Rankle, Master of Pranks — ruling 1

If you really want, you can choose zero modes for Rankle's triggered ability, but carefully consider the hidden costs in not entertaining someone titled Master of Pranks.

Rankle, Master of Pranks — ruling 2

You can't choose a mode more than once.

Rankle, Master of Pranks — ruling 3

You can choose a mode even if some or all players will be unaffected.

Rankle, Master of Pranks — ruling 4

For each chosen mode, perform that mode in its entirety before continuing on to the next chosen mode in the order printed.

Rankle, Master of Pranks — ruling 5

As the first mode is performed, first the player whose turn it is chooses a card in hand without revealing it, then each other player in turn order does the same. Then all the chosen cards are discarded at the same time.

Rankle, Master of Pranks — ruling 6

As the third mode is performed, first the player whose turn it chooses a creature they control, then each other player in turn order does the same, knowing the choices made before them. Then all the chosen creatures are sacrificed at the same time.

Rankle, Master of Pranks — ruling 7

In a Two-Headed Giant game, Rankle's second mode causes each team to lose 1 life twice.

Rankle, Master of Pranks : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Rankle, Master of Pranks 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

Flying, haste Whenever Rankle deals combat damage to a player, choose any number — • Each player discards a card. • Each player loses 1 life and draws a card. • Each player sacrifices a creature of their choice.

Complete guide

Rankle, Master of Pranks is a fast, versatile threat that brings chaos to the battlefield the moment he hits. As a 3/3 with flying and haste, he reliably connects with your opponent to trigger a customizable suite of symmetrical effects. Mastering his ability requires understanding the precise timing and order of his various pranks.

Choosing Your Pranks

When Rankle deals combat damage to a player, his triggered ability goes on the stack. You may choose any number of the three listed modes: discard, draw/lose life, and sacrifice. You cannot choose the same mode twice, but you can choose all three if you wish. The key is that these choices are made when the ability is put on the stack, not when it resolves.

Order of Operations

Rankle’s modes always resolve in the order they are printed on the card, regardless of the order you choose them. First, each player discards a card. Second, each player loses 1 life and draws a card. Third, each player sacrifices a creature. You must complete each chosen mode fully before moving to the next one.

Selection and Sacrifice

For the first mode, players choose cards to discard in turn order, starting with the active player, then discard simultaneously. For the third mode, players choose creatures to sacrifice in turn order. Crucially, players later in the turn order know what creatures the previous players have chosen to sacrifice before they have to make their own choice.

Interaction examples

The Double Prank

Roaming Throne

With Roaming Throne on the battlefield naming 'Faerie' or 'Rogue', Rankle's combat damage trigger fires twice. You could choose to have everyone discard and draw on the first trigger, then sacrifice creatures on the second. Each trigger is independent, allowing you to stack up to six total effects in one combat phase.

Synergistic Sacrifices

Solemn Simulacrum

If you choose the sacrifice mode, you may select your Solemn Simulacrum. Because Rankle's third mode happens last, you could also choose the discard mode first to empty your hand. When the Simulacrum is sacrificed, its 'dies' trigger will go on the stack after Rankle's ability has finished resolving, allowing you to refill your hand after the discard effect has already passed.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.

How it works : Rankle, Master of Pranks

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1October 4, 2019· Wizards of the Coast
If you really want, you can choose zero modes for Rankle's triggered ability, but carefully consider the hidden costs in not entertaining someone titled Master of Pranks.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2October 4, 2019· Wizards of the Coast
You can't choose a mode more than once.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#3October 4, 2019· Wizards of the Coast
You can choose a mode even if some or all players will be unaffected.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#4October 4, 2019· Wizards of the Coast
For each chosen mode, perform that mode in its entirety before continuing on to the next chosen mode in the order printed.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#5October 4, 2019· Wizards of the Coast
As the first mode is performed, first the player whose turn it is chooses a card in hand without revealing it, then each other player in turn order does the same. Then all the chosen cards are discarded at the same time.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#6October 4, 2019· Wizards of the Coast
As the third mode is performed, first the player whose turn it chooses a creature they control, then each other player in turn order does the same, knowing the choices made before them. Then all the chosen creatures are sacrificed at the same time.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#7October 4, 2019· Wizards of the Coast
In a Two-Headed Giant game, Rankle's second mode causes each team to lose 1 life twice.
No other card is named in this ruling.