Channel Card Rule Question

Asked by ToxicHawk 3 years ago

Hello everyone, I have a question on the rules on a card my friend played. This is just an example. So lets say he starts his second turn plays his second forest and then plays the card Channel. Suddenly he pays 15 life and just drops Emrakul, the Aeons Torn is that allowed? Literally a 15/15 on turn 2? Is there not some limit to how much life he can pay other then his life total?

Master_Keeby says... #1

While what your friend did with Channel is completely allowed, playing channel might not be. Channel is banned in every format except vintage, where it's restricted. I'd say It's a safe bet to assume that your friend isn't allowed to play that card.

October 16, 2020 12:59 a.m.

enpc says... Accepted answer #2

The only restriction with cards like Channel is that you can't pay life that you don't have. So for example, you can't pay 50 life if you only have 20. Other than that, the card works as it is written, so your friend didn't do anything wrong. There's a reason banlists exist.

October 16, 2020 1:21 a.m.

VampDemigod says... #3

If you’re playing in casual games, talk to your playgroup and ban the card. If he tries to argue, you can point out that it’s banned in almost every format, and is just busted. He’ll probably be sad, since his deck is probably built around this card, but it isn’t fair to your playgroup that they have to go up against one of the most broken cards in magic on a daily basis. If he refuses to, you can always refuse to play with him. If it’s just you two, ask him to stop playing it, since it’s banned practically everywhere. If he doesn’t comply, you can always go play at your lgs, or play on MTGArena!

October 16, 2020 11:14 a.m.

MagicMarc says... #4

If he's a friend and playing magic together is more important than going off with a crazy combo, then he will just retire the card or even the entire deck.

My casual playgroup has had a casual rule about "Voting Out" a deck. If at least 3 players in the group agree someone's deck is too oppressive, obnoxious or abusive they can "vote out" the deck. When that happens, the whole playgroup is asked to decide if it stays or has to go. If it has to go, the player just has to rebuild, retire or rethink the deck.

On the other hand, we also have nights where people can bring their fastest, most competitive decks and just keep roflstomping each other, too.

You guys just need to find an agreeable balance.

October 16, 2020 11:20 a.m.

Caerwyn says... #5

In the future, please remember to hit the green Mark as Answer button to indicate your question has been resolved. Since this question has been answered for several days, I have gone ahead and marked an answer on your behalf.

October 19, 2020 12:58 a.m.

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