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[[File:Helper card.png|thumb|right|250px|''[[Zendikar Rising]]'' substitute card]]
[[Checklist card]]s are used by [[double-faced card]]s and [[meld card]]s to provide the standard missing card back, these cards are naturally lacking.
 
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{{TOCright}}
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A '''substitute card''' (or double-faced [[helper card]]) is an optional substitute for a [[double-faced card]] or [[meld card]]s, providing the standard missing [[card back]] these cards are naturally lacking.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/double-faced-card-rules-2011-08-28-0|Double-Faced Card Rules|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|August 28, 2011}}</ref>
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==Description==
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When playing with double-faced cards, either the traditional [[transform]]ing ones, meld cards or [[modal double-faced card]]s, it's important that your cards are indistinguishable from one another. To accomplish this, you can use either opaque [[sleeve]]s, substitute cards, or both. To use a substitute card, you must have the actual double-faced card in your possession.
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Substitute cards were introduced as '''checklist cards''' with ''[[Innistrad]]'' in 2011, the name change "substitute cards" in the rules happened in 2020 with ''[[Zendikar Rising]]''.<ref>{{DailyRef|news/comprehensive-rules-changes-2020-09-22|''Zendikar Rising'' Comprehensive Rules Changes|[[Matt Tabak]]|September 22, 2020}}</ref>
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Checklist cards had a list of all double-faced cards (common-uncommon/rare-mythic in ''Shadows over Innistrad'') in the respective set on one side and the typical ''[[Magic]]'' [[card back]] on the other side. In ''[[Ixalan]]'' and ''[[Rivals of Ixalan]]'' [[booster]]s, double-faced cards (almost) always appear with a checklist card.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/166488607033/there-seems-to-be-a-high-correlation-between-dfcs|title=There seems to be a high correlation between DFCs and checklist cards appearing in the same pack.|October 16, 2017}}</ref>
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Because the checklist cards were never super popular aesthetically<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/638595940655235072/hi-mark-happy-holidays-im-writting-to-give-a|title=I think the substitute cards for the MDFCs in Zendikar Rising are really not the nicest solution.|December 26, 2020}}</ref>, an improved write-in substitute card was introduced with ''[[Zendikar Rising]]''.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/zendikar-rising-mechanics-2020-09-01|Zendikar Rising Mechanics|[[Matt Tabak]]|September 1, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|feature/zendikar-rising-release-notes-2020-09-10|''Zendikar Rising'' Release Notes|[[Eli Shiffrin]]|September 10, 2020}}</ref> When initially revealed and leading up to the release of ''Zendikar Rising'', these were called "DFC helper cards", or just "helper cards". However, in the release notes for ''[[Kaldheim]]''<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/kaldheim-release-notes-2021-01-22|''Kaldheim'' Release Notes|[[Matt Tabak]]|January 22, 2021}}</ref> and ''[[Strixhaven: School of Mages]]'',<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/strixhaven-school-mages-and-commander-2021-edition-release-notes-2021-04-16|''Strixhaven: School of Mages'' and ''Commander (2021 Edition)'' Release Notes|[[Jess Dunks]] and [[Matt Tabak]]|April 16, 2021}}</ref> this terminology was abandoned in favor of "substitute cards".
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The front side of a write-in substitute card is blank, with two title bars and a large text box for other information. The back side is a regular [[card back]]. The early checklist cards may be exchanged for a write-in substitute card when playing the older double faced cards. Write down the [[card name|name]] of the [[card]] you're representing, along with any other information visible on the actual card. You can't use substitute cards to jot down sideboarding notes, or anything not found on the card. During the game, if the card is in a public [[zone]], swap in the real card. If it's in a hidden zone, use the substitute card.
   
 
==Rules==
 
==Rules==
{{CR|Checklist Cards}}
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{{CR+G|Substitute Card|s}}
   
 
==Card rulings==
 
==Card rulings==
*It's important that the cards in your deck be indistinguishable from one another. To accomplish this with double-faced cards, you can use either sleeves, or the '''checklist cards''' that is included in some booster packs of sets featured double faced cards. These checklist cards have a list of all double-faced cards (common-uncommon/rare-mythic in ''Shadows over Innistrad'') in the respective set on one side and the typical ''Magic'' [[card back]] on the other side.
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*It's important that the cards in your deck be indistinguishable from one another. To accomplish this with double-faced cards, you can use either [[sleeves]], or the substitute cards that are included in some booster packs of sets featured double-faced cards.
*You must have a actual copy of double-faced card that the checklist card is representing with you for each checklist card used. For example, if you use four checklist cards to represent <c>Jace, Vryn's Prodigy</c> , you must have four actual copies of Jace, Vryn's Prodigy too.
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*You must have an actual copy of a double-faced card that the substitute card is representing with you for each substitute card used. For example, if you use four substitute cards to represent <c>Jace, Vryn's Prodigy</c>, you must have four actual copies of Jace, Vryn's Prodigy too.
 
*The double-faced card should be kept apart from the rest of your deck. In tournaments, the double-faced card should also be kept separate from your sideboard.
 
