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Standard
Standard is Magic's most accessible and widely played Constructed format. It uses a rotating card pool featuring sets from the last 2-3 years, ensuring a constantly evolving metagame that rewards adaptability and innovation.
Standard was created in 1995 as Type 2, making it one of Magic's original formats. It has always featured a rotating card pool to keep gameplay fresh and accessible.
Where to Play
TabletopMTG ArenaMagic Online
Deck Size60 cards
Starting Life20
Copies AllowedUp to 4
Sideboard15 cards
Players2 players (1v1)
Game Duration~20 minutes
RotationRotating
Legal Cards
Sets from the past 2-3 years
Deck Construction
- Minimum 60 cards in main deck
- Up to 15 cards in sideboard
- Maximum 4 copies of any card (except basic lands)
Gameplay
- Best-of-one or best-of-three matches
- Players start with 20 life and 7 cards
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 updated as needed
Ban Schedule: As needed, typically with set releases
Notes
- Sets rotate out once per year after the fall set releases
- Four oldest sets rotate out when rotation occurs
- Great format for newer players to learn competitive Magic