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RULes and formats
Magic: The Gathering has evolved significantly since its release in 1993, but many players still enjoy the game's earliest eras through Old School formats. Over the years, different communities have developed unique rule sets, each offering a distinct way to experience Magic’s nostalgic past. Below, you'll find a complete list of Old School formats, divided into three categories: Core Formats, which define the foundation of Old School play; Expanded Formats, which extend the card pool beyond 1994; and Variant & Thematic Formats, which introduce unique deck-building and gameplay twists. Whether you're looking for a highly competitive structure or a casual throwback, there's an Old School format for everyone.
​CORE FORMATS
Swedish 93/94 (2007)
The original Old School format, developed in Sweden to replicate Magic as it was played in 1993-94. Uses a strict reprint policy, allowing only original printings from the era. Follows modern Magic rules and does not include mana burn. Features a restrictive banned/restricted list.
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Eternal Central - EC (2015)
A North American take on Old School, created by Eternal Central to support a more accessible approach. Allows reprints in any old-bordered set, removes some Swedish restrictions, and features 4x Strip Mine.
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Atlantic (2018)
Designed as a middle ground between Swedish and EC Old School. Allows Fallen Empires while maintaining a more restrictive approach to reprints (old frame only). Uses a customized banned/restricted list with 1x Strip Mine.
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Pacific (2019)
A West Coast U.S. take on Old School with a more flexible reprint policy, allowing later printings in the old frame. Includes a custom banned/restricted list tailored to balance powerful cards while promoting a more casual playstyle.
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Boreal (2020)
An Old School format played Canada-wide, built around 4-Strip Mines and known for allowing maximum agression, but also the greatest freedom as far as deck construction goes. This is the ''Yes'' format, our main format here in Montreal.
EXPANDED FORMATS
Old School 95 (2015)
Expands the card pool to include sets up to Homeland, maintaining the Old School feel while introducing new strategies and deck-building options.​
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Old School 96 (2016)
Further expands the format by adding sets up to Alliances, incorporating more diverse strategies and a broader range of cards while preserving the Old School aesthetic.​
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Old School 97 (2017)
Adds Mirage and Visions, significantly increasing the depth of the format with tutor effects, fast mana, and additional dual lands.
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Middle School (2017)
Covers 1995 to 2003, including sets up to Onslaught, as well as supplemental products like Starter and Anthologies.
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Old Frame Vintage (2020)
A format that allows all cards printed in the original Magic frame (1993-2003), recreating the Vintage environment of that era.
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Premodern (2012)
A format bridging the gap between Old School and Modern, using cards from Fourth Edition to Scourge (1995-2003).
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Scryings (2019)
A curated 116-card expansion designed by Magnus De Laval, adding cards from Fallen Empires to Weatherlight to the Swedish 93/94 format.
VARIANT FORMATS
7-Points Singleton (2021)
A singleton format where players have seven points to allocate toward powerful cards, similar to the X-Point system. This encourages creative deck-building within set constraints.
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AAA - Alpha to Alliances Ante (unknown)
A format expanding the Old School card pool to include sets from Alpha through Alliances, incorporating the ante mechanic where players risk cards from their decks. Mana burn is in effect, and no sideboards are allowed.
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ABU 60 (1994)
In this format, players build 60-card decks using cards exclusively from the Alpha, Beta, and Unlimited sets. It emphasizes the original Magic experience with a larger deck size.​​​​
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Alice (1996)
A format using only Ice Age and Alliances cards, showcasing the mechanics and synergies between these two sets. Encourages creative deck-building within the first true Magic block.
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Alpha 40 (1993)
Players construct 40-card decks using only cards from the Alpha set. Decks must contain at least five cards of each color, and matches are played as best-of-five games. This format offers a unique glimpse into Magic's origins.
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Alpha 40K (2022)
A high-stakes ante format where players construct Alpha, Beta, Unlimited, and early expansion decks, with a minimum deck value of 40,000 SEK (~$4,000 USD).
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Boreal 95 (2025)
An extension of the Boreal format, including sets up to Homelands. It maintains the original's reprint policies while expanding the card pool.
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Canadian Highlander (2022)
A points-based singleton format using Alpha to Fallen Empires, allowing players to build decks by allocating points toward restricted cards. Inspired by the broader Canadian Highlander format but tailored for the Old School era.
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Dragon Brawl (2019)
A variant where players use Elder Dragons from the Legends expansion as commanders in a singleton format, promoting epic, dragon-themed battles.
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Fallen Empire 40 (2020)
A 40-card format using only cards from Fallen Empires. This format highlights the unique mechanics and deep tribal themes of the set.
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Forgotten Realms (2024)
Uses cards from The Dark, Fallen Empires, and Homelands, following modern rules with mana burn and a custom banned/restricted list.
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Four Horsemen (2022)
A format using only the four expansions Arabian Nights, Antiquities, Legends, and The Dark. Allows reprints and proxies for accessibility.
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Old School Commander (2021)
Combines the Commander format's structure with Old School card pools. Players build 100-card singleton decks led by a legendary creature from the Old School era.
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Old School Type 1.5 (unknown)
A variant inspired by Pacific Old School Rules, featuring a unique banned list to promote balance. Permits sets up to Homelands, with no restrictions and no ante cards allowed.
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Paladin (2020)
A variant emphasizing honorable gameplay and deck construction, often with additional restrictions to promote thematic consistency.
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Revised 40 (2019)
Utilizes 40-card decks built exclusively from the Revised Edition. This format provides a nostalgic experience reminiscent of early Magic gameplay.
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Roploplo (2021)
A multiplayer Old School format inspired by Commander, where decks are 100-card singleton and led by any Old School creature.
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Unlimited 40 (2019)
Similar to R40, but decks are constructed solely from the Unlimited Edition. Players enjoy the classic feel of Magic's early days.​
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X-Points (2021)
Players are allotted a certain number of points to "spend" on powerful cards, each assigned a point value. This system balances deck power levels and encourages diverse strategies.