Ever wanted to playtest a powerful, expensive deck in Magic: The Gathering without breaking the bank? Let's face it, acquiring every single rare and mythic rare card, especially those from older sets, can quickly become prohibitively expensive. This barrier prevents many players from experiencing the full breadth of MTG's strategic depth and enjoying the latest deckbuilding innovations. Whether you're testing new strategies, creating a budget-friendly casual deck, or simply replacing a damaged card for casual play, proxies offer a fantastic solution.
Proxies, or stand-in cards, allow you to explore different deck archetypes and card combinations without the financial commitment of purchasing every card outright. They are especially useful for playtesting before investing in a new deck, preventing regret and wasted money. They can also make Magic more accessible to new players, allowing them to experience the game's complexity without needing to invest hundreds of dollars. Using proxies responsibly can enhance your gaming experience and expand your possibilities within the game.
What are the most common questions about making MTG proxies?
What's the easiest method for creating MTG proxies?
The easiest method for creating MTG proxies is printing out images of the cards and slipping them in front of basic lands or other inexpensive cards inside opaque sleeves. This avoids any permanent alteration of your actual cards while still providing a playable proxy.
This "print and sleeve" method is popular because it requires minimal materials and effort. All you need is access to a printer, some paper (plain printer paper works fine, but thicker cardstock improves durability and feel), scissors or a paper cutter, and card sleeves. High-quality images of Magic: The Gathering cards are readily available online through websites like Scryfall or Moxfield. Simply download the images, resize them if necessary (proxies should be approximately the same size as a standard MTG card), print them, cut them out, and slide them into sleeves along with a filler card. The beauty of this approach lies in its reversibility. The proxy card is easily removed and replaced, allowing you to update your proxy collection as needed. Additionally, using opaque sleeves ensures that the back of the proxy card is indistinguishable from the other cards in your deck, preventing any accusations of cheating. While more elaborate proxy creation methods exist, such as printing directly onto adhesive paper or using specialized card-making tools, they generally offer diminishing returns in ease of use compared to the simple "print and sleeve" technique.What kind of paper works best for printing MTG proxies?
For printing MTG proxies, a heavier, matte photo paper around 200-250 gsm (grams per square meter) generally provides the best balance of durability, print quality, and ease of handling. This weight provides a card-like stiffness without being overly thick, and the matte finish reduces glare and gives a more authentic look and feel when sleeved.
Selecting the right paper hinges on what you want to achieve with your proxies. Thicker paper feels more like a real card, offering improved rigidity and preventing see-through issues when sleeved. Matte finishes are preferred by most players because they reduce glare, making the card easier to read under bright lighting conditions. Glossy paper, while vibrant, can reflect light intensely and may not blend seamlessly with your existing cards. Cheaper paper stocks, like standard printer paper, will be too thin and flimsy, quickly showing wear and tear. Ultimately, the choice is subjective and depends on your printer's capabilities and your personal preference. Experimenting with a small pack of different paper types is the best way to determine what works optimally with your setup and desired aesthetic. Consider the printer's paper handling capabilities; some printers struggle with very thick paper. For most home printers, sticking within the 200-250gsm range for matte photo paper will yield the best results.How can I make my proxies look more realistic?
Achieving realistic MTG proxies requires attention to detail, focusing on accurate card stock, high-quality printing, and mimicking the nuances of official Magic cards. This means sourcing materials that feel similar to real cards, using a printer that can reproduce vibrant colors and sharp details, and potentially adding subtle textures or finishes to replicate the original.
Beyond simply printing an image, consider the weight and texture of the card stock you are using. A standard printer paper will immediately give away the proxy. Look for heavier card stock with a smooth finish, experimenting with different weights (measured in GSM or lbs) to find one that feels closest to a genuine Magic card. Also, pay close attention to the print quality. A low-resolution image or a printer with poor color accuracy will result in a blurry, washed-out proxy. Ideally, use a high-resolution image and a laser printer for the best results. Furthermore, authentic Magic cards often have subtle details that are difficult to replicate but contribute to their authenticity. These can include a slightly glossy finish, a certain level of texture, and accurate sizing. Depending on the level of realism you are aiming for, you could experiment with applying a thin layer of clear coat or using a textured spray to mimic these characteristics. Be careful, though, as overdoing it can make the proxy even more obvious. Properly sized cards are important; ensure your printed proxy matches official measurements to blend seamlessly in sleeves with other cards.Is it legal to use proxies in casual games?
The legality of using proxies in casual Magic: The Gathering games is generally permitted as long as it's explicitly agreed upon by all players involved. Proxies are not legal in sanctioned or officially judged tournaments, where authentic cards are required to maintain the integrity of competitive play.
