What is the difference between Standard and Modern?

Standard uses only cards from the most recent sets (roughly the last 2-3 years) and rotates annually, keeping the format fresh and accessible. Modern is a non-rotating format that includes cards from 8th Edition (2003) onward, offering a much larger card pool with more powerful strategies. Standard is cheaper to enter but requires updating your deck with rotations, while Modern decks are more expensive but last longer.

Which MTG format is the most popular?

Commander (EDH) is the most popular format overall, especially for casual play. It's a 100-card singleton format played in multiplayer games of 3-4 players, which creates a social, political gameplay experience. For competitive play, Standard and Modern are the most popular at tournaments and local game store events.

What is a rotating format?

A rotating format periodically removes older sets from its legal card pool. Standard is the primary rotating format — each year, the oldest sets rotate out when new sets are released. This keeps the format fresh and prevents it from being dominated by the same powerful cards forever. Non-rotating formats like Modern, Legacy, and Commander never remove sets, so once a card is legal it stays legal (unless banned).

Format Guide

MTG Formats Explained

Magic has many ways to play. Understanding formats helps you find the right way to enjoy the game and build decks that are legal to play.

What Are Formats?

Formats are different ways to play Magic, each with its own rules about which cards are legal and how decks are constructed. Some formats use only recent cards, while others allow nearly everything ever printed.

Choosing a format depends on your budget, the cards you own, and how you like to play. Casual kitchen-table Magic is always an option too!

Popular Formats

Popular

Standard

60 cards • Up to 4 copies

Uses the most recent sets (currently including Lorwyn Eclipsed, Foundations, Aetherdrift, and more). Rotates yearly, keeping the format fresh and accessible.

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Popular

Modern

60 cards • Up to 4 copies

Non-rotating format with cards from 8th Edition onward. Powerful and diverse.

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Popular

Commander/EDH

100 cards • Singleton

Singleton format with a legendary creature as your commander. Most popular casual format.

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Pioneer

60 cards • Up to 4 copies

Non-rotating format starting from Return to Ravnica. Middle ground between Standard and Modern.

Legacy

60 cards • Up to 4 copies

Uses almost all cards ever printed. Powerful but expensive due to Reserved List cards.

Pauper

60 cards • Up to 4 copies

Only common cards allowed. Budget-friendly with surprising depth.

Which Format Should You Play?

New to Magic?

Start with Standard. The smaller card pool makes it easier to learn, and starter decks are readily available.

Playing with Friends?

Commander is perfect for casual multiplayer games. It's social, varied, and you can use almost any cards you own.

Want Competitive Play?

Modern or Pioneer offer deep gameplay without rotation. Your deck stays legal forever.

On a Budget?

Pauper uses only common cards, making it very affordable while still offering competitive gameplay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Build for Any Format

Our deck builder supports all major formats. Upload your collection and we'll suggest decks legal in your preferred format.