TLR Rules Supplements
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Author
Authored and maintained by Gray, a Level 2 Judge and the TLR Committee's Rules/Policy Manager. These rules are indespensible whether you're a player, organizer, or judge.
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If you have questions regarding these documents or suggestions for the FAQ, join us on the Official TLR Discord.
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@Gray | Judge Dad | Tiny Cuber.
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Official Rules Documents
Download a PDF copy by clicking the on the links provided and make sure to read the rules FAQ down below.
The Discrete Philosophy Update
Result
A card is said to have multiple sets of characteristics, if it has more than one, of each of the following:
- Name
- Mana Cost
- Type Line
- Rules Text
In TL:R, every set of characteristics on a card must have a mana value <= 3. If a card has multiple sets of characteristics that may be chosen for casting, each set must independently meet this limit.
The Logic
From a design perspective, cards with more than one set of characteristics are multiple cards sharing one piece of cardboard. Every card must have a mana value <= 3 as determined by each distinct set of characteristics.
Table of Contents
- How do I know if a meld card is legal?
- How does Partner/Background work?
- Can I change my Commander between games/matches?
- Can I use cards with X in the casting cost?
- Can I use Adventure cards?
- How do I determine Mana Value of double-faced cards?
- How many colors can I play?
- Can I use a Companion?
- Can I use Split Cards (such as Fire//Ice)?
- How do I determine Color Identity?
- How do I know if I can use a flip card (such as Erayo, Soratami Ascendant)?
- Does having multiple Commanders affect my mulligans or starting hand?
- Can I use digital only cards or cards updated through Alchemy?
- How does the forced mulligan for more than one commander work?
- Can I use Serum Powder on the forced mulligan?
- How does Urza's Bauble work?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if a meld card is legal?
A: We only look at the front face. The back is ignored when considering Mana Value, Color Identity, or other restrictions.
Q: How does Partner/Background work?
A: As long as both cards meet deckbuilding restrictions, you can use them. If you play with more than one commander, you start the game with a forced mulligan.
Q: Can I change my Commander between games/matches?
A: No. Your configuration is locked at the start of the event. You can swap cards between your 49 and sideboard, but the Commander(s) never change.
Q: Can I use cards with X in the casting cost?
A: Yes. We look at the mana value with X=0. If the card has MV 3 or less with X=0, it is legal.
Q: Can I use Adventure cards?
A: Discrete Philosophy Check: Every part of the card must be MV 3 or less. You must check the creature AND the Adventure spell. If either part is MV 4+, the entire card is illegal.
Q: How do I determine Mana Value of double-faced cards?
A: Discrete Philosophy Check: For Modal Double-Faced Cards, both sides must, independent of the other, meet the MV 3 restriction and the color identity of your Commander(s).
Q: How many colors can I play?
A: There is no limit aside from your Commander's identity. If you find a legal 5-color Commander, you can play 5 colors.
Q: Can I use a Companion?
A: Yes. Your companion and your deck/commander(s) must all meet the Companion's restrictions and the TSMCR
Q: Can I use Split Cards (such as Fire//Ice)?
A: Discrete Philosophy Check: Split cards are evaluated by checking each half independently. All halves must have a mana value of 3 or less for the card to be legal.
Q: How do I determine Color Identity?
A: Identity includes all colors in the Mana Cost, Rules Text, and Color Indicators. For double-faced cards, always check the back side (except for Meld cards).
Q: How do I know if I can use a flip card (such as Erayo, Soratami Ascendant)?
A: We only look at the "default" (unflipped) characteristics. The flipped state is ignored for legality.
Q: Does having multiple Commanders affect my mulligans or starting hand?
A: Yes. If you have more than one, you take a forced mulligan at the start of the game.
Q: Can I use digital only cards or cards updated through Alchemy?
A: No. TLR is a paper format. All cards use their Oracle text found on Gatherer.
Q: How does the forced mulligan for more than one commander work?
A: Draw an opening seven, then put one on the bottom of your library. This counts as your first mulligan.
Q: Can I use Serum Powder on the forced mulligan?
A: No. Since the first mulligan is forced and involves no choice, Serum Powder cannot replace it. It can apply to future mulligans.
Q: How does Urza's Bauble work?
A: Looking at a card is a one-sided reveal. Your hand remains your hand. In a physical game, looking at a card with an opponent is essentially looking at it together.