In casual settings, proxies serve as stand-ins for real cards, often due to budget constraints, card availability, or the desire to protect valuable cards from damage. The spirit of casual play emphasizes fun and inclusivity, and proxies can facilitate this by allowing players to experiment with different deck archetypes or include expensive staples without incurring significant costs. It's crucial that every player participating in the game is aware of and consents to the use of proxies; otherwise, it can lead to disagreements and undermine the enjoyment of the game.
However, even with the permission of the group, certain unwritten rules often apply. It's generally considered bad form to proxy an entire deck of expensive cards simply to gain an unfair advantage over players with limited collections. Instead, proxies are most ethically used for cards a player already owns but wants to protect, cards a player intends to acquire but doesn't yet own, or for testing purposes before investing in expensive cards.
Where can I find high-quality card images for proxy creation?
The best sources for high-quality Magic: The Gathering card images for proxy creation are Scryfall.com and Gatherer (gatherer.wizards.com). Scryfall is generally preferred for its modern interface, comprehensive search capabilities, and readily downloadable images, while Gatherer is the official Wizards of the Coast card database and a reliable backup option. Both offer high-resolution images suitable for printing proxies.
When sourcing images, pay attention to the resolution and image quality. Scryfall allows you to download different sizes, often including a "png" version that is generally clearer than the default "jpg." Ensure that the resolution is high enough that the image doesn't appear pixelated when printed. For basic proxies, a standard image will often suffice, but for higher-quality results, consider using tools to upscale the image slightly, although this may introduce artifacts.
Remember that using proxies for anything other than casual play is generally against the rules of organized Magic: The Gathering events. Always be upfront about using proxies and ensure your playgroup or opponent is aware and agreeable to their use. Card images downloaded from online databases are intended for reference and personal use, and you should respect the copyright of Wizards of the Coast when creating and utilizing proxies.
How can I protect my proxies from wear and tear?
The best way to protect your MTG proxies and extend their lifespan is to sleeve them, preferably with high-quality, durable sleeves. Using hard cases or binders for storage is also highly recommended to prevent bending, scratching, and other forms of physical damage.
Sleeving your proxies offers a crucial layer of protection against handling. Every shuffle, draw, and play exposes cards to potential scratches from fingernails, table surfaces, or even other cards. Investing in quality sleeves, even if they cost a bit more upfront, will pay off in the long run by preserving the quality of your proxies. Double-sleeving, where you put the proxy in a perfect-fit inner sleeve before putting it in a standard sleeve, provides even greater protection against dust and moisture. Beyond sleeving, proper storage is essential. Avoid leaving your proxies loose in bags or boxes where they can be easily bent or crushed. Using a sturdy deck box or, even better, a binder specifically designed for trading cards will minimize the risk of damage during transport and storage. For proxies you particularly value, consider using hard plastic top loaders. Finally, handle your proxies with care. While they are meant to be used, avoiding excessive bending, folding, or pressing down on them will go a long way in preserving their condition. Keep them away from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and moisture, as these can all cause fading, warping, or other forms of damage over time.What are the ethical considerations when making MTG proxies?
The primary ethical consideration when making Magic: The Gathering (MTG) proxies revolves around their intended use and potential impact on the game's economy and community. Using proxies is generally considered ethical in casual play for testing decks or replacing damaged cards, but becomes unethical when used in sanctioned tournaments or when attempting to pass them off as genuine cards for profit or unfair advantage.
Ethical proxy use hinges on transparency and intent. If you're using proxies to playtest a deck before investing in expensive cards, or to replace a valuable card that is too fragile to play with regularly, and everyone involved knows they are proxies, it's generally acceptable. Problems arise when proxies are indistinguishable from real cards and are used to deceive opponents or vendors. This undermines the integrity of the game, devalues legitimate collections, and potentially violates Wizards of the Coast's intellectual property. Furthermore, the economic implications of proxy creation should be considered. While personal use proxies have little impact, mass-producing and selling high-quality counterfeits can significantly harm the secondary market for MTG cards, impacting retailers, collectors, and Wizards of the Coast. It's essential to respect the intellectual property rights associated with MTG cards and avoid actions that could negatively affect the game's ecosystem. Ultimately, the ethical use of proxies comes down to honesty, transparency, and respect for the game and its community.And there you have it! Hopefully, you're now equipped to create some awesome proxies for your casual games. Remember to always be respectful of official tournaments and only use proxies where appropriate. Thanks for reading, and happy proxying! Be sure to check back for more Magic: The Gathering tips and tricks!