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Pauper
Pauper is a format where only cards that have been printed at common rarity are legal. Despite the restriction, Pauper features surprisingly powerful and diverse gameplay at a budget-friendly price point, making it an excellent entry point to competitive Magic.
Pauper emerged on Magic Online around 2008 as an unofficial format. It became officially supported by Wizards of the Coast in 2019 with a unified card pool and ban list.
Where to Play
TabletopMagic Online
Deck Size60 cards
Starting Life20
Copies AllowedUp to 4
Sideboard15 cards
Players2 players (1v1)
Game Duration~20 minutes
RotationNon-rotating
Legal Cards
All cards ever printed at common rarity
Deck Construction
- Minimum 60 cards in main deck
- Up to 15 cards in sideboard
- Maximum 4 copies of any card (except basic lands)
- Only cards printed at common rarity in any Magic product are legal
Gameplay
Mulligan Rule
Draw 7 cards. You may mulligan any number of times, drawing 7 each time. After keeping, put cards equal to the number of mulligans taken on the bottom of your library.
Format Management
Maintained by: Wizards of the Coast
Maintains a banned card list for format balance
Ban Schedule: As needed
Notes
- Card must have been printed at common at least once to be legal
- Any version of a common-legal card can be used (including uncommon/rare printings)
- Very budget-friendly: most decks cost under $100
- Features powerful commons from Magic's history
- Officially supported on Magic Online and in tabletop