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Vintage

Vintage is Magic's most powerful format, allowing nearly every card ever printed. Unlike other formats, Vintage uses a restricted list that limits certain powerful cards to one copy per deck, rather than banning them outright. This creates unique gameplay with Magic's most iconic cards.

Vintage is the oldest constructed format, dating back to 1994 when it was known as Type 1. It preserves access to Magic's most powerful cards through restriction rather than banning.

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 Magic sets ever printed

Deck Construction

  • Minimum 60 cards in main deck
  • Up to 15 cards in sideboard
  • Maximum 4 copies of any card (except basic lands)
  • Restricted cards limited to 1 copy in deck + sideboard combined

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

Very few banned cards; uses restricted list instead

Ban Schedule: As needed

Notes

  • Highest power level of any format
  • Restricted list allows iconic cards like Black Lotus and Ancestral Recall
  • Only cards banned are ante cards, manual dexterity cards, and Conspiracy cards
  • Power Nine and other Reserved List cards are legal
  • Available on Magic Online