Is Aftermath Pioneer Legal? A Comprehensive Guide
The short and definitive answer is yes, the March of the Machine: The Aftermath set is legal in Pioneer. This mini-set, though smaller than a typical Magic: The Gathering expansion, is fully integrated into the Pioneer format, meaning you can use its cards in your Pioneer decks. This article dives deeper into the specifics of Aftermath‘s legality, addressing common questions and providing valuable insights for players.
Understanding Aftermath’s Place in the Pioneer Format
March of the Machine: The Aftermath was designed as a unique follow-up to the main March of the Machine set. Unlike traditional sets, it’s a micro-set containing only 50 cards. It wasn’t intended for Limited play, but it still holds significance because it is Standard-legal. Because Pioneer is an eternal format that includes all premiere sets that were Standard legal from Return to Ravnica onward, this means that Aftermath cards are legal for Pioneer play. This distinction is crucial because it distinguishes Aftermath from supplementary sets like Modern Horizons or Universes Beyond, which are not considered premier sets.
The key takeaway here is that if a set was designed for Standard play, its cards are almost always legal in Pioneer, provided they aren’t on the Pioneer ban list. Aftermath falls squarely into this category.
Pioneer Legality: A Quick Review
Before proceeding further, it’s crucial to understand how Pioneer legality works. Pioneer includes cards from premiere sets released from Return to Ravnica in 2012 onward. This means that any set that was part of the Standard rotation starting from Return to Ravnica is considered legal in Pioneer, excluding any cards that are specifically banned in the format.
This is why sets like Modern Horizons and Jumpstart, while containing exciting cards, are not Pioneer legal, because they were never part of the standard rotation. Understanding this fundamental principle is critical when evaluating the legality of any card in Pioneer.
Key Considerations Regarding Aftermath
Although Aftermath is legal in Pioneer, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Small Set Size: The limited number of cards in Aftermath means that not every color or archetype receives significant support. Players will need to examine the set’s offerings and evaluate how they can synergize with existing Pioneer decks.
- Impact on the Metagame: While Aftermath may not have the same immediate impact as a larger set, its cards still have the potential to shift the Pioneer metagame. Players should pay close attention to how they perform in initial playtesting.
- No Limited Play: Unlike other premier sets, Aftermath was not designed for Limited formats like Draft or Sealed. Its primary impact is in Constructed formats like Standard and Pioneer.
Is Aftermath impactful?
While it may not have the same impact as a major release, the Aftermath set is still relevant in Pioneer. Some cards might find their way into already existing decks, either as new strategies or as stronger card options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Aftermath and Pioneer
To further clarify the nuances of Aftermath’s legality and address common concerns, here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Are all cards from March of the Machine: The Aftermath legal in Pioneer?
Yes, all cards from March of the Machine: The Aftermath are legal in Pioneer, provided they are not on the Pioneer banned list.
2. Is Aftermath a “premiere set”?
Yes, Aftermath is considered a premiere set, making it legal in Pioneer. It was designed to be part of the Standard rotation, solidifying its place.
3. Why are Modern Horizons cards not legal in Pioneer?
Modern Horizons sets are not considered “premiere sets” as they were not part of Standard. This is why they are not legal in Pioneer.
4. What is the oldest legal set in Pioneer?
The oldest legal set in Pioneer is Return to Ravnica, which was released in 2012.
5. If a card is banned in Standard, is it automatically banned in Pioneer?
No, cards banned in Standard are not automatically banned in Pioneer. Both formats have their own distinct ban lists.
6. Does the Aftermath set have a ban list?
No, Aftermath doesn’t have its own specific ban list. It uses the general Pioneer ban list.
7. Can I use Aftermath cards in Commander?
Yes, cards from Aftermath are legal in Commander. This is because Commander is a format that includes all legal Magic the Gathering cards.
8. Is the Lord of the Rings set legal in Pioneer?
The main set Tales of Middle-earth is legal in Modern but is not Pioneer legal. However, the Commander pre-constructed decks from that set are legal in Legacy, Vintage, Pauper, and Commander but are not legal in Standard or Pioneer.
9. What cards are currently banned in Pioneer?
As of October 2023, the banned cards in Pioneer include: Balustrade Spy, Bloodstained Mire, and Expressive Iteration. Always check the most recent ban list, as it may change.
10. Is The One Ring legal in Pioneer?
Yes, The One Ring (from the main set of Tales of Middle-earth) is legal in Modern but is not Pioneer legal, however its alternative version from the Lord of the Rings Commander decks is legal for Legacy, Vintage, Pauper, and Commander.
11. Is M14 legal in Pioneer?
No, M14 (Magic 2014 Core Set) is not legal in Pioneer. Only premiere sets released after Return to Ravnica are legal in the format.
12. Is Lightning Bolt legal in Pioneer?
No, Lightning Bolt is not legal in Pioneer because it has not been printed in any Standard set since Return to Ravnica.
13. Is Dark Ritual legal in Pioneer?
No, Dark Ritual is not legal in Pioneer, as it has not been printed in a Standard-legal set since Return to Ravnica.
14. Is it possible to find an Aftermath card in a March of the Machine booster pack?
No. Aftermath cards come in their own specific booster packs, not in the main March of the Machine packs.
15. Do Pioneer Challenger decks include cards legal in the format?
Yes, Pioneer Challenger Decks are all Pioneer-legal and designed to be a competitive starting point for playing the format.
Conclusion
In summary, yes, March of the Machine: The Aftermath is fully legal in Pioneer. Understanding the nuances of which sets are included in this popular format, while regularly checking the current ban lists, is important for any Pioneer player. While the set may be smaller, its cards offer fresh opportunities for deck building and meta-shifting strategies within the Pioneer format. By staying informed, you can ensure your decks are both compliant and competitive. This is key to enjoying the diverse and dynamic landscape of Pioneer.