Rule evolution

Rule 205.3e

Previously numbered 204.3d.

Earliest archived Rules release: 2009-10-01 · 2 wording revisions · 1 renumbering

  1. Earliest archived Rules release204.3dDetails
    If an instruction requires choosing a subtype, you must choose one, and only one, existing subtype, and the subtype you choose must be for the appropriate card type. For example, you can't choose a land type if an instruction requires choosing a creature type. Example: When choosing a creature type, "Merfolk" or "Wizard" is acceptable, but "Merfolk Wizard" is not. Words like "artifact," "opponent," "Swamp," or "truck" can't be chosen because they aren't creature types.
  2. Wording changed204.3dDetails
    If an instructioneffect requiresinstructs choosinga player to choose a subtype, youthat player must choose one, and only one, existing subtype, and the subtype youhe chooseor she chooses must be for the appropriate card type. For example, youthe player can't choose a land type if an instruction requires choosing a creature type. Example: When choosing a creature type, "Merfolk" or "Wizard" is acceptable, but "Merfolk Wizard" is not. Words like "artifact," "opponent," "Swamp," or "truck" can't be chosen because they aren't creature types.
  3. Renumbered204.3d → 205.3eDetails

    Previously
    2. Parts of a Card
    204. Type Line

    Then
    2. Parts of a Card
    205. Type Line

    If an effect instructs a player to choose a subtype, that player must choose one, and only one, existing subtype, and the subtype he or she chooses must be for the appropriate card type. For example, the player can't choose a land type if an instruction requires choosing a creature type. Example: When choosing a creature type, "Merfolk" or "Wizard" is acceptable, but "Merfolk Wizard" is not. Words like "artifact," "opponent," "Swamp," or "truck" can't be chosen because they aren't creature types.
  4. Wording changed205.3eDetails
    If an effect instructs a player to choose a subtype, that player must choose one, and only one, existing subtype, and the subtype he or she chooses must be for the appropriate card type. For example, the player can't choose a land type if an instruction requires choosing a creature type. Example: When choosing a creature type, "Merfolk" or "Wizard" is acceptable, but "Merfolk Wizard" is not. Words like "artifact," "opponent," "Swamp," or "truck" can't be chosen because they aren't creature types.

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