possibilities!
This nuanced understanding of the legend rule is essential for both casual and competitive players. It’s the difference between maximizing your board presence and accidentally sacrificing valuable resources. Remember the key takeaway: different names, different planeswalkers, same field.
Planeswalkers and Commander: A Perfect Match?
Planeswalkers are naturally powerful cards, and this power level is only increased in Commander. However, due to the Commander format rules, not all planeswalkers can be your commander. Some specific planeswalkers have text on the bottom of the card which states that they “can be your commander”.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Planeswalkers
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the rules and interactions surrounding planeswalkers in MTG:
1. Can you play 2 legendary planeswalkers?
Yes, as long as they have different names. The legend rule only applies to permanents (including planeswalkers) with identical names.
2. How many planeswalkers can you have on the field at once?
There’s no hard limit. You can have as many planeswalkers as you can cast and keep on the battlefield, provided no two share the exact same name.
3. What is the legendary rule for planeswalkers?
If you control two or more legendary permanents (including planeswalkers) with the same name, you choose one to keep and put the rest into your graveyard.
4. How do multiple planeswalkers work?
As long as the planeswalkers have different card names, you can have them all on the battlefield at the same time. You can activate one loyalty ability per planeswalker each of your turns.
5. Can you activate multiple planeswalkers at once?
Yes! You can activate one loyalty ability on each planeswalker you control during your main phase, at sorcery speed. This means you can’t activate loyalty abilities in response to spells or abilities.
6. Can you cast two planeswalkers in the same turn?
Absolutely! As long as you have the mana, you can cast as many planeswalkers as you like in a single turn.
7. Can you control two planeswalkers with the same name?
No. If you attempt to put a planeswalker onto the battlefield with the same name as one you already control, you must choose one to keep, and the other is sent to the graveyard.
8. Can all legendary planeswalkers be your commander?
No. Only planeswalkers that explicitly state “This card can be your commander” on the card can be used as your commander in the Commander format.
9. Does Deathtouch work on planeswalkers?
No, deathtouch only affects creatures. To damage a planeswalker, you need to attack it with a creature or use a spell that specifically targets planeswalkers.
10. Can you put +1/+1 counters on planeswalkers?
While you can physically place +1/+1 counters on a planeswalker, they have no effect unless the planeswalker becomes a creature. Some planeswalkers, like Gideon Blackblade, have abilities that turn them into creatures.
11. Does Doubling Season make planeswalkers enter with double loyalty?
Yes! Doubling Season doubles the number of loyalty counters a planeswalker enters the battlefield with. However, it doesn’t double the number of counters you add using loyalty abilities.
12. Can you have two of the same legendary creature?
No, you cannot control two legendary permanents (including creatures) with the same name.
13. Can planeswalkers block another planeswalker?
No, planeswalkers are not creatures and cannot block. However, creatures can attack planeswalkers.
14. Do planeswalkers have summoning sickness?
No, planeswalkers do not have summoning sickness. You can activate a loyalty ability on the same turn you play a planeswalker.
15. Does proliferate work on planeswalkers?
Yes! Proliferate allows you to add additional counters of any kind that are already on permanents, including loyalty counters on planeswalkers.
Planeswalkers: A Continuing Evolution in MTG
Planeswalkers have become an integral part of the Magic: The Gathering experience. Their unique abilities and strategic depth have added a new layer of complexity to the game. Understanding the legend rule and how it applies to planeswalkers is crucial for any MTG player looking to build powerful and effective decks.
The strategic depth of Magic: The Gathering, along with its rich lore and complex mechanics, has been known to benefit learning outcomes such as critical thinking and problem-solving. For more on the educational aspects of gaming, check out the work of the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, a community dedicated to exploring the intersection of games and education.
Keep these guidelines in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of planeswalker control and domination!