First the player whose turn it is chooses which lands (if any) to keep, then each other player in turn order does the same. Each player will know the choices made by the players who chose before them. All of the unchosen lands are then sacrificed simultaneously. Then the process is repeated for cards in hand, except that no cards are revealed until all players have chosen what to discard, at which point those cards are all discarded simultaneously. Lastly, the process is repeated for creatures, and players will again know earlier choices made when deciding what to sacrifice. All of the unchosen creatures are then sacrificed simultaneously.

Balance doesn't have targets, so permanents that can't be targeted, such as a creature with shroud or protection from white, are valid choices to be sacrificed.

Each type of object is counted during the corresponding part of the process. Cards in hand are counted after lands have been sacrificed, and creatures on the battlefield are counted after cards have been discarded. Thus, a land creature sacrificed to the first part of the spell would not be counted when determining how many creatures are on the battlefield for the last part.

Balance : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Balance is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.

Official card text

Each player chooses a number of lands they control equal to the number of lands controlled by the player who controls the fewest, then sacrifices the rest. Players discard cards and sacrifice creatures the same way.

How it works : Balance

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1June 8, 2016· Wizards of the Coast
First the player whose turn it is chooses which lands (if any) to keep, then each other player in turn order does the same. Each player will know the choices made by the players who chose before them. All of the unchosen lands are then sacrificed simultaneously. Then the process is repeated for cards in hand, except that no cards are revealed until all players have chosen what to discard, at which point those cards are all discarded simultaneously. Lastly, the process is repeated for creatures, and players will again know earlier choices made when deciding what to sacrifice. All of the unchosen creatures are then sacrificed simultaneously.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2June 8, 2016· Wizards of the Coast
Balance doesn't have targets, so permanents that can't be targeted, such as a creature with shroud or protection from white, are valid choices to be sacrificed.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#3June 8, 2016· Wizards of the Coast
Each type of object is counted during the corresponding part of the process. Cards in hand are counted after lands have been sacrificed, and creatures on the battlefield are counted after cards have been discarded. Thus, a land creature sacrificed to the first part of the spell would not be counted when determining how many creatures are on the battlefield for the last part.
No other card is named in this ruling.

Interactions with other cards

These cards' text mentions Balance.

Focused Funambulist

Flash As this creature enters, you may put an art sticker on the empty side of the balancing pole. When you do, ask a person outside the game "Does this look balanced?" If they say yes, you may tap or untap target creature.

Plate Spinning

Whenever you cast a spell, copy it and you may choose new targets for the copy. Then balance a card from outside the game on one of your fingertips. When that card falls or touches another card, sacrifice this enchantment.

Charm School

As this enchantment enters, choose a color and balance this enchantment on your head. Prevent all damage that would be dealt to you by sources of the chosen color. When this enchantment falls off your head, sacrifice this enchantment.

Phyrexian Librarian

Flying, trample At the beginning of your upkeep, exile the top card of your library and balance it on your body. When a balanced card falls or touches another balanced card, sacrifice this creature.

Volrath's Motion Sensor

Enchant player As this Aura enters, choose one of enchanted player's hands. That player balances this Aura on the back of that hand. When this Aura falls off the chosen hand, sacrifice this Aura and enchanted player loses 3 life.

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