What is the Conspiracy Rule in Magic The Gathering?
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The Conspiracy rule in Magic: The Gathering (MTG) refers to a unique mechanic introduced in the Conspiracy and Conspiracy: Take the Crown sets. Unlike regular cards that are shuffled into your deck, Conspiracies start the game in the command zone. This means they are not part of your library and are not drawn during the game. Instead, at the beginning of the game, you choose any number of Conspiracy cards from your card pool (typically your collection) and place them face up in your command zone, unless they possess the “hidden agenda” ability, in which case they are placed face down initially. These Conspiracies have a passive effect that remains active for the entire game, influencing the rules or providing benefits. They are unique and powerful cards that change the fundamental dynamics of a game, but are typically confined to a specific draft context.
In essence, Conspiracies are a form of persistent, game-altering enchantment that are not vulnerable to the usual card removal effects. They are an out-of-game modifier, adding a pre-game element to deck building and strategy that changes the way the game plays. Think of them as a set of optional rule modifications that you set at the beginning of the game.
Understanding the Nuances of Conspiracies
Conspiracies are intended to enhance the multiplayer draft experience, providing unique twists and turns that wouldn’t otherwise be present. They are a deviation from typical Magic card design, focusing on elements outside the normal play structure. Most importantly, they are not legal in most formats, making them a niche concept for specific game types.
Face-Up and Face-Down Conspiracies
The behavior of Conspiracies depends on their face-up or face-down status. Face-up Conspiracies have their effect active from the very beginning of the game, while Conspiracies with “hidden agenda” start face down. The player can reveal the hidden agenda by paying a specified cost. This reveal mechanic brings in a layer of strategy and deception into the game that is unlike standard card play. It is important to note that once a “hidden agenda” Conspiracy is revealed, it becomes face-up for the remainder of the game and its effects are active.
Key Takeaways of the Conspiracy Rule
- Start in the Command Zone: Conspiracies are not part of your deck but in the command zone at the start of the game.
- Persistent Effects: Their effects are active throughout the entire game.
- Not Interactable: They cannot be targeted, destroyed, countered, or otherwise removed.
- Face Up or Face Down: Some start face-up while others, with “hidden agenda,” start face down and can be revealed.
- Draft Focused: Primarily used in Conspiracy drafts, they are not legal in standard constructed formats unless agreed to within a playgroup.
- Influences Gameplay: They fundamentally change the game’s rules, dynamics and strategic options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Conspiracy in MTG
Here are some of the most common questions players have about the Conspiracy mechanic:
1. Are Conspiracies legal in constructed formats?
No, generally Conspiracies are not legal in any standard constructed formats like Standard, Pioneer, Modern, or even Legacy and Vintage. They are primarily designed for use within the Conspiracy draft format. They are not tournament legal outside of these draft environments. They may be used in casual play, such as commander, with the agreement of all players.
2. Can Conspiracies be removed from the Command Zone?
No, once a Conspiracy card is placed in the command zone at the beginning of the game, it cannot be moved to any other zone or removed. This is by design; they are meant to be a persistent, unchanging game modifier.
3. What happens if a Conspiracy has a hidden agenda?
Conspiracies with “hidden agenda” start the game face down in the command zone. They can be revealed by paying a specific cost stated on the card, at which point they become face-up and their effect becomes active for the rest of the game.
4. How do Conspiracies affect Commander (EDH) games?
Officially, Conspiracies are not legal in Commander unless explicitly agreed upon by the entire playgroup. In a casual setting, a group might decide to use a certain number of Conspiracies for a unique twist on the game, but it’s an exception to the standard rules. They are not traditionally considered legal in the format.
5. Can I have multiple copies of the same Conspiracy in the command zone?
Yes, you can include multiple copies of the same Conspiracy in your command zone, if you happen to have them in your card pool. This is one of the rules that differentiates them from other card types.
6. Are Conspiracies considered permanents?
No, Conspiracies are not considered permanents. They are in a separate zone (the command zone) and thus have unique characteristics that make them outside of normal Magic classifications.
7. Can Conspiracies be countered?
No, Conspiracies cannot be countered. They are not spells and do not enter the battlefield, meaning the counter spells are not applicable to them. They are placed directly into the command zone before the game begins.
8. Can Conspiracies be targeted by spells or abilities?
No, since Conspiracies are not permanents on the battlefield and reside in the command zone, they cannot be targeted by any spells or abilities. They are designed to be static game modifiers.
9. How do Conspiracies interact with cards that refer to cards outside the game?
Some cards in Magic refer to “cards you own from outside the game.” Since you begin the game with Conspiracies, they are considered to be outside the game when the game begins. Some cards that pull cards from outside the game will be able to grab Conspiracies, as that is not a game rule about them, just the card rule about them.
10. Is there a limit to how many Conspiracies I can start with?
There is no inherent limit to the number of Conspiracy cards you can have in your command zone as long as you have enough of them available from your card pool. The only limit is the cards you have access to. The limitation on the number is generally dictated by the number you pull from a draft or a cube environment.
11. What is the “Conspiracy draft” format?
The Conspiracy draft is a limited format where players draft cards from Conspiracy and/or Conspiracy: Take the Crown boosters. They then use these drafted cards to construct decks and play multiplayer games while also having access to conspiracy cards from their card pool that they set into the command zone prior to game start.
12. Do Conspiracies affect the bidding in multiplayer games?
While the Conspiracy cards themselves don’t directly affect bidding, their effects can influence the value and viability of certain cards or strategies in multiplayer games. The persistent nature of the effects impact which cards are desirable.
13. Are there any other card types like Conspiracies?
Conspiracies are a unique card type and don’t have direct parallels in other parts of the game. The closest comparison may be some of the pre-game setting cards in other supplemental products, but these act differently. Their core mechanic of pre-game, static effects in a separate zone is unique.
14. How do I build a deck with Conspiracies?
You do not build a deck with them, you build a deck to play with them present in the command zone. Conspiracies are chosen from your card pool and placed in the command zone before you build your deck. They are a pre-game modification, not part of your main deck.
15. Are there any “banned” Conspiracy cards?
There is no formalized Banned List for Conspiracy cards themselves within the normal rule structure as they are intended to only be used in the limited environments. As a game rule, the banning is not necessary for them. In casual play, a group could decide to ban specific Conspiracies if their effects are deemed too disruptive or unfair. However, this would be decided on an individual basis by play groups and not by Wizards of the Coast.
Hopefully, this detailed explanation and the FAQs have provided a thorough understanding of the Conspiracy rule in Magic: The Gathering. These unique cards introduce an intriguing element into the game, shifting the strategic focus and providing a twist on the standard rules. While they are primarily used for the specific Conspiracy draft experience, their impact on gameplay is undeniable.