Rule evolution
Rule 702.99a
Previously numbered 702.97a, 702.98a.
Earliest archived Rules release: 2013-02-01 · 1 wording revision · 2 renumberings
Added702.97aDetails
Cipher appears on some instants and sorceries. It represents two abilities. The first is a spell ability that functions while the spell with cipher is on the stack. The second is a static ability that functions while the card with cipher is in the exile zone. "Cipher" means "If this spell is represented by a card, you may exile this card encoded on a creature you control" and "As long as this card is encoded on that creature, that creature has 'Whenever this creature deals combat damage to a player, you may copy the encoded card and you may cast the copy without paying its mana cost.'"
Wording changed & Renumbered
702.97a→ 702.98aDetailsPreviously
7. Additional Rules
702. Keyword AbilitiesThen
7. Additional Rules
702. Keyword AbilitiesCipher appears on some instants and sorceries. It represents two abilities. The first is a spell ability that functions while the spell with cipher is on the stack. The second is a static ability that functions while the card with cipher is in the exile zone. "Cipher" means "If this spell is represented by a card, you may exile this card encoded on a creature you control" and "
AsFor as long as this card is encoded on that creature, that creature has 'Whenever this creature deals combat damage to a player, you may copy the encoded card and you may cast the copy without paying its mana cost.'"Renumbered
702.98a→ 702.99aDetailsPreviously
7. Additional Rules
702. Keyword AbilitiesThen
7. Additional Rules
702. Keyword AbilitiesCipher appears on some instants and sorceries. It represents two abilities. The first is a spell ability that functions while the spell with cipher is on the stack. The second is a static ability that functions while the card with cipher is in the exile zone. “Cipher” means “If this spell is represented by a card, you may exile this card encoded on a creature you control” and “For as long as this card is encoded on that creature, that creature has ‘Whenever this creature deals combat damage to a player, you may copy the encoded card and you may cast the copy without paying its mana cost.’”