Navigating the Terrain: A Comprehensive Guide to Nonbasic Lands in Magic: The Gathering
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Understanding Nonbasic Lands: The Core Rules
In the vast and intricate world of Magic: The Gathering, lands are the foundation upon which every deck is built. While basic lands (Plains, Islands, Swamps, Mountains, and Forests, along with their snow-covered variants and Wastes) offer a reliable mana base, nonbasic lands introduce strategic depth and complexity. The fundamental rule governing nonbasic lands is simple: they are lands that lack the “basic” supertype. This seemingly minor distinction has significant implications for deck building and gameplay.
Unlike basic lands, which you can include as many copies of as you like in your deck, nonbasic lands are limited to a maximum of four copies per deck in most constructed formats. This rule, rooted in Magic’s history, ensures that nonbasic lands, often powerful and versatile, don’t overwhelm a game, maintaining a balance between resource availability and strategic diversity. Furthermore, while basic lands are generally used to produce a single color of mana, nonbasic lands often offer more diverse and complex abilities. They might produce multiple colors of mana, provide additional effects when they enter the battlefield, or grant unique abilities once in play. Nonbasic lands are also visually distinct, usually depicting unique locations within a Magic setting, adding to the lore and visual richness of the game.
Key Characteristics of Nonbasic Lands
- Lack the “Basic” Supertype: This is the defining characteristic. If a land doesn’t have the “basic” supertype printed on its type line, it is a nonbasic land.
- Limited to Four Copies (Generally): In most constructed formats, you are limited to a maximum of four copies of any given nonbasic land. This rule doesn’t apply to basic lands, which allow you to add unlimited copies.
- Greater Versatility: Nonbasic lands typically possess more complex and varied abilities compared to basic lands, offering options beyond simple mana production.
- Unique Visuals: Nonbasic lands often depict specific locations and environments from various Magic: The Gathering settings, contributing to the game’s rich world-building.
- Strategic Importance: These lands often play a crucial role in specific deck strategies due to their unique abilities and mana production options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Nonbasic Lands
Here are some common questions that players have regarding nonbasic lands, along with detailed answers.
1. What makes a land “nonbasic?”
Any land card that does not have the “basic” supertype printed on its type line is considered a nonbasic land. Even if it has a basic land type such as “Swamp” or “Mountain”, if it does not have the supertype “basic” printed before it, it will be nonbasic.
2. What is the difference between a basic and nonbasic land?
The crucial difference lies in the presence of the “basic” supertype. Basic lands (Plains, Islands, Swamps, Mountains, Forests, their snow-covered versions, and Wastes) have this supertype. Nonbasic lands do not. This simple difference dictates how many copies you can have in a deck (unlimited for basic, maximum of four for nonbasic).
3. Can I have more than four copies of a nonbasic land in my deck?
In most constructed formats, the limit is strictly four copies of each nonbasic land. However, there are exceptions in certain formats or with specific cards that override this rule. For example, in the Commander format, players are restricted to one copy of any nonbasic land.
4. Do dual lands count as basic lands?
No, dual lands are not basic lands. While they might possess basic land types (e.g., a land that is both a “Plains” and “Island”), they lack the “basic” supertype, making them nonbasic.
5. Are snow lands basic?
Yes, snow basic lands are basic lands. They include Snow-Covered Plains, Snow-Covered Island, Snow-Covered Swamp, Snow-Covered Mountain, and Snow-Covered Forest. They are affected by any rule pertaining to basic lands and also any rule that specifically references snow permenants.
6. Do shock lands count as basic land types?
Shock lands, such as Blood Crypt and Temple Garden, have the basic land types printed on them. This means that they are a “Swamp” and a “Mountain”, or a “Plains” and a “Forest”, but are still nonbasic, because of the lack of the supertype “basic” printed on the type line.
7. Are gates considered basic lands?
No, Gates are nonbasic lands. The type line of these cards has “Gate” printed on it, which identifies this as a nonbasic land type.
8. Are nonbasic lands swamps (or any other basic land type)?
For a land to be a specific basic land type (such as Swamp), it must have that basic land type printed on its type line, but if it doesn’t have “basic” printed on the type line, then it is still a nonbasic land. For instance, a land can be a nonbasic Swamp, or a nonbasic Mountain, but still be nonbasic.
9. What happens when an effect sets a land’s subtype to a basic land type?
According to rule 305.7, if a nonbasic land gains a basic land type it will lose all of it’s previous abilities, and will generate mana based on the basic land type that is added to the land.
10. Are proxies of nonbasic lands legal in sanctioned Magic: The Gathering events?
No, proxies (homemade cards) of any kind, including nonbasic lands, are generally not legal in sanctioned events. However, alters (cards with modified art) may be legal, but require head judge approval. The original card name must remain clearly visible and be indistinguishable in a sleeve.
11. How many nonbasic lands should be in a Commander deck?
In Commander, the number of nonbasic lands varies. A good guideline is to have around 33-40 lands total, and to prioritize nonbasic lands that provide colored mana in your commander’s colors and synergistic abilities to support your strategy. Since you’re only allowed one of any nonbasic land in a commander deck, choosing the right nonbasics to fit your strategy is crucial.
12. Can I put any basic land in a Commander deck?
You may only include basic lands in your Commander deck if the color of mana it produces is included in your commander’s color identity. A mono-white commander can only include Plains in their deck, while a Jund commander (red, green and black) can include all of the basic lands.
13. Can I play more than one land per turn if I have nonbasic lands?
No, playing a nonbasic land does not bypass the standard rule that limits you to playing only one land per turn, and only during your main phase. Some cards or abilities may provide the opportunity to play more than one land.
14. Can I tap a land the same turn I play it?
Yes, you can tap a land the same turn you play it, unless there is a rule or ability that says otherwise. Playing a land does not come with any restrictions on tapping it.
15. Is there a “rule” associated with playing nonbasic lands?
The primary rule associated with nonbasic lands is the restriction on the number of copies you can have in a deck, typically four per deck, as well as the limit of playing one land per turn. Understanding this restriction is key to effective deck construction. These rules do not effect the basic land cards.
Final Thoughts
Nonbasic lands offer a rich tapestry of strategic options in Magic: The Gathering. Understanding their rules and limitations is essential for any player looking to build effective decks and make informed decisions during gameplay. While they might be more restricted than their basic counterparts, the power and versatility they bring to the game make them crucial components of any successful Magic strategy. From producing multiple colors of mana to providing powerful abilities, nonbasic lands are integral to the complex and engaging experience that is Magic: The Gathering.