 | It has been suggested that this article be renamed to Level 4 ATK and DEF conventions. (discuss) |
"Gene-Warped Warwolf", one of the very few 2000 ATK Level 4 Normal Monsters to break the "Rule of 2000 ATK"
The ATK and DEF of a Level 4 or lower monster tend to be limited by two unwritten rules: the "2000 ATK Rule" and the "2300 DEF Rule". These rules state that for a Level 4 monster to have an ATK or DEF equal to or higher than these values, it must have some kind of negative effect or other restriction (such as being a Nomi monster). For example, "Meklord Emperor Wisel" is a Level 1 Monster Card that has 2500 ATK and DEF; however, it cannot be Normal Summoned or Set.
Rule of 2000 ATK[]
"Meklord Emperor Wisel" is tied with "Giant Kozaky" to the highest ATK for a Level 4 or lower monster and has one of the highest DEF; however, it is difficult to Summon.
The "Rule of 2000 ATK" states that if a monster has 2000 or more ATK, it must have some negative effect or other restriction to limit its playability. For example, "Thunder King Rai-Oh" has 1900 ATK and is thus permitted to have a beneficial card effect, but "Panther Warrior" and "Inspector Boarder" have 2000 ATK, and thus have the negative effects of requiring a Tribute in order to attack and a tough Summoning Condition/Continuous Effect, respectively.
Several Level 4 Normal Monsters have 2000 ATK, outclassing monsters with 2000 ATK and negative effects. They all have either 100 or 0 DEF. There are currently 11 such monsters: "Alexandrite Dragon", "Gene-Warped Warwolf", "Gunkan Suship Shari", "Jongleur-Ghoul Illusionist", "Leotron", "Megalosmasher X", "Mekk-Knight Avram", "Mystery Shell Dragon", "Phantom Gryphon", "Shiny Black "C" Squadder", "Zombino".
Level 4 or lower Monster Cards with 2000 ATK or more[]
There are currently 117 Level 4 or lower monsters with 2000 ATK or more in the TCG/OCG.
Rule of 2300 DEF[]
"Gear Golem the Moving Fortress" has 2200 DEF and no negative effects.
The "Rule of 2300 DEF" states that if a monster has 2300 or more DEF, it must have some negative effect or other restriction. For example, "Gladiator Beast Hoplomus" and "Gear Golem the Moving Fortress" have 2100 and 2200 DEF respectively, and are allowed to have positive effects, while "Big Shield Gardna" has 2600 DEF and has the negative effect of being forced to switch to its weak Attack Position after being attacked.
Currently, no cards in the OCG/TCG break this rule.
There are currently 20 Level 4 or lower monsters with 2300 DEF or more in the TCG/OCG.