*The double-faced card should be kept apart from the rest of your deck. In tournaments, the double-faced card should also be kept separate from your sideboard.
*A checklist card can't be included in a deck except when it's being used to represent a double-faced card. If you opt to use checklist card to represent a certain double-faced card, all that double-faced card in the deck must use checklist card instead of actual copy too. (You may use checklist card to represent a double-faced card, but not using them for another double-faced card that has a different name)
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*A substitute card can't be included in a deck except when it's being used to represent a double-faced card. If you opt to use a substitute card to represent a certain double-faced card, all copies of that double-faced card in the deck must use a substitute card instead of the actual copy too. (You may use substitute cards to represent a double-faced card, but not using them for another double-faced card that has a different name)
*You must mark exactly one fill-in circle on the checklist card to indicate which double-faced card it represents.
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*You must mark exactly one fill-in circle on a checklist card to indicate which double-faced card it represents.
*You can still use card sleeves, even if you also choose to use checklist cards.
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*You can still use card sleeves, even if you also choose to use substitute cards.
*During the game, a checklist card is considered to be the double-faced card it represents. For example, say you have a checklist card in your hand representing <c>Tormented Pariah</c> and an opponent casts <c>Despise</c>. The checklist card is a creature card, so your opponent may choose the checklist card and you would discard it.
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*During the game, a substitute card is considered to be the double-faced card it represents. For example, say you have a substitute card in your hand representing <c>Tormented Pariah</c> and an opponent casts <c>Despise</c>. The substitute card is a creature card, so your opponent may choose the substitute card and you would discard it.
*As soon as a checklist card enters a public zone ([[stack]], [[battlefield]], [[graveyard]], or exile unless it's exiled face down/manifested), use the double-faced card and set the checklist card aside. If the double-faced card is put into a hidden zone (hand or library), use the checklist card again.
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*As soon as a substitute card enters a public zone ([[stack]], [[battlefield]], [[graveyard]], or exile unless it's exiled face down/manifested), use the double-faced card and set the substitute card aside. If the double-faced card is put into a hidden zone (hand or library), use the substitute card again.
*If a double-faced card is [[exiled]] face down or being manifested, keep its identity hidden by using the face-down checklist card.
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*If a double-faced card is [[exiled]] face down or being manifested, keep its identity hidden by using the face-down substitute card.
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* Certain older sets include checklist cards to represent double-faced cards or meld cards from those sets. A write-in substitute card can be used to represent those double-faced cards. The same rules about what information may be written on substitute cards apply.
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* You must write clearly on the substitute card to show which double-faced card it represents. The name of at least one face must be written on the substitute card, and any other information visible on either face of the card may also be written. Information that isn't available on the card may not be written on a substitute card.
   
==See also==
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==References==
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{{Reflist}}
*[[Double-faced card]]s
 
*[[Meld]]
 
*[[Meld card]]s
 
*[[Transform]]
 
   
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
File:InnistradChecklist.jpg|''[[Innistrad]]''
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InnistradChecklist.jpg|''[[Innistrad]]'' checklist card
File:DKA Checklist.jpg|''[[Dark Ascension]]''
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DKA Checklist.jpg|''[[Dark Ascension]]'' checklist card
File:ORI Checklist.png|''[[Magic Origins]]''
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ORI Checklist.png|''[[Magic Origins]]'' checklist card
File:SOI Checklist 1.jpg|''[[Shadows over Innistrad]]'' (uncommons and commons)
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SOI Checklist 1.jpg|''[[Shadows over Innistrad]]'' checklist card (uncommons and commons)
File:SOI Checklist 2.jpg|''[[Shadows over Innistrad]]'' (mythics and rares)
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SOI Checklist 2.jpg|''[[Shadows over Innistrad]]'' checklist card (mythics and rares)
File:EMN Checklist.jpg|''[[Eldritch Moon]]''
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EMN Checklist.jpg|''[[Eldritch Moon]]'' checklist card
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XLN Checklist.jpg|''[[Ixalan]]'' checklist card
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RIX Checklist.jpg|''[[Rivals of Ixalan]]'' checklist card
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M19 Checklist.png|''[[Core Set 2019]]'' substitute card
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Helper card.png|''[[Zendikar Rising]]'' substitute card
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KHM Helper cards.jpg|''[[Kaldheim]]'' substitute cards forming a picture of <c>Barkchannel Pathway</c> in the background
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
{{CR Navbox|700}}
 
{{CR Navbox|700}}

Latest revision as of 07:23, 24 April 2022

Helper card

Zendikar Rising substitute card

A substitute card (or double-faced helper card) is an optional substitute for a double-faced card or meld cards, providing the standard missing card back these cards are naturally lacking.[1]

Description[ | ]

When playing with double-faced cards, either the traditional transforming ones, meld cards or modal double-faced cards, it's important that your cards are indistinguishable from one another. To accomplish this, you can use either opaque sleeves, substitute cards, or both. To use a substitute card, you must have the actual double-faced card in your possession.

