Magic: The Gathering offers a format for every playstyle — from fast-rotating Standard to the wide-open Commander multiplayer experience. Each format has its own banned list, deck construction rules, and metagame personality.
Whether you’re building your first 60-card deck or tuning a 100-card Commander list, understanding formats helps you pick the right cards, find the right community, and build the right deck.
Constructed Formats
Standard
The flagship rotating format. Standard uses the most recent 2-3 years of card sets, keeping the metagame fresh and accessible. Rotation happens annually, so the card pool stays small and manageable. Great for: Newer players, FNM regulars, and anyone who enjoys adapting to a changing metagame.
Modern
A non-rotating format using cards from Eighth Edition (2003) forward. Modern has a deep card pool, powerful strategies, and a well-established metagame. Decks tend to be faster and more synergistic than Standard. Great for: Competitive players, long-term deck builders, and those who want their cards to hold value.
Pioneer
A non-rotating format starting from Return to Ravnica (2012). Pioneer fills the gap between Standard and Modern — it’s more powerful than Standard but more affordable and accessible than Modern. Great for: Players graduating from Standard who want a deeper card pool without the Modern price tag.
Pauper
Only cards printed at common rarity are legal. Pauper proves that powerful Magic doesn’t require expensive cards — the format is competitive, skill-testing, and shockingly deep. Most decks cost under $50. Great for: Budget-conscious players, competitive grinders, and anyone who appreciates elegant gameplay.
Multiplayer Formats
Commander (EDH)
The most popular casual format. Build a 100-card singleton deck led by a legendary creature. Commander is designed for multiplayer games (typically 4 players) and emphasizes creative deckbuilding, social interaction, and memorable plays. Great for: Casual groups, creative builders, and anyone who loves expressing their personality through their deck.
Other Formats
Magic also offers Legacy and Vintage (eternal formats with nearly every card legal), Explorer and Timeless (Arena digital formats), and Historic (Arena’s extended format). Each has its own devoted community.
Explore More
- Deck Database — Browse 46+ real deck lists across multiple formats.
- Deckbuilding Guides — Learn how to build aggro, control, combo, and more.
- Visual Spoiler Directory — Browse cards from 50+ MTG sets.
- MTG Glossary — Look up any Magic term.