Rule evolution

Rule 508.4a

Previously numbered 508.3a.

Earliest archived Rules release: 2011-05-01 · 4 wording revisions · 2 renumberings

  1. Added508.4aDetails
    If the effect that put a creature onto the battlefield attacking specifies it's attacking a certain player, and that player is no longer in the game when the effect resolves, the creature is put onto the battlefield but is never considered an attacking creature. The same is true if the effect specifies a creature is put onto the battlefield attacking a planeswalker and that planeswalker is no longer on the battlefield or is no longer a planeswalker when the effect resolves.
  2. Wording changed508.4aDetails
    If the effect that putputs a creature onto the battlefield attacking specifies it's attacking a certain player, and that player is no longer in the game when the effect resolves, the creature is put onto the battlefield but is never considered an attacking creature. The same is true if the effect specifies a creature is put onto the battlefield attacking a planeswalker and that planeswalker is no longer on the battlefield or is no longer a planeswalker when the effect resolves.
  3. Renumbered508.4a → 508.3aDetails

    Previously
    5. Turn Structure
    508. Declare Attackers Step

    Then
    5. Turn Structure
    508. Declare Attackers Step

    If the effect that puts a creature onto the battlefield attacking specifies it’s attacking a certain player, and that player is no longer in the game when the effect resolves, the creature is put onto the battlefield but is never considered an attacking creature. The same is true if the effect specifies a creature is put onto the battlefield attacking a planeswalker and that planeswalker is no longer on the battlefield or is no longer a planeswalker when the effect resolves.
  4. Renumbered508.3a → 508.4aDetails

    Previously
    5. Turn Structure
    508. Declare Attackers Step

    Then
    5. Turn Structure
    508. Declare Attackers Step

    If the effect that puts a creature onto the battlefield attacking specifies it’s attacking a certain player, and that player is no longer in the game when the effect resolves, the creature is put onto the battlefield but is never considered an attacking creature. The same is true if the effect specifies a creature is put onto the battlefield attacking a planeswalker and that planeswalker is no longer on the battlefield or is no longer a planeswalker when the effect resolves.
  5. Wording changed508.4aDetails
    If the effect that puts a creature onto the battlefield attacking specifies it's attacking a certain player, and that player is no longer in the game when the effect resolves, the creature is put onto the battlefield but is never considered an attacking creature. The same is true if the effect specifies a creature is put onto the battlefield attacking a planeswalker or battle and that planeswalkerpermanent is no longer on the battlefield or is no longer a planeswalker or battle when the effect resolves.
  6. Wording changed508.4aDetails
    If the effect that puts a creature onto the battlefield attacking specifies it's attacking a certain player, and that player is no longer in the game when the effect resolves, the creature is put onto the battlefield but is never considered an attacking creature. The same is true if the effect specifies a creature is put onto the battlefield attacking a planeswalker or battle and, when the effect resolves, that permanent is no longer on the battlefield, is no longer a planeswalker or battle, is a planeswalker that is no longer controlled by a planeswalkerdefending player, or is a battle whenthat theis effectno resolveslonger protected by a defending player.
  7. Wording changed508.4aDetails
    If thea effectcreature thatwould putsbe aput creature onto the battlefield attacking specifies it's attacking a certain player, and that player is no longer in the game when the effect resolves, the creature is put onto the battlefield but is never considered an attacking creature. The same is true if the effect specifies a creature iswould be put onto the battlefield attacking a planeswalker or battle and, when the effect resolves, that permanent is no longer on the battlefield, is no longer a planeswalker or battle, is a planeswalker that is no longer controlled by a defending player, or is a battle that is no longer protected by a defending player.

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