Hey there, fellow planeswalkers! If you're as crazy about Magic: The Gathering (MTG) as I am, you know that this game is more than just a hobby—it's a way of life. Whether you're a seasoned mage or a newbie just getting your first deck, the world of MTG is vast and filled with different formats that keep the game fresh and exciting. Today, I'm super pumped to dive into the various formats of Magic: The Gathering and break down what's allowed in each one and how long they've been around. Let's go!
TLDR:
Preconstructed formats (bring your own deck!)
- Standard
- 60+ cards, all main sets from the last 3 years - Modern
- 60+ cards, all main sets from 8th edition onwards - Pioneer
- 60+ cards, all main sets from Return to Ravnica onwards - Legacy
- 60+ cards, all cards with a banlist - Vintage
- 60+ cards, all cards with a smaller banlist - Commander - 100 cards, all cards with a banlist, max 1 of each card other than basic lands
Limited formats (build a deck on the spot!)
- Draft - 40+ cards, draft 1 card at a time from 3 booster packs and rotate remaining cards to players next to you
- Sealed - 40+ cards, build a 40 card deck out of 6 unopened booster packs
Now let’s dive deeper into each format:
### Standard
First up is **Standard**, the format that's always buzzing with the latest and greatest cards. Standard includes the most recent sets from the past couple of years, typically about eight sets at a time. This rotation keeps the meta fresh and exciting. Standard has been around since the dawn of Magic, with its roots tracing back to the early days of the game. It's the go-to format for most Friday Night Magic (FNM) events, and it's perfect for players who love staying on top of the newest strategies and decks.
### Modern
Next, we've got **Modern**, a format that opened up in 2011. Modern includes all the sets from Eighth Edition onward, which means there’s a huge card pool to explore! This format is perfect for those who love brewing creative decks and discovering powerful synergies. With such a vast array of cards, Modern games can be incredibly diverse, with a deck for every play style imaginable. Whether you’re into control, aggro, combo, or something in between, Modern has something for you.
### Pioneer
Pioneer is like Modern's younger sibling, introduced in 2019. This format includes sets from Return to Ravnica onward, giving players a more recent but still extensive card pool. Pioneer is fantastic for those who find Standard a bit too restrictive but feel overwhelmed by the sheer breadth of Modern. The format encourages innovative deck-building and is perfect for players looking to explore newer strategies without the complexity of older cards.
### Legacy
For those who love diving deep into Magic's history, **Legacy** is where it's at. Legacy includes almost every card ever printed in MTG, except for those on the reserved list and a few banned cards. This format has been officially supported since the mid-2000s, but its roots go back much further. Legacy games are known for their high power level and complex interactions, making it a favorite among veteran players who enjoy mastering intricate strategies and wielding the most iconic cards in Magic's history.
### Vintage
Now, let's talk about **Vintage**, the ultimate format for Magic purists. Vintage allows almost every card ever printed, including the legendary Power Nine. However, some cards are restricted to one per deck to keep the game balanced. Vintage has been around since the early days of Magic, and it’s the format where you’ll see the most powerful plays and combos. If you love the idea of playing with Magic's most iconic and powerful cards, Vintage is the format for you.
### Commander
Last but definitely not least is **Commander**, also known as EDH (Elder Dragon Highlander). This format is all about fun, creativity, and multiplayer mayhem. Commander decks are 100-card singleton decks led by a legendary creature (your commander). This format has exploded in popularity since it was officially supported by Wizards of the Coast in 2011, though it existed as a fan-created format long before that. Commander is perfect for those who love long, interactive games with lots of players and epic, unforgettable moments.
### Draft and Sealed
Alright, let’s talk about the **Limited** formats: Draft and Sealed. These formats are a blast because they level the playing field and test your skills in a unique way.
**Draft** is where you and a group of friends (usually eight people) open booster packs, pick one card at a time, and pass the remaining cards around. This process continues until all the cards are picked, and then you build a 40-card deck from your pool. Draft has been an integral part of Magic since the game’s early days, and it’s perfect for those who love quick thinking and on-the-fly strategy adjustments.
**Sealed** is another awesome limited format. Here, you open six booster packs and build a 40-card deck from those cards. Sealed is fantastic for players who enjoy the thrill of opening packs and finding hidden gems. This format has also been around since the early days of Magic and is often used in pre-release events to give players a sneak peek at new sets.
### Conclusion
There you have it, a whirlwind tour of Magic: The Gathering's most popular formats! Each one offers a unique way to enjoy this incredible game, whether you're into the latest cards in Standard, the diverse decks of Modern and Pioneer, the deep history of Legacy and Vintage, or the chaotic fun of Commander. And don’t forget the intense, skill-testing Limited formats of Draft and Sealed! No matter which format you choose, Magic: The Gathering is sure to offer endless excitement and opportunities for strategic mastery. So grab your deck, shuffle up, and let’s play some Magic!