Simplified Rules


These are the basic rules for the Chaos format. To understand the philosophy of this game mode more easily, make sure to read the philosophy page of the website.

Click here to read the comprehensive rules for this format.




Rule Zero


• Before a game begins, all players involved should discuss how they’re going to play, and if there’s any modifications that need to be made for their gameplay setting.

Play styles


• This format can be played as 2 player or multiplayer.
• Multiplayer can be the traditional Free-for-All, team, all against one, emperor, or however the players want to team up.

Getting Started


• Before starting the game, players will shuffle their decks and have an opponent cut their deck.
• Lifepoint totals will be agreed upon. Starting amount is 20, but you can begin with any amount, in increments of 5, up to 50.
• The original mulligan rule is reinstated. Players with a full hand of mana, or no mana, may get a free mulligan with no penalty once per game.
• All players begin the game with an emblem named “Mana Burn” with “At the beginning of your end step, you may pay . If you do, exile a card from your hand, then draw a card.” This helps combat mana flooding.

Commanders


• Players may utilize a commander, selected from a Legendary Creature, Planeswalker, or card that says it can be a commander.
• Non-highlander or singleton decks may have a commander.
• Decks do not need to be constructed around color identity.
• There is no commander damage.
• Commanders may have a signature spell, selected from an instant or sorcery within your deck. Signature spells will have color identity enforced.
• Whenever your commander deals combat damage to a player or planeswalker, put a spell counter on it. You can accumulate up to 5 counters.
• If your commander has five spell counters on it and your signature spell is in your hand, you may remove five spell counters from your commander and : You may cast that spell without paying its mana cost. This ability may be used only once per game.
• A commander may be cast from the command zone normally once. The second time it is cast from the command zone, it costs an additional . After that, it can’t return to the command zone.

Planeschase


• Planeschase cards are welcome for an additional bit of fun.
• Players may share 1 library of cards, or have 1 per team, or individually have a library.

Outlaw Version


• In this minor variation of this format, the Ban List is removed and all the cards on it are moved to the Restricted List.
• The 3 Universally Banned cards are still banned.

Proxies, Playtests, and Un-sets


• If all players agree, a player may use proxy cards for playtesting or experimentation.
• Playtest cards (such as those from Mystery Boosters) are permitted, limited to one copy of each card.
• Silver-bordered Un-set cards and Acorn cards may also be used for additional fun, limited to one copy of each card.
• Cards brought into the game from outside the game must come from a small, agreed-upon pool or sideboard.