K.7 - Color of a Spell/Permanent


Return to Rules Index

K.7.1- The base color(s) of a spell and a permanent are the color(s) of mana specified in the mana cost (see Rule K.18). [CompRules 2001/07/23 - 203.2]

Top

K.7.2- If a card has only generic mana in its mana cost, or if it has no mana cost (which is the case with lands), then the card has no color and is said to be "colorless". [CompRules 2001/07/23 - 203.2]

Top

K.7.3- If the color of a spell is changed during casting, the color change effect will continue to affect the permanent when it is in play. [CompRules 1999/04/23]

Top

K.7.4- A card with more than one color in its mana cost is considered to be of all the colors shown. [CompRules 2001/07/23 - 203.2] For example a card with the mana cost {2}{W}{B} is both white and black.

Top

K.7.5- If the color of a card is changed to a new value, this value overrides all the previous colors. [CompRules 1999/11/01] For example, Thoughtlace will turn a multicolored card to be just blue.

Top

K.7.6- A card with a zero mana cost may specify that it has a color in its card text. This text is considered explanatory and is not an ability. The text is subject to effects such as Sleight of Mind. [CompRules 1999/11/01]

Top

K.7.Ruling.1- The background color of the card is used only as an aid. [CompRules 2001/07/23 - 203.2] For example, the error where the Serendib Efreet in the Revised Edition has a green background color, but the card is blue because the mana cost includes blue mana and no green mana.

Top

K.7.Ruling.2- Since a card with more than one color is considered to be all of the colors shown (see Rule K.7.4), Terror cannot affect a card which is both black and red. Terror cannot target a black card. And a Circle of Protection from either color could prevent damage from the spell or permanent. [D'Angelo 1998/02/03]

Top

K.7.Ruling.3- Because of Rule K.7.4, spells and abilities that affect something "non-black" will not affect things which are even partly black. [D'Angelo 1998/02/03]

Top

K.7.Ruling.4- Since the mana symbols on the card determine its color (see Rule K.7.1), changing the mana symbols will change the initial color definition of the card. Changing the initial color will not override any effects which change the actual color, since the initial value is applied before other effects. [D'Angelo 1998/02/03]

Top

K.7.Ruling.5- The term "multicolored" is used to describe cards, spells, or permanents which have more than one color. [CompRules 2001/07/23 - 203.2]

Top

Note- Also see Color, Rule G.3.

Top


Acknowledgments and Disclaimers