This article is following on from last week. As I’ve only played three games of Standard on Arena against @humpage this week, I want some more games under my belt before I go into anything too in-depth.

So instead of that, I’ve listed below the various game formats that are available to players.

1. Standard

Standard is arguably the most well-known and competitive format in Magic: The Gathering. In this mode, players build decks using cards from the most recent sets released by Wizards of the Coast. The Standard format is designed to provide a constantly evolving metagame, as older sets rotate out of the format every year, making way for new sets. This rotation keeps the game fresh and exciting, with players needing to adapt to new cards and strategies.

Key Features:

• Decks must consist of cards from the latest sets.
• The format rotates every year to include new expansions.
• Ideal for competitive play and official events like Pro Tours.

2. Commander

Commander (also known as EDH, or Elder Dragon Highlander) is a casual, multiplayer format where players build 100-card decks based around a legendary creature called the “Commander.” In Commander, there are no duplicates, aside from basic lands, and each deck must be built around its Commander’s colour identity. The format encourages fun, social play with a focus on creative deck-building and epic multiplayer battles.

Key Features:

• Decks must contain 100 cards, including the Commander.
• Players start with 40 life points, and games typically involve 3–6 players.
• A strong focus on fun and thematic deck-building.

3. Modern

Modern is a non-rotating format that allows players to build decks using cards from the Eighth Edition set onwards, meaning that it offers a vast pool of cards. Unlike Standard, cards in Modern don’t rotate, so once a card is legal, it remains part of the format indefinitely. Modern is popular for its diversity, as players can create decks based on both new and older strategies, with a wide variety of powerful cards at their disposal.

Key Features:

• Decks can include cards from the Eighth Edition and later.
• No set rotations, making it a stable format for long-term deck building.
• Often features fast-paced games due to powerful combos and cards.

4. Pauper

Pauper is a budget-friendly format where players can only use cards that have been printed at the common rarity. While this may seem limiting, it has led to the development of many interesting and competitive decks. Pauper is an excellent format for new players or those who don’t want to invest in expensive cards but still want to enjoy the strategic depth of Magic.

Key Features:

• Only common rarity cards are allowed.
• A great entry-level format for new players.
• Budget-friendly but still competitive.

5. Limited

Limited formats, including Sealed Deck and Booster Draft, are perfect for players who enjoy building decks on the fly. In Sealed Deck, players are given a set number of booster packs, and they must build a 40-card deck from the cards they open. In Booster Draft, players take turns picking cards from a pool of booster packs and then build their decks. These formats test a player’s ability to adapt to a random set of cards and create synergy within their deck.

Key Features:

• Decks are built from a limited pool of cards (typically booster packs).
• Focuses on skillful deck construction from random card pools.
• A great way to experience the latest sets and unique strategies.

6. Brawl

Brawl is a more recent addition to the MTG family and is similar to Commander but with a few key differences. Like Commander, Brawl decks are built around a legendary creature or planeswalker, but Brawl decks only consist of 60 cards instead of 100. Additionally, the format is intended to be played using only cards from the most recent sets, making it a more accessible and less overwhelming alternative to Commander for newer players.

Key Features:

• Decks consist of 60 cards, with a Commander.
• Only cards from Standard-legal sets are allowed.
• A fun, accessible alternative to Commander.

7. Two-Headed Giant

Two-Headed Giant is a multiplayer format in which teams of two players work together to defeat their opponents. Each team shares a life total (typically 30 life points), and the players on the team take turns as a unit, making decisions together and strategising collaboratively. It’s a great way to enjoy Magic with a friend and test out cooperative strategies.

Key Features:

• Played in teams of two.
• Teams share a life total.
• Ideal for cooperative gameplay and teamwork.

8. Legacy and Vintage

Legacy and Vintage are high-powered formats that allow players to use cards from nearly every set ever printed. However, both formats have restrictions on certain “banned” cards due to their power levels. Vintage allows nearly every card in the game, with a restricted list for cards that are too powerful (such as Black Lotus), while Legacy is slightly more restrictive but still features a broad range of cards.

Key Features:

• Legacy includes cards from all sets but with a restricted list.
• Vintage allows almost every card, with a few restrictions.
• Popular among collectors and players looking for high-powered play.