Legacy Format MTG

Legacy is one of Magic’s oldest and most powerful formats. It includes nearly every card in Magic’s history, with only a few bans. Because of this, Legacy decks can be very fast and complex. You can see everything from first-turn combo kills to deep control strategies that lock the game. This wide range of playstyles draws players who enjoy high-level interactions and older cards. But the cost of these older cards can be high, which can make Legacy less accessible for some.

The rules for Legacy match most constructed formats: at least 60 cards in your main deck, up to four copies of each card (besides basic lands), and up to 15 cards in your sideboard. Legacy has a ban list to keep extremely powerful cards out of the format. Yet, many powerful spells remain legal. Cards like Force of Will and Brainstorm shape the format. These iconic spells define many strategies and help keep broken combos in check.

Legacy is popular among longtime Magic players and collectors. It has a dedicated community that loves the depth and variety of deck options. Tournaments still happen, though they’re often smaller than Standard or Modern events. The price of certain “reserved list” cards, like dual lands, can be a big barrier. Some stores offer proxies for local play, allowing people to try Legacy without owning every expensive card. But this isn’t accepted in official events.

Even so, Legacy holds a special place in Magic. It offers a chance to use cards that defined past eras of the game. You can explore strategies that aren’t viable in newer formats. If you love complex decision-making and enjoy the history of Magic, Legacy might be for you. Just keep in mind the cost and availability of the older cards.