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DarkSage-LCYW-EN-C-1E

"Dark Sage", a Special Summon-only monster

Special Summon-only monsters, often referred to as Semi-Nomi monsters, are monsters with the card text "Cannot be Normal Summoned/Set. Must first be Special Summoned..." (or an older variant).[1] Modern Japanese cards indicate this by indicating "特殊召喚" next to the monster's Type, akin to how Spirit, Tuner and Union subtypes are indicated.

Ritual, Fusion, Synchro, Xyz, and Link Monsters that are Special Summon-only monsters do not include the text "Cannot be Normal Summoned/Set." because it is unnecessary; if they can be Ritual/Fusion/Synchro/Xyz Summoned, they replace "Must first be Special Summoned" with "Must first be Ritual/Fusion/Synchro/Xyz Summoned".

Some examples of Special Summon-only monsters include "Aqua Spirit", "XYZ-Dragon Cannon" and "Gem-Knight Ruby".

Mechanics[]

A Special Summon-only monster cannot be Special Summoned from the hand, Main Deck, Extra Deck, or Spell & Trap Zone, except by the specified method, unless the card effect ignores the Summoning conditions.

A Special Summon-only monster can be Special Summoned from the Graveyard or while banished as long as it was Special Summoned properly first. If the Summon of a Special Summon-only monster is negated (such as by "Black Horn of Heaven") it is not considered to have been properly Special Summoned. If a Special Summon-only monster is in the Graveyard or banished and was not Special Summoned properly, it cannot be Special Summoned by any means other than the proper method, even by ignoring the Summoning conditions. This contrasts to "Nomi" monsters, which can only be Summoned by their own effect, even after they have been properly Special Summoned.

After being properly Special Summoned, as long as that Monster Card remains on the field (even if face-down), in the Graveyard, or banished, it is considered properly Special Summoned.

Example[]

A player banishes three Fiend-Type monsters from the Graveyard to Special Summon "Dark Necrofear".

  • If "Dark Necrofear" is sent to the Graveyard, such as by being destroyed by "Raigeki Break", it can be Special Summoned from the Graveyard with a card like "Monster Reborn".
  • If "Dark Necrofear" is banished, such as by "Dark Core", it can be Special Summoned while banished with a card like "Dimensional Inversion".

However, if it is moved to other locations, it cannot be Special Summoned except by the specified method.

Text[]

Original First erratum Second erratum
This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. This card can only be Special Summoned [...] Cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. Must first be Special Summoned [...] Cannot be Normal Summoned/Set. Must first be Special Summoned [...]

Fusion Summon Fusion Monster[]

Original First erratum
This monster can only be Special Summoned by Fusion Summon (from the Extra Deck). Must first be Fusion Summoned [...]

Contact Fusion Fusion Monster[]

Original First erratum
This monster can only be Special Summoned [...] This card can only be Special Summoned from your Fusion Deck [...]
Second erratum Third erratum
This card can only be Special Summoned from your Extra Deck [...] Must first be Special Summoned (from your Extra Deck) [...]

See also[]

References[]

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