Magic: The Gathering Comprehensive Rules

Table of Contents

101. The Magic Golden Rules

  • 101.1. Whenever a cards text directly contradicts these rules, the card takes precedence. The card overrides only the rule that applies to that specific situation. The only exception is that a player can concede the game at any time (see rule 104.3a).
  • 101.2. When a rule or effect allows or directs something to happen, and another effect states that it cant happen, the cant effect takes precedence.
  • 101.2a Adding abilities to objects and removing abilities from objects dont fall under this rule. (See rule 113.10.)
  • 101.3. Any part of an instruction thats impossible to perform is ignored. (In many cases the card will specify consequences for this; if it doesnt, theres no effect.)
  • 101.4. If multiple players would make choices and/or take actions at the same time, the active player (the player whose turn it is) makes any choices required, then the next player in turn order (usually the player seated to the active players left) makes any choices required, followed by the remaining nonactive players in turn order. Then the actions happen simultaneously. This rule is often referred to as the Active Player, Nonactive Player (APNAP) order rule.
  • 101.4a If an effect has each player choose a card in a hidden zone, such as their hand or library, those cards may remain face down as theyre chosen. However, each player must clearly indicate which face-down card they are choosing.
  • 101.4b A player knows the choices made by the previous players when making their choice, except as specified in 101.4a.
  • 101.4c If a player would make more than one choice at the same time, the player makes the choices in the order specified. If no order is specified, the player chooses the order.
  • 101.4d If a choice made by a nonactive player causes the active player, or a different nonactive player earlier in the turn order, to have to make a choice, APNAP order is restarted for all outstanding choices.
  • 101.4e If multiple players would make choices or take actions while starting the game, the starting player is considered the active player and each other player is considered a nonactive player.