Level 4 ATK and DEF conventions
The ATK and DEF of a Level 4 or lower monster are limited by two rules: the "2000 ATK Rule" and the "2300 DEF Rule". The rule states 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 only Level 1 yet has 2500 ATK and DEF; however, it cannot be Normal Summoned or Set.
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Rule of 2000 ATK
The "Rule of 2000 ATK" is a general rule that applies to Level 4 or lower Monster Cards; it states that once Monster Cards get to 1900 ATK, to go further, to 2000 and beyond, negative effects had to apply to the monster to limit the card.
Two exceptions to this rule are "Gene-Warped Warwolf" and "Alexandrite Dragon". These cards essentially removed the existing usefulness of other 2000 ATK cards with negative effects (like "Panther Warrior") when they were released.
Over 1900 ATK Level 4 Monster Cards
There are many Level 4 cards beyond 2000 ATK points. However, they have negative side effects to counterbalance their massive (for their Level) power. Some examples include "Zombyra the Dark" (2100 ATK) "Giant Orc" (2200 ATK), "Goblin Attack Force" (2300 ATK), "Chainsaw Insect" (2400 ATK) and "Giant Kozaky" (2500 ATK). There are currently 0 Level 4 or less monsters with more than 1900 ATK, which makes them very common. This makes devastating effects, if you "lift" restrictions when you usually summon it with effects negated.
Level 4 and lower TCG/OCG Cards with more than 1900 ATK
Rule of 2300 DEF
Similar to the "Rule of 2000 ATK", the "Rule of 2300 DEF" states that, for Monster Cards to go beyond 2200 DEF, special conditions have to apply to limit the card's usefulness. The original limit was 2000, but since many Level 4 or lower Monster Cards have DEF equal to or higher than 2000, it makes a "Rule of 2000 DEF" rather meaningless. Some even have positive effects like "Gear Golem the Moving Fortress" or "Gladiator Beast Hoplomus". 0 monsters have 2200 DEF, making them somewhat uncommon, while there are 0 2100 DEF monsters.
Over 2200 DEF Level 4 Monster Cards
Only 5 Level 4 cards have over 2200 DEF. They are "Giant Kozaky" (2400 DEF), "Meklord Emperor Wisel" (2500 DEF) "Big Shield Gardna" (2600 DEF), "Destiny HERO - Defender" (2700 DEF) and "Super Crashbug", with the incredibly high DEF of 3000, which, by its own effect, becomes 3000 ATK. They all have negative effects, such as increasing your opponent's hand advantage, switching to Attack Position (in addition to having extremely weak ATK), only being able to exist on the field while an extremely weak monster exists as well, or being difficult to Summon.
