Should you always have 7 cards in MTG?

In Magic: The Gathering (MTG), having 7 cards in your hand is a general guideline, but it’s not a hard and fast rule, as the number of cards in your hand can fluctuate throughout the game. The key is to discard excess cards down to the maximum hand size of 7 cards during the cleanup step, ensuring you’re not holding onto too many cards and preventing you from drawing new ones.

Understanding Hand Size in MTG

The maximum hand size in MTG is typically 7 cards, and players must discard excess cards during the cleanup step to adhere to this limit. This rule is in place to prevent players from accumulating too many cards and to promote deck management.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are 15 FAQs to provide more insight into hand size and deck management in MTG:

1. What is the maximum hand size in MTG?: The maximum hand size in MTG is 7 cards.
2. When should I discard excess cards?: You should discard excess cards during the cleanup step.
3. Can I have more than 7 cards in my hand?: Technically, yes, but you’ll need to discard down to 7 during the cleanup step.
4. What happens if I have more than 7 cards at the end of my turn?: You must discard the excess cards to the discard pile.
5. Is it bad to go over 60 cards in a deck?: While there’s no rule restricting deck size to 60 cards, it’s generally optimal to run a 60-card deck for better deck consistency.
6. What is the standard number of cards in a Magic deck?: The standard rule of thumb is 60 cards, with a limit of four of any one particular card.
7. Can I play Magic by myself?: Yes, you can play MTG solo, also known as goldfishing.
8. What is the 75% rule in MTG?: A 75% EDH deck is a deck built optimally but avoids being built for a 100% flawless game, often for the sake of fun or budget.
9. What is the perfect Magic deck ratio?: A common ratio is 36 playables (creatures and spells) to 24 lands.
10. Can I have a 40-card deck in Magic?: Yes, but the standard minimum is 60 cards for most play formats.
11. Is it better to go first in MTG?: Getting to act first and having more mana available at the start of the game are valuable advantages.
12. What is the rule 119 in Magic: The Gathering?: Rule 119 refers to life gain and life loss, where a player’s life total is adjusted accordingly.
13. What is the 21 damage rule in MTG?: A player loses the game if they’ve been dealt 21 or more combat damage by the same commander.
14. What is MTG rule 0?: Rule 0 refers to decks that break the normal rules of the game and require permission from the table to allow them.
15. What is the rule of 3 2 5 in cards?: The rule of 3 2 5 is a scoring system used in certain card games, where players score points for winning tricks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while having 7 cards in your hand is a general guideline in MTG, it’s essential to understand the rules surrounding hand size and deck management. By familiarizing yourself with these concepts and the FAQs provided, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the world of MTG and improve your gameplay. Remember to discard excess cards during the cleanup step and focus on building a well-structured deck to increase your chances of success.