Understanding MTG Proxies: What They Are and How to Use Them

Understanding MTG Proxies: What They Are and How to Use Them
10 min read
09 January 2023

A MTG proxy is a card that is not an official, licensed Magic: The Gathering card, but is created to look like an official card. Proxies are often used in place of rare or expensive cards in order to play the game without having to use the actual physical card. Proxies are also sometimes used as a cheaper alternative for collectors who want to own a copy of a rare or hard-to-find card without having to pay the high price for the official version. It's important to note that using proxies in official tournaments is generally not allowed, as the use of unauthorized copies of cards is generally considered cheating.

Magic: The Gathering Proxies! 

The Gathering is a beloved collectible card game that has been enjoyed by millions of players around the world for over 25 years. From casual players to professional competitors, Magic: The Gathering offers endless possibilities for strategy, creativity, and fun. However, for many players, the cost of collecting and building a competitive deck can be a barrier to entry. This is where Magic: The Gathering proxies come in.
Proxies are often used in place of rare or expensive cards in order to play the game without having to use the actual physical card. They can also be used as a cheaper alternative for collectors who want to own a copy of a rare or hard-to-find card without having to pay the high price for the official version. While the use of proxies can be a useful tool for some players, it's important to understand what they are, how they are used, and the pros and cons of using them. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of MTG proxies and provide a comprehensive understanding of what they are and how to use them. Proxies can be created using a variety of methods, such as printing out a high-quality copy of the card on card stock and laminating it, or creating a physical replica of the card using materials such as plastic or paper mache. Some proxies are also created digitally and can be printed out or displayed on a screen.



Proxies are often used in place of rare or expensive cards in order to play the game without having to use the actual physical card. This can be useful for players who want to try out a new deck or strategy without investing in the actual cards, or for those who want to practice their skills without worrying about damaging their collection. Proxies can also be used as a cheaper alternative for collectors who want to own a copy of a rare or hard-to-find card without having to pay the high price for the official version. It's important to note that using proxies in official Magic: The Gathering tournaments is generally not allowed, as the use of unauthorized copies of cards is considered cheating. However, proxies can still be used in casual play or for practice purposes.

Why People Use MTG Proxy! 

One of the main reasons players use MTG Proxy is to save money. Genuine MTG cards can be expensive, especially rare or sought-after cards. Proxies allow players to access these cards without having to pay the high prices that they may fetch on the market. Proxies can also be useful for playtesting new decks or strategies, as they allow players to experiment without committing to purchasing specific cards. Additionally, some players may use proxies as a way to obtain cards that are no longer in print or are difficult to find.

Types of MTG Proxies:

There are two main types of these proxies: physical proxies and digital proxies.

  • Physical Proxies:

Physical proxies are physical copies of MTG cards that are made from paper or cardboard. They can be created using a variety of methods, including printing and cutting out the card artwork and gluing it onto a blank card, or using a laminator to create a more durable card. Physical proxies are typically used for playing the game in person, as they can be shuffled and handled like regular cards.

  • Digital Proxies:

Digital proxies, on the other hand, are digital copies of MTG cards that can be displayed on a screen or printed out on paper. They can be created using software such as Photoshop or Illustrator, or by downloading and printing out pre-made digital proxies that are available online. Digital proxies are often used for online play or as a way to view and organize a collection without having to physically handle the cards.

How are they used?

MTG proxies are used in a variety of ways in Magic: The Gathering. Some of the most common uses for proxies include:

  • Using proxies in place of rare or expensive cards: Proxies can be used to play the game without having to use the actual physical card, which can be useful for players who want to try out a new deck or strategy without investing in the actual cards. This can also be useful for collectors who want to own a copy of a rare or hard-to-find card without having to pay the high price for the official version.
  • Using proxies as a cheaper alternative for collectors: Proxies can be a more affordable way to add a desired card to a collection, especially for rare or hard-to-find cards that can be expensive to purchase.
  • Using proxies in official tournaments: It's important to note that using proxies in official Magic: The Gathering tournaments is generally not allowed, as the use of unauthorized copies of cards is considered cheating. However, proxies can still be used in casual play or for practice purposes.

Overall, the use of MTG proxy can be a useful tool for some Magic: The Gathering players, but it's important to understand the rules and guidelines for their use in order to avoid any potential issues.

Pros and Cons Of Using It! 

Using MTG proxies can have both advantages and disadvantages, depending on the situation and the player's goals. Some of the pros of using proxies include:

  • Cost savings: Proxies can be a more affordable way to play the game or add desired cards to a collection, especially for rare or hard-to-find cards that can be expensive to purchase.
  • Access to hard-to-find cards: Proxies can provide access to cards that may be difficult or impossible to find otherwise, such as out-of-print or discontinued cards.
  • Practice and experimentation: Proxies can be a useful tool for practicing and experimenting with different decks and strategies without having to invest in the actual cards. On the other hand, there are also some potential drawbacks to using proxies:
  • Proxies are not official: Using proxies means using an unauthorized copy of a card, which may not be allowed in certain situations or events.
  • Proxies may not be allowed in tournaments: Using proxies in official Magic: The Gathering tournaments is generally not allowed, as the use of unauthorized copies of cards is considered cheating.
  • Quality can vary: Depending on the method used to create the proxy, the quality may not be as high as an official card. This can be an issue for collectors who value the aesthetics and durability of their cards.

However, the decision to use proxies should be based on individual goals and circumstances, and players should be aware of the potential pros and cons before using them.

The Ethics of Using MTG Proxy in Tournaments and Gameplay! 

Using Magic: The Gathering (MTG) proxies, which are handmade or printed copies of cards that are meant to represent the original cards, in tournaments and gameplay can raise ethical concerns for a number of reasons.
First, using proxies may be seen as an attempt to deceive or mislead other players. This is because players may not be aware that the cards being used are not the original, physical copies. This can be especially concerning in tournaments, where players may rely on the authenticity of the cards being used to make strategic decisions. Second, using proxies may infringe on the intellectual property rights of Wizards of the Coast, the company that publishes MTG. This is because creating and distributing copies of MTG cards without permission from Wizards of the Coast may be considered copyright infringement. Finally, using proxies may be seen as a way to gain an unfair advantage over other players. This is because players who use proxies may be able to use cards that are otherwise rare or difficult to obtain, which can give them an advantage in gameplay. Lastly, the use of proxies in MTG tournaments and gameplay can be controversial and may not be accepted by all players or tournament organizers. It is important to carefully consider the potential ethical implications of using proxies and to be transparent with other players about the nature of the cards being used.

Concluding! 

MTG proxy can be a useful tool for players looking to save money, playtest new decks, or access hard-to-find cards. However, it's important to be aware of the potential drawbacks and legal implications of using proxies. The use of proxies is generally not accepted in the wider MTG community and can be considered a violation of the game's collectibility. It's important to follow best practices, such as using high-quality proxies and properly labeling and storing them, to ensure that you are using them responsibly and ethically. Ultimately, whether or not to use MTG proxies is a personal decision, but it's important to weigh the pros and cons and consider the legal and ethical implications before making a choice.

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Deniel LEe 3
Joined: 1 year ago
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