Is The One Ring Modern Legal? An In-Depth Look
Yes, The One Ring is indeed Modern legal. This powerful artifact card, introduced in the Magic: The Gathering set Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth, has made a significant impact on the Modern format. This article will explore why The One Ring is legal in Modern, how it has affected the game, and address common questions surrounding its legality and impact.
Universes Beyond and Modern Legality
The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth is a groundbreaking set because it’s the first full Universes Beyond product to be fully legal in the Modern format. Previous Universes Beyond releases, such as the Warhammer 40,000 Commander decks, were not legal in Modern. This decision by Wizards of the Coast to make LOTR legal in Modern has opened up the floodgates for new cards to influence the format and has made it one of the most dynamic and discussed sets in recent history. While Universes Beyond products are generally not Standard legal, they can still find a home in eternal formats like Modern, Legacy, and Vintage.
The One Ring’s Impact on Modern
The One Ring quickly rose to prominence, becoming one of the most-played cards in Modern. Its colorless nature means it can fit into nearly any deck, making it incredibly versatile. The card’s ability to generate card advantage, coupled with its protective capabilities, makes it incredibly powerful, which has led to the meta game shifting drastically. It enables decks to draw a significant number of cards and protects them from harm, which is a powerful combination in the format.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about The One Ring and Modern Legality
What exactly is Modern Legal?
In Magic: The Gathering, a format like Modern has a defined set of rules regarding what cards are permitted for play. All regular core sets and expansions from Eighth Edition onward are considered Modern legal. This also includes timeshifted cards from Time Spiral, cards from Planeswalker Decks, and Buy-a-Box promos that are generally not released in standard expansion sets.
Why is The One Ring legal in Modern but not Standard?
Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth is a Universes Beyond set. These sets, by design, are not legal in Standard. However, Wizards of the Coast made a specific decision to include it in the Modern format due to its appeal to a wider audience and the desire to incorporate beloved worlds into the game. Making LOTR legal in Modern, but not Standard, allowed them to maintain the integrity of the Standard format as its own space, while still giving access to the new cards in the non-rotating Modern format.
What other cards from Lord of the Rings are Modern legal?
Every card released in the Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth set, including its Commander variants, is Modern legal, as well as Legacy and Vintage legal, unless explicitly banned. This is a defining characteristic of how Modern works.
Is Sol Ring Modern legal?
No, Sol Ring is not Modern legal. It was never printed in any of the core sets or expansion sets released in the modern format.
What other Universes Beyond sets are legal in Modern?
Currently, Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth is the only full Universes Beyond set that’s legal in Modern. The Warhammer 40,000 Commander decks are not. In the future it is possible that more Universes Beyond sets will be legal in Modern.
Are there any banned cards from Modern that I should know about?
Yes, there are several cards banned from the Modern format to maintain its health and balance. Here is a list of those cards:
- Ancient Den
- Arcum’s Astrolabe
- Birthing Pod
- Blazing Shoal
- Bridge From Below
- Chrome Mox
- Cloudpost
- Dark Depths
How do I know if a card is Modern legal?
Generally, if a card was originally printed in or after Eighth Edition, it is considered Modern legal. However, you should always double-check by checking the official Magic: The Gathering website and card databases for the most up-to-date information.
What formats is Lord of the Rings legal in?
The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth cards are legal in Modern, Legacy, Vintage, and Commander. However, it is not legal in the Standard or Pioneer formats.
Why is The One Ring so expensive?
The One Ring, in particular, has a high market value for multiple reasons. One of the key factors driving its price is the existence of the one-of-one serialized ring. Even the common printing of The One Ring is still highly priced due to its power level and competitive presence.
Is The One Ring really that powerful?
While The One Ring can be very powerful, it isn’t invincible. Its ability to draw a large number of cards can be a massive advantage, but it also comes with the caveat of accumulating burden counters. Certain strategies can exploit its drawbacks. Its powerful card advantage capabilities and protection make it a dangerous card to deal with.
What exactly does The One Ring do in-game?
The One Ring grants protection from damage for an amount of turns equal to the amount of burden counters on it, then you draw cards equal to the amount of burden counters you have, then you place a burden counter on the card. These functions combined make it a strong card that can help you draw a lot of resources while protecting you from harm.
What is a “Promise Ring”?
The term “promise ring” is often used to describe a ring given as a token of commitment, adoration, and loyalty within a relationship. This type of ring can be given at any stage of a relationship, as it has no official binding agreement.
Can a girlfriend give a ring to her boyfriend?
Absolutely! A promise ring can be given by anyone to their partner regardless of gender.
What is a good ring for a girlfriend?
When selecting a ring for a girlfriend, it’s important to consider the stage of your relationship. While a ring can be a sweet gesture, be mindful of the symbolism that rings carry. It is always important to communicate the intention behind the ring before giving it.
Why is Time Walk banned?
Time Walk is restricted in Vintage for being an incredibly powerful card. Its ability to provide an extra turn for only two mana made it a highly problematic card in eternal formats.
Conclusion
The One Ring is undoubtedly Modern legal, which has significantly altered the landscape of the format. Its versatility and power have made it one of the most discussed cards. As always, stay informed about the latest updates and rulings to ensure you’re following all of the rules for competitive play.