101.1.
Whenever a card‘s text directly contradicts these rules, the card takes precedence. The card
overrides only the rule that applies to that specific situation. The only exception is that a player can
concede the game at any time (see rule 104.3a).
101.2.
When a rule or effect allows or directs something to happen, and another effect states that it can‘t
happen, the «can‘t» effect takes precedence.
Example: If one effect reads “You may play an additional land this turn” and another reads
“You can?t play land cards this turn,” the effect that precludes you from playing lands wins.
101.2a
Adding abilities to objects and removing abilities from objects don‘t fall under this rule. (See
rule 112.10.)
101.3.
Any part of an instruction that‘s impossible to perform is ignored. (In many cases the card will
specify consequences for this; if it doesn‘t, there‘s no effect.)
101.4.
If multiple players would make choices and/or take actions at the same time, the active player
(the player whose turn it is) makes any choices required, then the next player in turn order (usually
the player seated to the active player‘s left) makes any choices required, followed by the remaining
nonactive players in turn order. Then the actions happen simultaneously. This rule is often referred
to as the «Active Player, Nonactive Player (APNAP) order» rule.
Example: A card reads “Each player sacrifices a creature.” First, the active player chooses
a creature he or she controls. Then each of the nonactive players, in turn order, chooses a
creature he or she controls. Then all creatures chosen this way are sacrificed
simultaneously.
101.4a
If an effect has each player choose a card in a hidden zone, such as his or her hand or library,
those cards may remain face down as they‘re chosen. However, each player must clearly
indicate which face-down card he or she is choosing.
101.4b
A player knows the choices made by the previous players when he or she makes his or her
choice, except as specified in 101.4a.
101.4c
If a player would make more than one choice at the same time, the player makes the choices
in the order written, or in the order he or she chooses if the choices aren‘t ordered.
101.4d
If a choice made by a nonactive player causes the active player, or a different nonactive
player earlier in the turn order, to have to make a choice, APNAP order is restarted for all
outstanding choices.