Substitute cards were introduced as checklist cards with Innistrad in 2011, the name change "substitute cards" in the rules happened in 2020 with Zendikar Rising.[2]

Checklist cards had a list of all double-faced cards (common-uncommon/rare-mythic in Shadows over Innistrad) in the respective set on one side and the typical Magic card back on the other side. In Ixalan and Rivals of Ixalan boosters, double-faced cards (almost) always appear with a checklist card.[3]

Because the checklist cards were never super popular aesthetically[4], an improved write-in substitute card was introduced with Zendikar Rising.[5][6] When initially revealed and leading up to the release of Zendikar Rising, these were called "DFC helper cards", or just "helper cards". However, in the release notes for Kaldheim[7] and Strixhaven: School of Mages,[8] this terminology was abandoned in favor of "substitute cards".

The front side of a write-in substitute card is blank, with two title bars and a large text box for other information. The back side is a regular card back. The early checklist cards may be exchanged for a write-in substitute card when playing the older double faced cards. Write down the name of the card you're representing, along with any other information visible on the actual card. You can't use substitute cards to jot down sideboarding notes, or anything not found on the card. During the game, if the card is in a public zone, swap in the real card. If it's in a hidden zone, use the substitute card.

Rules[ | ]

From the glossary of the Comprehensive Rules (April 12, 2024—Outlaws of Thunder Junction)

Substitute Card
A game supplement with a Magic card back that can be used to represent a double-faced card or meld card. See rule 713, “Substitute Cards.”

From the Comprehensive Rules (April 12, 2024—Outlaws of Thunder Junction)

  • 713. Substitute Cards
    • 713.1. A substitute card is a game supplement that can be used to represent a double-faced card or meld card. A substitute card has a normal Magic card back.
    • 713.2. Each substitute card must clearly indicate the name of at least the front face of the card that it represents. Other information from the printed card (e.g. card type, mana cost, and power and toughness) may also be written on the substitute card.
      • 713.2a Some substitute cards list the names and mana costs of the cards they can represent. Exactly one of the fill-in circles must be marked to denote which card the substitute card represents. This style of substitute card was found in Magic products that released 2011–2018.
      • 713.2b Some substitute cards represent one specific listed card. This style of substitute card was found in the Core Set 2019 release, and it represents the card Nicol Bolas, the Ravager.
      • 713.2c Some substitute cards can represent any modal double-faced card. These substitute cards include the front-face and back-face symbols on the front face of the card. To use one of them, write in the name of each face of the card it represents. This style of substitute card is found in the Zendikar Rising release.
    • 713.3. If a substitute card is used in a deck, the card it represents is set aside prior to the beginning of the game (see rule 103.2a) and must remain available throughout the game. A substitute card can’t be included in a deck unless it is representing a double-faced card or a meld card.
    • 713.4. For all game purposes, the substitute card is considered to be the card it’s representing.
    • 713.5. If the substitute card is face up in a public zone, it should be set aside and the double-faced card or meld card that it represents should be used instead.

Card rulings[ | ]

  • It's important that the cards in your deck be indistinguishable from one another. To accomplish this with double-faced cards, you can use either sleeves, or the substitute cards that are included in some booster packs of sets featured double-faced cards.
  • You must have an actual copy of a double-faced card that the substitute card is representing with you for each substitute card used. For example, if you use four substitute cards to represent Jace, Vryn's Prodigy, you must have four actual copies of Jace, Vryn's Prodigy too.
  • The double-faced card should be kept apart from the rest of your deck. In tournaments, the double-faced card should also be kept separate from your sideboard.
  • A substitute card can't be included in a deck except when it's being used to represent a double-faced card. If you opt to use a substitute card to represent a certain double-faced card, all copies of that double-faced card in the deck must use a substitute card instead of the actual copy too. (You may use substitute cards to represent a double-faced card, but not using them for another double-faced card that has a different name)
  • You must mark exactly one fill-in circle on a checklist card to indicate which double-faced card it represents.
  • You can still use card sleeves, even if you also choose to use substitute cards.
  • During the game, a substitute card is considered to be the double-faced card it represents. For example, say you have a substitute card in your hand representing Tormented Pariah and an opponent casts Despise. The substitute card is a creature card, so your opponent may choose the substitute card and you would discard it.
  • As soon as a substitute card enters a public zone (stack, battlefield, graveyard, or exile unless it's exiled face down/manifested), use the double-faced card and set the substitute card aside. If the double-faced card is put into a hidden zone (hand or library), use the substitute card again.
  • If a double-faced card is exiled face down or being manifested, keep its identity hidden by using the face-down substitute card.
  • Certain older sets include checklist cards to represent double-faced cards or meld cards from those sets. A write-in substitute card can be used to represent those double-faced cards. The same rules about what information may be written on substitute cards apply.
  • You must write clearly on the substitute card to show which double-faced card it represents. The name of at least one face must be written on the substitute card, and any other information visible on either face of the card may also be written. Information that isn't available on the card may not be written on a substitute card.

References[ | ]

Gallery[ | ]