The Ultimate Guide to Magic: The Gathering Formats
Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is a game of endless possibilities, thanks to its diverse range of formats. Each format has its own rules and appeal, catering to different types of players. Whether you're a competitive strategist, a casual socializer, or a creative deck builder, there's a format for you. Let’s dive into the specifics of each format, explain how they’re played, and help you find your niche!
1. Commander (EDH)
Rules:
Commander is a multiplayer format built around a legendary creature, known as your Commander. Your deck is 100 cards, and each card (except basic lands) must be unique. Your Commander sits in a special "command zone," and you can cast it repeatedly as long as you can pay its increasing mana cost. Players start with 40 life instead of the usual 20, and games are often free-for-all, though team variants exist.
Who It's For:
This format is perfect for players who love creative deck-building, storytelling, and social interaction. If you enjoy brewing unique decks with obscure cards or playing political games at the table, Commander is for you. It’s also great for casual players looking to spend quality time with friends.
2. Standard
Rules:
Standard is a constructed format that uses cards from the latest MTG sets— currently sets from the past three years are in standard, but you can check this website to be sure. Decks must have at least 60 cards, and you can include up to 15 cards in a sideboard for best-of-three matches. Duplicate cards are limited to four copies per deck. Standard evolves constantly, with new sets shaking up the meta.
Who It’s For:
If you like staying up-to-date with the latest MTG releases or testing your skills in competitive play, Standard is ideal. It’s great for newer players since the smaller card pool makes it easier to get started.
3. Modern
Rules:
Modern features a vast card pool in a nonrotating format (you can see a full list of the sets included in Modern here). Decks follow the same 60-card minimum and 4-copies-per-card rule as Standard, but with a broader range of strategies and combos. Modern’s banlist keeps the format balanced and ensures games remain fair.
Who It’s For:
Modern appeals to seasoned players who enjoy optimizing powerful decks or mastering intricate strategies. If you’re a fan of long-term investment and decks with consistent gameplay, Modern offers depth, variety, and plenty of competitive opportunities.
4. Pioneer
Rules:
Pioneer is similar to Modern but uses a smaller card pool, starting with Return to Ravnica (2012). It provides a middle ground between Standard’s tight rotation and Modern’s vast history. Decks require a 60-card minimum, and Pioneer also has a unique banlist.
Who It’s For:
This format suits players who hate Standard rotation but find Modern overwhelming. Pioneer is beginner-friendly for those transitioning to larger formats while still offering competitive depth for veterans.
5. Booster Draft
Rules:
In Booster Draft, players open booster packs and draft cards one by one, passing the remaining cards to the next player. After drafting three packs, you build a 40-card deck (including lands). Games are usually played in pods of eight players, with Swiss-style pairings for multiple rounds.
Who It’s For:
Draft is perfect for players who enjoy on-the-fly decision-making and evaluating cards quickly. It’s also a great way to experience new sets or test your skills in limited card pools. Fans of variety and creativity will love it, and you can play this format without ever having to purchase a single card.
6. Sealed Deck
Rules:
Sealed Deck uses six unopened booster packs. You open all packs and build a 40-card deck from the contents. Like Draft, Sealed is a Limited format, but there’s no drafting process—just you, your packs, and your imagination.
Who It’s For:
This format is great for casual and competitive players who want a level playing field. It’s the format for prerelease events, where you can experience new cards before they hit Standard. If you love problem-solving and improvisation, Sealed is for you. This version of limited format is especially good for new players compared to draft because you do not need to know which cards are best without asking for help.
7. Oathbreaker
Rules:
Oathbreaker is a multiplayer singleton format similar to Commander. Instead of a legendary creature, you choose a Planeswalker as your Oathbreaker and pair it with a Signature Spell (an instant or sorcery). Both must align with your deck’s colors, and decks are 60 cards. Players start with 20 life, and games are faster-paced than Commander.
Who It’s For:
Oathbreaker is a dream come true for fans of Planeswalkers or players looking for a shorter, more action-packed version of Commander. It’s great for casual groups and players who enjoy flavor-driven decks.
8. Legacy and Vintage
Rules:
Legacy and Vintage use nearly all cards in MTG history, with Vintage allowing some restricted (one copy per deck) cards. Both formats have curated banlists to maintain balance. Legacy decks are typically 60 cards, with a 15-card sideboard, and games often revolve around powerful cards and fast combos.
Who It’s For:
These formats cater to collectors and hardcore players who want to use the most iconic cards in Magic. Legacy and Vintage are for those who appreciate the game’s rich history and are willing to invest in rare, high-value cards.
9. Pauper
Rules:
Pauper is a budget-friendly constructed format where decks consist only of cards printed at the common rarity. It follows the same 60-card minimum and 4-copies-per-card rule.
Who It’s For:
Pauper is perfect for players who want competitive gameplay without breaking the bank. It’s a fantastic way to explore MTG’s mechanics and strategies with affordable decks.
10. Two-Headed Giant
Rules:
Two-Headed Giant is a multiplayer format where two players team up to face another duo. Teams share a 30-life total and take turns simultaneously. Most formats, like Sealed or Standard, can be played as Two-Headed Giant.
Who It’s For:
This is for players who enjoy teamwork and synergy. If you like strategizing with a partner or playing casually with friends, Two-Headed Giant is a fun, social experience.
Finding Your Perfect Format
MTG’s formats offer something for everyone. Casual players might prefer Commander or Sealed Deck, while competitive players might gravitate toward Standard or Modern. Social gamers will enjoy Two-Headed Giant or Oathbreaker, and budget-conscious players can dive into Pauper.
No matter your style, exploring different formats can deepen your appreciation for Magic: The Gathering. Visit ala Tompkins TCG for events, advice, or to try out your favorite format in a welcoming, inclusive space!