How to Ask an LGS About MTG Proxies (with Copy-Paste Scripts)

TLDR

Most proxy drama is avoidable if you ask before you show up with 100 “test cards” and a confident smile.
First question: Is the event sanctioned? If yes, assume no proxies (except rare judge-issued situations).
If it’s casual or unsanctioned, ask about limits, readability, and prize support.
Use the scripts below so you don’t sound like you’re filing an insurance claim.

You’re about to do the most powerful social play in Magic: The Gathering: how to ask an LGS about MTG proxies without making it weird.

Because here’s the truth. Local game stores do not wake up excited to adjudicate The Great Proxy Debate. They just want a smooth night, happy regulars, and nobody yelling “AKSHUALLY” at the counter.

So let’s make this easy.

Why stores care (and why you should too)

Stores have three different “modes,” and proxy acceptance changes a lot depending on which one you’re walking into:

Sanctioned events (reported to Wizards, using official tournament rules)
Unsanctioned in-store events (casual Commander nights, leagues run “in-house”)
Open play (tables are free, the store is just hosting humans)

If you only remember one thing: sanctioned play is the no-proxy zone in almost all cases, because sanctioned events require authentic cards under official policy, with very limited judge-issued proxy exceptions for damage during the event.

Everything else is store policy and community norms. And those vary. A lot.

The 30-second checklist before you ask

Do this first so your question is easy to answer.

What are you playing? Commander pickup games, a league, Modern, cube, etc.
How many proxies? “A few test slots” lands differently than “my entire mana base is imaginary.”
What kind of proxies? Readable, sleeved, consistent backs, clearly not authentic.
Are prizes involved? Prize support changes everything.
Are you willing to pivot? Have a backup deck, or be ready to play a different table.

Now you’re ready to ask like a normal person.

How to ask an LGS about MTG proxies in 60 seconds

Start with this exact structure:

Name the event / night
Ask if it’s sanctioned
Ask the proxy rule
Offer an easy out

Here’s the spoken version:

“Hey, quick question. For Commander night, is this event sanctioned or just casual?
If it’s casual, are proxies okay? I’ve got a few for playtesting, they’re sleeved and clearly not real cards.
If it’s a no, totally fine. I’ll bring a different deck.”

That’s it. Short, respectful, and it gives them a clean “no” without a debate.

Copy-paste scripts (text, DM, email)

Use these as-is. Adjust the specifics. Do not add a six-paragraph manifesto about accessibility. Save that for Reddit.

Script 1: Quick DM for Commander night

Hi! Quick question about your Commander night. Is it sanctioned or casual?
If it’s casual, are MTG proxies allowed for playtesting? Mine are sleeved, readable, and clearly not authentic cards.
If proxies aren’t allowed, no worries. I’ll bring a different deck.

Script 2: Asking about an event with prizes

Hi! I’m planning to come in for [event name]. Is it sanctioned?
If it’s not sanctioned, do you allow proxies, and is there a limit (for example 5–10 cards, or no full-proxy decks)?
Happy to follow whatever rules you use, I just want to confirm before I show up.

Script 3: Modern / competitive night (keep it simple)

Hey! For [Modern night / event name], is this event sanctioned?
If it is, I’ll assume proxies aren’t allowed. If it isn’t, what’s your proxy policy?

Script 4: If you want to propose a proxy-friendly night

Hi! Would you ever consider a proxy-friendly casual Commander night (unsanctioned)?
I think it could bring in extra players who are testing decks. Totally fine if that’s not a fit.
If you’re open to it, I can help spread the word and we can follow whatever guidelines you prefer (readable proxies, no confusion with real cards, etc.).

The questions that prevent awkward surprises

Once they say “maybe” or “sometimes,” ask one of these. You’re not interrogating them. You’re preventing the classic mid-game argument where someone discovers your “Gaea’s Cradle” is a printer enthusiast.

Ask these in order

Is this night sanctioned? (This determines the whole answer.)
Are proxies allowed at your tables? (Some stores allow them only for certain pods.)
Do you have a proxy limit? (Some stores allow 5–10, others allow full decks, others say none.)
Do you require readable proxies? (You want this to be “yes.”)
Do prizes change the rule? (Often yes.)
Any preference on proxy backs or markings? (Some stores want “PLAYTEST” style clarity.)

A phrase that makes you sound trustworthy

“I’m happy to follow your policy. I’m just trying to avoid any surprises at the table.”

It signals you are not about to turn their counter into a courtroom.

If they say yes: how to be the “good proxy player”

Congrats. Now don’t ruin it for everyone.

Tell the table before the game starts. Not on turn four. Not after you topdeck the win.
Keep proxies readable. If other people can’t recognize your cards, you’re not playtesting, you’re conducting an eye exam.
Match power level separately. Proxies don’t cause pubstomps. Deck choices do.
Don’t blur the line with authenticity. Don’t represent proxies as real. Don’t trade them like they’re real. Don’t be cute about it.

Proxy-friendly play survives on one thing: nobody feeling tricked.

If they say no: take the clean exit

If the store says no, the answer is no. Not “let me explain.” Not “but I own the real one.” Not “the internet said…”

Try this:

“All good, thanks for confirming. I’ll bring a different deck.”

And then you have options:

Play a non-proxy deck (or borrow one)
Play open casual elsewhere
Ask if there’s a different night that’s more casual
Suggest an unsanctioned proxy-friendly night (politely, once)

Your goal is to get games, not win the philosophy argument.

The three things you should never say (if you want to be welcome)

“It’s basically the same as having the real cards.”
“But Wizards said…” (even when you’re right, this is how you start a fight)
“Everybody does it.” (No they don’t. And stores know that.)

FAQs

Can I use MTG proxies at Friday Night Magic?

Often no, because many FNM events are run as sanctioned play. Ask the store if that specific event is sanctioned. If it is, assume proxies are not allowed except rare judge-issued situations for damage during the event.

What if I own the real cards but don’t want to bring them?

For sanctioned events, “I own it at home” typically doesn’t help. For casual nights, some stores are fine with this, but it’s still their call. Ask first, and be clear you can switch decks if needed.

How many proxies is “reasonable” for an LGS Commander night?

There isn’t a universal number. Some stores are fine with full proxy decks, some want a small limit, and some don’t allow proxies at all. Ask the store, then tell your pod. The social part matters more than the math.

Should I mark my proxies?

If the store allows proxies, marking them clearly (or using obviously non-authentic backs) usually reduces problems. The goal is clarity, not deception.

What if the store says yes, but someone at the table says no?

The table can still opt out. Proxies are a Rule 0 topic. The clean move is to switch decks, borrow, or find a different pod.