Rule evolution

Rule 119.8

Previously numbered 118.8.

Earliest archived Rules release: 2010-10-01 · 2 wording revisions · 1 renumbering

  1. Added118.8Details
    If an effect says that a player can't lose life, that player can't exchange life totals with a player who has a lower life total; in that case, the exchange won't happen. In addition, a cost that involves having that player pay life can't be paid.
  2. Wording changed118.8Details
    If an effect says that a player can't lose life, that player can't exchangemake lifean totalsexchange withsuch athat the player's wholife hastotal awould lowerbecome life totallower; in that case, the exchange won't happen. In addition, a cost that involves having that player pay life can't be paid.
  3. Wording changed118.8Details
    If an effect says that a player can't lose life, that player can't make an exchange such that the player's life total would become lower; in that case, the exchange won't happen. Similarly, if an effect redistributes life totals, a player can't receive a new life total such that the player's life total would become lower. In addition, a cost that involves having that player pay life can't be paid.
  4. Renumbered118.8 → 119.8Details

    Previously
    1. Game Concepts
    118. Life

    Then
    1. Game Concepts
    119. Life

    If an effect says that a player can’t lose life, that player can’t make an exchange such that the player’s life total would become lower; in that case, the exchange won’t happen. Similarly, if an effect redistributes life totals, a player can’t receive a new life total such that the player’s life total would become lower. In addition, a cost that involves having that player pay life can’t be paid.

Current in the latest available Rules
Unchanged since 2026-08-07.