What is a Mulligan in Cards?
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In collectible card games, a mulligan refers to the procedure players use to adjust their initial hand of cards. It’s essentially a second chance to get a more playable hand, and it’s a common feature in many card games, particularly those where the starting hand can significantly impact the game’s outcome. Rather than starting with a disadvantage, players can opt for a mulligan, exchanging their initial hand for a new one, albeit with certain caveats. The specific rules for performing a mulligan vary from game to game, but the underlying principle of allowing players to have a better starting position remains consistent.
The Purpose of a Mulligan
The primary reason for incorporating a mulligan into card game rules is to mitigate the effect of bad luck in the initial card draw. An unplayable hand, filled with too many or too few resources (like lands or energy), or lacking crucial early-game plays can severely handicap a player. The mulligan rule prevents these unfavorable draws from automatically ending the game before it really begins.
It’s crucial to understand that a mulligan isn’t a free pass to perfection. Usually, mulligans come at a cost, making the decision to invoke one a strategic choice rather than a default action. The specific penalty associated with a mulligan varies from game to game, but this cost prevents players from simply re-drawing until they get the absolute perfect hand. It adds a layer of depth to deck building and early game strategy.
Mulligan Mechanics in Different Games
While the core idea is similar, the mechanics of a mulligan are not universal across all card games. Let’s take a look at some of the most well-known examples:
Magic: The Gathering (MTG)
In Magic: The Gathering, the current standard mulligan rule is the London Mulligan. Players can declare a mulligan after drawing their initial hand of seven cards. If a player decides to mulligan, they return their entire hand to their library, shuffle the library, and draw a new hand of seven cards. However, they then must place a number of cards from their new hand equal to the number of mulligans they’ve taken this game on the bottom of their library. For example, on the first mulligan, they will redraw seven and then place one card from the new hand on the bottom of their library. On a second mulligan, they will redraw seven and then place two cards from that new hand on the bottom of their library.
The key takeaway here is that while you always draw a fresh hand of seven, each mulligan effectively reduces your total hand size for the rest of the game. You can mulligan until your hand would be zero cards, but the cost increases with each attempt.
Older MTG Mulligan Rules
Magic’s original mulligan rule was much simpler. Players with hands containing either all lands or no lands could reveal their hand and take a single redraw of seven cards. This has been replaced by the more strategic London Mulligan.
Other Card Games
Mulligan rules can be found in many other card games too, each with its own twist. Some games reduce hand size, while others may include penalties like skipping a turn or putting cards back into the draw deck. Some games, especially those with less emphasis on the initial draw, may not have mulligans at all.
The specifics of the mulligan rule are always tied to the intended balance and gameplay mechanics of the specific game.
The “Mulligan” Origin
The term “mulligan” didn’t originate in the world of card games. It comes from golf, where it refers to an informal practice of replaying a shot that went poorly, particularly on the first tee. The commonly cited story attributes the term to a locker room attendant named John A. “Buddy” Mulligan at a golf club in the 1930s who was known for replaying shots.
The card game use borrowed the term to describe a similar “do-over” in card games. Much like a golfer getting a second chance, a player can use a mulligan to get a better start.
The Mulligan: More Than Just a Do-Over
While seemingly simple, the mulligan rule significantly impacts card game strategy. It adds an element of risk versus reward, as players need to balance the cost of a smaller hand against the chance of getting a more playable starting set.
A deeper understanding of when and how to use a mulligan is a key component of mastering any card game that includes one. It’s not merely a way to correct bad luck; it’s a strategic tool that separates casual players from those who strive for more calculated play.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mulligans in Card Games
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the concept of a mulligan:
What is the purpose of a mulligan in card games?
A mulligan’s purpose is to mitigate the negative impact of a bad initial hand of cards. It provides players with a second chance to draw a more playable hand, ensuring that poor luck in the initial draw doesn’t immediately end a game before it starts.
Does the term “mulligan” come from card games?
No, the term originates from golf, where it means a free shot after a poor initial shot. It’s believed to be named after a golfer or club attendant who was known for replaying shots.
How does a mulligan work in Magic: The Gathering?
In MTG, under the London Mulligan rule, a player shuffles their hand back into their library, draws a new hand of seven cards, then puts a number of cards equal to the number of mulligans they’ve taken so far on the bottom of their deck, reducing their final hand size.
Do you shuffle after a mulligan in MTG?
Yes, after returning the cards from your hand to the library, you shuffle the deck before drawing a new hand of seven cards.
How many mulligans are allowed in MTG?
A player can take mulligans until their opening hand would be zero cards.
Can you scry after a mulligan in MTG?
No, you do not scry after a mulligan under the London mulligan rule. This is different from the Vancouver Mulligan rule which had a scry component.
How does the mulligan rule affect strategy?
The mulligan rule adds a layer of strategy. It requires players to weigh the risk of a smaller hand size against the potential reward of a more playable starting hand. This also affects deck building as players try to mitigate the need for multiple mulligans.
What is the 75% rule in MTG?
The 75% rule in MTG is a deck-building philosophy for the Commander format, aiming for a powerful but not necessarily unbeatable deck. The idea is to make sure that games are fun and engaging without a particular deck consistently dominating.
Why would you mulligan in MTG?
You would typically mulligan if your initial hand has too many or too few lands, lacks early plays, or is missing crucial card combinations. Never rely on drawing into lands.
Is a mulligan an official rule in golf?
No, a mulligan is not an official rule in golf. It’s an informal agreement between players, generally out of good sportsmanship.
Is a mulligan only for card and golf games?
No, the term “mulligan” is also used in other contexts such as relationships and in slang to describe a “second chance”.
What is a “marriage mulligan”?
A “marriage mulligan” refers to a renewed effort to improve a marriage, attempting to reset or recalibrate the relationship without resorting to divorce.
What is a condor in golf?
A condor is an unofficial term for a score of four under par on a golf hole. It’s also known as a double albatross or a triple eagle.
What is the original mulligan rule in MTG?
The original mulligan rule in MTG allowed players with all land or no land in their opening hand to take a single redraw of seven cards. This rule has been replaced.
How is mulligan used in the world of medicine?
The Mulligan concept in medicine refers to a specific physical therapy technique involving mobilizations of the spine while in a weight-bearing position. This is used to reduce pain and increase range of motion.