Standard is one of the most common formats in Magic: The Gathering. It focuses on the newest sets. This format rotates whenever Wizards of the Coast releases new sets. That means older sets leave the format, and newer ones join. Because of this rotation, Standard keeps evolving. New cards replace old strategies, and decks must Adapt. If you like fresh metas and ongoing changes, you might enjoy Standard. It’s also known for being a main format in official tournaments.
The rules for Standard are simple. You can only use cards from the current Standard-legal sets. These sets typically span the last year or two. Specific sets rotate out every year, usually in the fall. You build a minimum 60-card deck. You can have up to four copies of any one card, except basic lands. Sideboards have up to 15 cards. Because the card pool is limited to recent sets, Standard decks can be cheaper than formats with huge card pools. But some top-tier decks still get expensive.
Standard is very popular because it’s the featured format for many high-level events. From Friday Night Magic to the Magic World Championship, you’ll often see Standard in action. Because cards eventually rotate out, players have to keep an eye on new releases. This shifting environment can appeal to people who like to try new cards. But it can also be a downside if you want to hold onto a deck for a long time. Some players don’t like buying new cards each season.
Even so, Standard remains a key format. Its limited card pool helps newer players learn. It’s also a place to see how new mechanics and themes work in actual play. If you want to stay current with Magic’s newest ideas, Standard is a good choice.