100.1
These _Magic_ rules apply to any _Magic_ game with two or more players, including two-player games and multiplayer games.
Historical Rules · Effective 16 July 2010
Section 100: General
Read Section 100 continuously, or open any rule on its dedicated page.
Chapter 1 · Game Concepts
Section 100
100. General
16 rules
100.2
To play, each player needs his or her own deck of traditional _Magic_ cards, small items to represent any tokens and counters, and some way to clearly track life totals.
100.2a
In constructed play (a way of playing in which each player creates his or her own deck ahead of time), each deck must contain at least sixty cards. A constructed deck may contain any number of basic land cards and no more than four of any card with a particular English name other than basic land cards.
100.2b
In limited play (a way of playing in which each player gets the same quantity of unopened _Magic_ product and creates his or her own deck using only this product), each deck must contain at least forty cards. A limited deck may contain as many duplicates of a card as are included with the product.
100.3
Some casual variants require additional items, such as specially designated cards, nontraditional _Magic_ cards, and dice. See section 9, "Casual Variants."
100.4
Each player may also have a sideboard, which is a group of additional cards the player may use to modify his or her deck between games of a match.
100.4a
In constructed play, sideboards are optional, but must contain exactly fifteen cards if used. The four-card limit (see rule 100.2a) applies to the combined deck and sideboard.
100.4b
In limited play involving individual players, all cards a player opens but doesn't include in his or her deck are in that player's sideboard.
100.4c
In limited play involving the Two-Headed Giant multiplayer variant, all cards a team opens but doesn't include in either player's deck are in that team's sideboard.
100.4d
In limited play involving other multiplayer team variants, each card a team opens but doesn't include in any player's deck is assigned to the sideboard of one of those players. Each player has his or her own sideboard; cards may not be transferred between players.
100.5
There is no maximum deck size.
100.6
Most _Magic_ tournaments (organized play activities where players compete against other players to win prizes) have additional rules covered in the __Magic: The Gathering__ Tournament Rules (found at <http://www.wizards.com/Magic/TCG/Events.aspx?x=dci/doccenter/home>). These rules may limit the use of some cards, including barring all cards from some older sets.
100.6a
Tournaments usually consist of a series of matches. A two-player match usually involves playing until one player has won two games. A multiplayer match usually consists of only one game.
100.6b
Players can use the _Magic_ Store & Event Locator at <www.wizards.com/locator> to find tournaments in their area.