Outside the game

For abilities that interact with cards outside the game, see Wish.

An object is outside the game if it isn’t in any of the game’s zones. Outside the game is not a zone.

If you're dueling under tournament conditions, "outside the game" means your sideboard. If you're keeping it casual, "outside the game" means your collection.

Rules

From the Comprehensive Rules (November 8, 2024—Magic: The Gathering Foundations)

• 400.11. An object is outside the game if it isn’t in any of the game’s zones. Outside the game is not a zone.
  • 400.11a Cards in a player’s sideboard are outside the game. See rule 100.4.
  • 400.11b Some effects bring cards into a game from outside the game. Those cards remain in the game until the game ends, their owner leaves the game, or a rule or effect removes them from the game, whichever comes first.
  • 400.11c Cards outside the game can’t be affected by spells or abilities, except for characteristic-defining abilities printed on them (see rule 604.3) and spells and abilities that allow those cards to be brought into the game.

From the glossary of the Comprehensive Rules (November 8, 2024—Magic: The Gathering Foundations)

Outside the Game

An object is “outside the game” if it isn’t in any of the game’s zones. See rule 400.11.

Mechanics interacting with outside the game

• Companion
• Conjure
• Learn
• Spellbook
• Wish

Characteristic-defining abilities functioning outside the game

• Changeling
• Devoid
• Grist's characteristic-defining ability

See also

• Outside assistance