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Rules AnswersTargeting & Protection

Can you name a card with Cabal Therapy that has not been printed yet?

Short answer
No. Cabal Therapy requires you to name a card that is a 'Magic card name,' meaning a real, existing Magic card.

Cabal Therapy instructs you to 'name a nonland card.' Under CR rule 201.2, when a spell or ability instructs a player to name a card, the player must choose the name of a card that exists in the Magic: The Gathering game — meaning a card that has actually been printed and is a real Magic card name.

You cannot name a card that has not been printed yet because that string of words does not yet constitute a valid Magic card name. The named card must be a real, recognizable card name at the time the choice is made. This prevents players from speculatively naming fictional or future cards to game the effect.

CR 201.2 states: 'If a player is instructed to name a card, the player must choose the name of a card in the Oracle card reference.' Only cards that exist in Oracle (the official card database) qualify. A card not yet printed has no Oracle entry.

Concrete example: You cast Cabal Therapy and wish to name a card you heard might be in an upcoming set. You cannot do so — you must name an existing Magic card like 'Lightning Bolt' or 'Thoughtseize.' If you attempt to name a nonexistent card, a judge will require you to choose a valid card name instead.

This rule applies universally to all 'name a card' effects, including Thoughtseize, Pithing Needle, and similar cards.

HIGH confidence CR 201.2
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