Is MOM Aftermath Standard Legal? A Deep Dive into MTG’s Micro-Set
The question on many Magic: The Gathering players’ minds is a simple one: Is March of the Machine: The Aftermath (MOM Aftermath) legal in Standard? The direct answer is yes, absolutely. MOM Aftermath cards bearing the MAT set code are fully permitted in the Standard format, as well as Pioneer, Modern, Commander, and other formats where the cards’ original sets would be legal. This means you can incorporate those newly released cards into your Standard decks right now.
Understanding MOM Aftermath: More Than Just an Expansion
MOM Aftermath isn’t your typical Magic set. While it might have been released around the same time as a regular expansion, it’s considered a micro-set, containing only 50 cards. It acts as an epilogue to the grand storyline of the Phyrexian invasion, concluding the events of March of the Machine. This epilogue format gives the set a unique purpose: tying up loose ends and setting the stage for the next chapter in the Magic storyline, starting with Wilds of Eldraine.
Unlike regular expansions, Aftermath was conceived as a smaller, more focused release. It doesn’t introduce any new mechanics but focuses on the narrative implications and the state of the multiverse following the intense Phyrexian conflict. This has led to a mixed reception from players, with some finding the set intriguing while others consider it less compelling due to its limited size and lack of innovation.
The Role of Set Codes
A key piece of information to ascertain a card’s legality is its set code. In the case of MOM Aftermath, the relevant code is MAT. Cards bearing this code are what determine a card’s inclusion in Standard (and other formats). Make sure to always check the set code on the bottom of the card before trying to include it into your deck to verify its legality.
Standard Legal Sets: A Current Overview
To further clarify where MOM Aftermath sits in the current Standard landscape, let’s review the other sets that are currently legal in the format. As per the official Magic website, the following sets are included in Standard:
- March of the Machine: The Aftermath
- March of the Machine
- Phyrexia: All Will Be One
- The Brothers’ War
- Dominaria United
- Streets of New Capenna
- Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty
- Innistrad: Crimson Vow
This list is a crucial reference for building Standard decks, ensuring that your deck only contains cards from the permissible sets. Keep in mind that Standard rotates sets out of the format periodically to keep the card pool fresh and dynamic.
The Standard Rotation and Future Changes
The Standard format is not static; older sets will rotate out to maintain a healthy meta-game. The next rotation is scheduled for the Fall of 2024. This rotation will remove some of the older sets, specifically: Innistrad: Midnight Hunt, Innistrad: Crimson Vow, Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty, and Streets of New Capenna. Understanding when and what will rotate out is essential for deck-building strategies and long-term planning. It’s crucial to stay informed about these changes to make well-informed decisions on your collection and deck choices.
Frequently Asked Questions About MOM Aftermath & Standard
Here are some FAQs to further explore the topic of MOM Aftermath and its place in the broader world of MTG, particularly in Standard:
1. What is the main difference between March of the Machine and March of the Machine: The Aftermath?
March of the Machine was the main set that concluded the Phyrexian storyline, while March of the Machine: The Aftermath serves as a smaller epilogue to that event, tying up narrative loose ends. The latter focuses on the aftermath of the war and is considerably smaller with only 50 cards, compared to the typical expansion size.
2. How many cards are in MOM Aftermath?
The set is a micro-set containing a total of 50 cards. This makes it significantly smaller than the typical Magic expansion.
3. What is in a MOM Aftermath Collector Booster?
A Collector Booster of MOM Aftermath includes 6 Magic: The Gathering cards and 1 Traditional Foil double-sided token. Among these cards, 4 will be of Rare or higher rarity, and 2 will be Uncommon cards.
4. Does MOM Aftermath have serialized cards?
No, there are no serialized cards included in March of the Machine: The Aftermath.
5. What are the currently banned cards in Standard?
The current list of banned cards in Standard includes: The Meathook Massacre, Fable of the Mirror-Breaker, Invoke Despair, and Reckoner Bankbuster.
6. Is it true that Planeswalkers are losing their sparks?
Yes, the multiverse is experiencing an event called The Great Pruning which is causing most planeswalker sparks to vanish due to the strain caused by the Phyrexian invasion.
7. Did Nissa lose her spark?
Yes, Nissa’s spark faded as part of The Great Pruning, despite efforts to heal her following her exposure to Phyrexian metal.
8. Are the cards from the Warhammer 40,000 Commander Decks legal in Standard?
No, the Warhammer 40,000 Commander Decks cards are not legal in Standard. They are legal in the Commander, Vintage, and Legacy formats only.
9. What is the value of MOM Aftermath cards?
The reception to MOM Aftermath has been somewhat lukewarm, with many players finding it not as exciting to open compared to typical sets. The overall market value of the cards will vary based on their rarity and utility in the game, however due to the perception that the set is undesirable, the value is lower than other sets.
10. What is the “75% rule” in MTG?
The 75% rule refers to building a Commander (EDH) deck that is designed to be optimized but purposely avoiding the perfect, 100% flawless game. It often emphasizes fun and budget considerations over complete competitive efficiency.
11. Is there a difference between a “Multiverse Legend” card and a standard card?
Multiverse Legend cards can appear in March of the Machine Draft, Set, and Collector Boosters. However, these cards are not considered part of the Standard environment. They are legal in formats where they already exist and in Historic.
12. Are old MTG cards banned?
Some older cards are banned in various formats, such as Vintage. There’s a specific list of banned and restricted cards for formats like Vintage that restricts some powerful cards from gameplay, often due to their game-breaking potential.
13. Why is Lutri the Spellchaser banned in Commander?
Lutri, the Spellchaser is banned in Commander due to its companion ability, where the requirement is too easy for blue-red decks to meet, leading to unfair advantages.
14. What is the “most toxic” card in MTG?
The perception of a “most toxic” card varies, but a list of problematic cards includes Venser, Corpse Puppet and Necrogen Rotpriest, primarily because of their ability to create frustrating and overpowering gameplay experiences.
15. Are The Lord of the Rings MTG cards legal in Modern?
Yes, cards from the The Lord of the Rings crossover set are legal in the Modern format.
Conclusion
MOM Aftermath is indeed Standard legal. It’s an important set to understand as it concludes a major storyline while being significantly different than a usual Magic expansion. Whether it will be a significant player in the Standard meta is another question, but its MAT set-coded cards can definitely be included into your Standard decks. By keeping abreast of set rotations, banned cards, and the unique aspects of sets like MOM Aftermath, players can better enjoy and engage with Magic: The Gathering’s dynamic and ever-evolving gameplay.