Why are some MTG cards not legal?

Some Magic: The Gathering (MTG) cards are not legal due to various reasons, including being banned or restricted in certain formats, such as Standard, Modern, or Vintage, because they heavily skew the play environment or enable overpowered deck builds. The legality of a card is determined by its printings, reprintings, and rulings from the game’s governing body, which aims to maintain a balanced and fun gameplay experience for all players.

Understanding Card Legality

Banned and Restricted Cards

Cards can be banned or restricted in specific formats due to their potential to create an unbalanced gameplay environment. Banned cards are completely prohibited from play in certain formats, while restricted cards are limited to a single copy per deck, as seen in the Vintage format.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does “not legal” mean in MTG?: A card marked as “not legal” in a format is excluded because the format does not permit any sets that the card was printed in.
2. What is the difference between banned and not legal MTG cards?: Banned cards are on the ban list, while cards that aren’t legal aren’t printed in a standard legal set.
3. What does it mean if a card is restricted in MTG?: Restricted cards can be played but are restricted to only one copy in the deck, with the Vintage format being the only one to use a restricted list.
4. How do I know if my MTG card is legal?: The best way to tell is by checking the holo-foil at the bottom of the card or looking up the card’s printings and rulings.
5. How do I know if my card is modern legal?: If a card was originally printed before Eighth Edition and then later reprinted in or after Eighth Edition, it is legal to be played in Modern.
6. What MTG cards were banned in Standard?: Cards like The Meathook Massacre, Fable of the Mirror-Breaker, Invoke Despair, and Reckoner Bankbuster are banned in Standard.
7. Are any cards banned in Vintage MTG?: Yes, cards that reference ante or have a Conspiracy card type are banned in Vintage tournaments.
8. Why is Falling Star banned?: Falling Star was banned due to dexterity reasons, as flipping the card could put players at a disadvantage.
9. Why is Flash banned in Commander?: Flash was banned in Commander due to its potential to create overpowered combos, such as Flash Hulk decks.
10. Are 30th edition MTG cards legal?: No, 30th Anniversary Edition cards have a different card back and are not legal in any sanctioned Magic event.
11. Why are Mox cards banned in MTG?: Mox cards are banned due to their ability to provide unbalanced and extremely powerful mana acceleration.
12. What are forbidden cards?: Forbidden cards cannot be used in your Main Deck, Extra Deck, or Side Deck, and are typically limited to a single copy.
13. Can MTG cards be fake?: Yes, fake MTG cards can be identified by their opacity or uneven light cone when held up to light.
14. Are D&D MTG cards legal?: Dungeon cards are legal in Commander, but are used differently than regular cards, with the venture mechanic working similarly to other formats.
15. What is Rule 0 in MTG?: Rule 0 allows players to make exceptions to the official rules with the approval of all other players involved, similar to house rules.