How Do You Tell If a Card is Legal in Modern?
In the world of Magic: The Gathering, understanding what cards are legal in which formats can be overwhelming, especially for new players. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to determine if a card is legal in the Modern format.
What is Modern?
Before we dive into the legality of cards, it’s essential to understand what Modern is. Modern is a competitive format in Magic: The Gathering that was introduced in 2011. It is an eternal format, meaning that it is not rotated, and all sets are legal to play. Modern is a popular format among players, and its legality is governed by Wizards of the Coast, the creators of Magic: The Gathering.
How to Determine if a Card is Legal in Modern
To determine if a card is legal in Modern, follow these steps:
- Check the Card’s Set: Modern allows cards from Eighth Edition and later sets. This means that cards from sets like Classic Sixth Edition, Urza’s Saga, and Invasion are not legal in Modern.
- Look for the Holo-Foil Stamp: Holo-foil stamps are a key indicator of Modern legality. Cards that have a holo-foil stamp on the bottom right corner are legal in Modern. Cards without the holo-foil stamp may not be legal.
- Check the Card’s Rarity: Modern allows cards of all rarities, including common, uncommon, rare, mythic rare, and promotional cards.
- Verify the Card’s Legal Status: Check the Magic: The Gathering website, official forums, or tournament reports to verify the card’s legal status. Some cards may be banned or restricted in Modern, even if they meet the above criteria.
What Sets are Legal in Modern?
Here is a list of sets that are legal in Modern:
- Eighth Edition and later sets
- Modern Horizons
- Modern Horizons 2
What Sets are Not Legal in Modern?
Here is a list of sets that are not legal in Modern:
- Classic Sixth Edition and earlier sets
- Sets from the Urza’s block (Urza’s Saga, Urza’s Legacy, and Urza’s Destiny)
- Sets from the Invasion block (Invasion, Planeshift, and Apocalypse)
Banned and Restricted Cards in Modern
Some cards are banned or restricted in Modern due to their power level or ability to disrupt the game. These cards are not legal for play in Modern tournaments or events. Here is a list of some banned and restricted cards in Modern:
- Banned: Skullclamp, Golgari Grave-Troll, and others
- Restricted: Cards like Jace, the Mind Sculptor and Stoneforge Mystic are restricted to one copy per deck
Conclusion
Determining if a card is legal in Modern requires a combination of understanding the format’s rules and checking the card’s set, rarity, and legal status. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your deck is legal for play in Modern tournaments and events. Remember to always check the Magic: The Gathering website or official forums for the latest information on card legality and banned lists.
Additional Resources
- Magic: The Gathering Official Website: www.mtggoldfish.com
- Magic: The Gathering Official Forums: www.mtgsalvation.com
- Modern Format Overview: www.wizards.com/magic/magazine/article/modern-format-overview
Card Legality Table
Here is a table summarizing the legality of cards in Modern:
| Set | Rarity | Legal in Modern? |
|---|---|---|
| Eighth Edition and later | Common, Uncommon, Rare, Mythic Rare | Yes |
| Classic Sixth Edition and earlier | Common, Uncommon, Rare, Mythic Rare | No |
| Modern Horizons | Common, Uncommon, Rare, Mythic Rare | Yes |
| Modern Horizons 2 | Common, Uncommon, Rare, Mythic Rare | Yes |
Note: This table is not exhaustive, and there may be other sets or cards that are legal or not legal in Modern. Always check the Magic: The Gathering website or official forums for the latest information.
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