Back to Formats

Pre-Modern

Community Format

Pre-Modern features cards from Fourth Edition through Scourge (1995-2003), capturing Magic's middle era before the modern card frame. The format offers a unique metagame distinct from both Old School and Modern, with powerful but fair gameplay.

Pre-Modern was created around 2012 to celebrate Magic's middle era, using a card pool that ends right before the modern card frame was introduced in Eighth Edition.

Where to Play

TabletopMagic Online
Deck Size60 cards
Starting Life20
Copies AllowedUp to 4
Sideboard15 cards
Players2 players (1v1)
Game Duration~25 minutes
RotationNon-rotating

Legal Cards

Fourth Edition through Scourge (1995-2003)

Deck Construction

  • Minimum 60 cards in main deck
  • Up to 15 cards in sideboard
  • Maximum 4 copies of any card (except basic lands)

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: Pre-Modern community

Community-managed ban list for format balance

Ban Schedule: As needed

Notes

  • No Reserved List concerns unlike Old School
  • Uses old card frame era only
  • Active community with regular online events
  • Available on Magic Online
  • Fetchlands are legal but not oppressive

Resources