RulingHall of Heroes (rules 1.7)2026-03-30

I’m trying to understand the rule: “(to a maximum of [value])” “An ability with “(to a maximum of [value])”,…

Question

I’m trying to understand the rule: “(to a maximum of [value])”
“An ability with “(to a maximum of [value])”, imposes a maximum on that ability for the duration of that ability.”
But the maximum could apply to the ability itself (locally) or across all abilities (globally), and it’s not obvious to know if the max is local or global
Can you explain it for the following examples: * Iron Man’s constant ability follows strictly the pattern “(to a maximum [game element] of X)”, so it seems clear it is a global max, and confirmed by Q&A. * Star-Lord’s Helmet constant ability should be interpretated the same way as Iron Man’s ability? So, can I use Assess the situation if there is already 3 facedown encounter in front of me? * What explains that Parental Guidance cannot attach a 4th card (or more) under George Stacy? Even if the max on George Stacy if global among abilities, it should only apply for the duration of the ability? * Tigra’s response “On the Hunt” target what elements, the number of minion engaged? is it a local or a global maximum? it seems obvious it is a local max but what is the difference with Georges Stacy? * The max on Drax’s response applies locally only to the ability? or is a global max vengeance counter cap of 3? * Nothing prevent Groot from having 11 counter (with Captain Americat and Cameo), but what if he uses Root Stomp and defeats an enemy, is the max is local or global? If the max is global, does it trim to 10 the number of counters?

Answer

Broadly speaking, an ability that has “to a maximum of X” should only apply that maximum “locally”, that is, to that particular ability usage. For triggered abilities, this means each time the ability is triggered, the maximum applies; for other abilities, such as constant abilities, this will look a little different. Below are our current rulings on the cards you asked about, some of which have changed from previous rulings we’ve made; we will aim to make maximums more clear and consistent in a future rules reference update.

George Stacy’s “to a maximum of 3” clause only imposes a maximum number of cards he can have attached when triggering his ability. If he is already at 3 cards attached, he can’t trigger his own ability, but Parental Guidance could attach a fourth card to him since it does not have a maximum on it.
Tigra’s On the Hunt imposes a maximum on the number of cards that can be drawn at once when triggering that ability. For example, if she is engaged with 4 minions, she draws only 3 cards at the start of the player phase.
Drax’s ability imposes a maximum number of counters he can place on himself using his ability. Captain Americat could place a fourth vengeance counter on Drax.
Groot’s Root Stomp imposes a maximum on the number of growth counters Groot can have on him after resolving the event ability. If Groot had 10 growth counters on him, playing Root Stomp wouldn’t add another, but Groot could play Captain Americat to get an eleventh growth counter on him.
Star-Lord’s Helmet is a constant ability, but its “to a maximum of +3 hand size” clause is similar to the previous triggered ability examples as it only imposes a maximum on the additional hand size its own ability grants. Even if he’s at +3 hand size with his Helmet, Star-Lord can play Assess the Situation to increase his hand size further. We made a similar ruling for Deadpool’s Cable, where his ability has a maximum that only applies to itself; other abilities or upgrades can give Cable additional THW/ATK.
We made a similar ruling for Deadpool’s Cable, where his ability has a maximum that only applies to itself; other abilities or upgrades can give Cable additional THW/ATK.
Iron Man is an exception to the previous examples, as his constant ability imposes a “global” maximum on his hand size. It doesn’t put a maximum on the bonus it gives, it puts a maximum on his total hand size.

— Alex