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Mastering the Numbers: A Guide to Card Limits in Magic: The Gathering

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In Magic: The Gathering (MTG), understanding the rules surrounding the number of cards you can have in different zones is crucial. While seemingly simple, nuances exist across different formats and phases of the game. Let’s break it down: The number of cards you can have at a time in MTG varies depending on where the cards are located. In your deck, you need at least 60 cards for most constructed formats (or 40 for limited formats like Draft). In your hand, your maximum hand size is generally seven, and you must discard down to seven cards during your cleanup step.

Deck Size Restrictions

Constructed Formats

Most sanctioned Constructed formats (Standard, Modern, Pioneer, Legacy, Vintage) have a minimum deck size of 60 cards. While there’s no maximum deck size, you must be able to shuffle your deck unassisted. This practical limitation usually keeps decks within a reasonable range. A deck typically follows the rule of thumb of 60 cards, with a limit of four of any one particular card – which covers all types of card. There is also an optional sideboard of 15 cards, used to swap cards in and out between games of a match.

The strategy behind choosing the exact number of cards often comes down to deck consistency and maximizing the likelihood of drawing key cards. Larger decks are inherently less consistent.

Limited Formats (Draft and Sealed)

Limited formats, such as Draft and Sealed, have different deck construction rules. In Draft, you’ll start with 45 cards and booster draft rules allow you to add as much basic land as you want to your deck, but your final deck must contain at least 40 cards.

Commander (EDH)

The Commander format, also known as EDH (Elder Dragon Highlander), has unique deck-building constraints. A Commander deck must contain exactly 100 cards, consisting of a Commander and 99 other cards. Only one copy of each card is allowed, except for basic lands.

Hand Size Limits

The Seven Card Rule

The maximum hand size in Magic: The Gathering is seven cards. At the end of your turn, during the cleanup step, you must discard down to seven cards. If you have more than seven cards in your hand, you choose which cards to discard.

Starting Hand and Mulligans

At the beginning of the game, each player draws a starting hand of seven cards. If a player is unsatisfied with their initial hand, they can take a mulligan, drawing a new hand of seven cards. However, after the first mulligan, each subsequent mulligan reduces your hand size by one.

Cards That Affect Hand Size

Certain cards and abilities can alter your maximum hand size or allow you to have more than seven cards in hand without discarding. Some examples include:

Reliquary Tower: Removes the maximum hand size.
Library of Leng: Forces opponents discarding to discard to your library instead.
Cards that draw extra cards: These cards temporarily allow you to exceed the normal hand size until the cleanup step.

Card Limits During Gameplay

While your hand and deck sizes are subject to specific rules, there aren’t generally limits on the number of cards in other zones, such as the battlefield or graveyard. However, some cards or formats may introduce such restrictions. For example, the cumulative upkeep cost on some enchantments may make keeping them in play a risky or impossible endeavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 common questions regarding card limits and related rules in Magic: The Gathering:

Can I have more than 60 cards in my MTG deck for Constructed formats? Yes, you can have more than 60 cards, but it’s generally not recommended for competitive play as it reduces the consistency of drawing your desired cards. However, the player must be able to shuffle the deck unassisted.
What happens if I have eight cards in my hand at the end of my turn? During your cleanup step, you must discard one card to bring your hand size down to the maximum of seven cards.
Is there a limit to how many basic lands I can have in my deck? In Constructed formats, basic lands are subject to the “four-of” rule, except in formats like Commander. In Limited formats like Draft and Sealed, you can generally add as many basic lands as you need to reach the minimum deck size.
What is the minimum deck size for a Commander deck? A Commander deck must be exactly 100 cards, including the commander.
Can I have two of the same non-basic land in my Modern deck? Yes, you can have up to four copies of any non-basic land in your Modern deck, as long as it’s not on the format’s ban list.
What is a sideboard, and how many cards can it contain? A sideboard is a pool of cards used to swap cards in and out of your main deck between games of a match. It typically contains 15 cards in Constructed formats.
Can I play a card if it would cause me to have more than seven cards in my hand? Yes, you can play the card. The hand size limit is only enforced during the cleanup step at the end of your turn.
What happens if I can’t shuffle my deck due to its size? If you can’t shuffle your deck unassisted, it’s considered an illegal deck. You’ll need to reduce the number of cards until you can shuffle it properly.
Are there any cards that change the maximum hand size rule? Yes, cards like Reliquary Tower remove the maximum hand size restriction, allowing you to hold any number of cards in your hand without discarding.
If I mulligan twice, how many cards do I start with? You would start with five cards. The first mulligan gives you seven cards; the second reduces it by one to six, and the third reduces it by one to five.
Can I look at my sideboard during a game? No, your sideboard remains separate until you are between games of a match.
Are the Warhammer 40,000 Commander cards legal in all MTG formats? No. The Warhammer 40,000 Commander cards are legal for play in the Commander, Vintage, and Legacy formats. They are not legal for play in the Standard, Pioneer, or Modern formats.
Where can I learn more about Magic: The Gathering and its rules? The official Magic: The Gathering website is a good starting point, but you can also delve into the vast knowledge base of the MTG community, the Games Learning Society, and various online forums and resources like GamesLearningSociety.org.
What is the ‘cleanup step’ in MTG? The cleanup step is the final step of each turn where players discard down to their maximum hand size (usually seven), and damage is removed from creatures.
Can a card in my graveyard be ‘played’ if it says so on the card? Certain cards have abilities that allow you to cast them from the graveyard. However, they must be played according to the card’s specific instructions and normal casting rules.

Understanding card limits and hand size rules is essential for mastering Magic: The Gathering. These rules impact deck construction, gameplay strategy, and overall decision-making. By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all players.