What is the magic reserved list?

What is the Magic Reserved List?

The Magic Reserved List is a list of older Magic: The Gathering cards that Wizards of the Coast, the creators of Magic, have promised never to reprint in a tournament playable form. This list serves as a way to ensure that the value of older cards is preserved, which is crucial for the gaming community.

History of the Reserved List

In 1996, Wizards of the Coast published their Reprint Policy, featuring the Reserved List, on March 4th. This policy aimed to reduce the impact of reprinted cards on the secondary market, where players buy and sell cards. The main goal was to prevent "price collapse" and create a stable market for Vintage and other older formats. Over the years, there have been two revisions, in 2002 and 2010, further refining the list.

How Does the Reserved List Work?

The Reserved List is a comprehensive list, including commons, uncommons, rares, and mythic rares, from Magic’s 27-year history. These cards, regardless of their rarity or power level, are ineligible for reprinting in an official Magic set. On the other hand, a card can be re-released in a non-Tournament-legal format or in a special edition release, such as a compilation set.

What Is the Impact of the Reserved List?

The existence of the Reserved List leads to a few significant implications:

• Card Rarification: The rarest cards, which tend to be the most desirable, become even more uncommon, increasing their value to collectors and players.
• Increased Demand: Collectors and players seek after these cards, driving demand and prices up.
• Price Stabilization: The lack of competition from reprinted cards on the secondary market helps preserve the value of older, rare cards.
• Nostalgia: The Reserved List creates an allure for older cards, fostering a sense of connection to the game’s heritage and nostalgia.

Types of Cards on the Reserved List

The Reserved List includes:

• Cult Favorites: Cards loved by the community, though not necessarily powerful or versatile.
• Power Players: Cards with significant mana acceleration, card draw, or removal capabilities.
• Legacy Staples: Cards indispensable in older formats, Vintage, and Legacy.
• Artifacts and Edicts: Cards with notable artwork or unique mechanics that make them stand out.
• Uncommon Goodness: Cards that possess significant utility, even beyond their rarity.

Success Stories: Demonic Tutor and Sliver Queen

In 2002, Demon Tutor was removed from the Reserved List, and now it’s a staple card in Commander and other non-Tournament-legal formats. Similarly, Sliver Queen, a highly collectible and powerful card, cannot be reprinted due to its position on the Reserve List.

Conclusion: The Magic Reserved List