Official Rules Documents

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TSMCR (Comprehensive Rules)
TSMTR (Tournament Rules)

The Discrete Philosophy Update

Date: September 24, 2025

The 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.


Rules FAQ

Last updated: September 24, 2025

General Legality & Construction

Can I use digital-only or Alchemy cards?

No. TLR is a paper format. All cards use their Oracle text found on Gatherer.

Can I change my Commander between games/matches?

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.

How many colors can I play?

There is no limit aside from your Commander's identity. If you find a legal 5-color Commander, you can play 5 colors.

How do I determine Color Identity?

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).

Can I use a Companion?

Yes. Your companion and your deck/commander(s) must all meet the Companion's restrictions and the TSMCR.

Card Evaluation (The Rule of 3)

Can I use cards with X in the casting cost?

Yes. We look at the mana value with X=0. If the card has MV 3 or less with X=0, it is legal.

Can I use Split Cards (such as Fire//Ice)?

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.

Can I use Adventure cards?

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.

How do I determine Mana Value of MDFCs?

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).

How do I know if a meld card is legal?

We only look at the front face. The back is ignored when considering Mana Value, Color Identity, or other restrictions.

How do I know if I can use a flip card?

We only look at the 'default' (unflipped) characteristics. The flipped state is ignored for legality.

Commander Mechanics & Game Start

How does Partner / Background work?

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.

Does having multiple Commanders affect my hand?

Yes. If you have more than one, you take a forced mulligan at the start of the game.

How does the forced mulligan work?

Draw an opening seven, then put one on the bottom of your library. This counts as your first mulligan.

Can I use Serum Powder on the forced mulligan?

No. Since the first mulligan is forced and involves no choice, Serum Powder cannot replace it. It can apply to future mulligans.

Specific Interactions

How does Urza's Bauble work?

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.

Author

Gray
Gray
Rules Manager • Level 2 Judge

Gray is a Level 2 Magic Judge and the TLR Committee’s Rules Manager, responsible for authoring and maintaining Tiny Leaders: Reborn’s supplemental rules. His work is focused on clarity, internal consistency, and ensuring that the format remains aligned with Magic’s comprehensive rules and tournament policy.

Gray’s involvement with Magic judging began at the Eldritch Moon prerelease, an experience that shaped his early relationship with the game and ultimately led to formal judge certification. Since then, he has supported events across multiple levels of play, contributed to judge stewardship, and continued to deepen his expertise in both general and format-specific rules.

In addition to his work with TLR, Gray has consulted with the Commander Sealed team, a grassroots charity event focused on LGBTQIA plus empowerment. In early 2022, he served on the Monarch consulting team, contributing to the development of one of the earliest cEDH tournament policy documents, and contributes to the MSMTR writer team.

Guided by a commitment to clear expectations and fair play, Gray approaches rules writing with the goal of supporting players, organizers, and the communities that form around the game.