This week for the rules tips we will be looking at attacking and blocking requirements and restrictions, how they work and how they interact. Today, we are going to focus on attacking and blocking restrictions.

Yesterday’s tip focused on requirements and how to identify them. They sometimes use the word ‘must’ or a phrase instructing its controller to block if able. Restrictions are much easier, they either use the same word, ‘can’t,’ or there is an evasion ability involved. (With evasion abilities, the word ‘can’t’ appears in the comprehensive rules.) Examples include Bloodghast, the effect created by Goblin Shortcutter‘s enters the battlefield ability or the one by Pacifism‘s static ability. Keyword mechanics that create restrictions would include flying, shadow, landwalk and intimidate.

Sometimes these restrictions are abilities that a card has, such as with Tormented Soul. If Tormented Soul were to lose its abilities, then it would be able to block. However other restrictions are due to effects from other cards. For example; if a creature was enchanted with Arrest and were to lose its abilities, it still would not be able to attack or block.

Just as with requirements, the effects from these abilities are applied in the steps in the combat phase when attackers and blockers are declared.