The Most Popular Magic Format, Ranked

Choose the format you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:43
In the world of Magic, players often debate which format reigns as the most engaging. Having a ranked list that reflects community preferences can help new players decide where to start and experienced players to see where the trend is shifting. It serves as a guide and a snapshot of what's currently capturing the attention of the Magic community. By voting for your favorite Magic format, you contribute to a collective understanding of the game's landscape. This ongoing tally not only sparks discussions but also celebrates the diversity within the player base. Whether you're looking to affirm your favorite format's popularity or curious about where others are leaning, your vote makes a difference in shaping this dynamic ranking.

What Is the Most Popular Magic Format?

  1. 1
    88
    votes
    This is the most popular format as it is the most accessible and frequently played in local game stores. It allows players to use cards from the most recent sets, ensuring that the meta is constantly evolving.
    Standard is a popular Magic format that focuses on the most recent magic sets. It is designed to encourage players to constantly adapt and change their decks as new sets are released. The format is widely supported and played in both casual and competitive settings.
    • Rotation: Standard sets rotate out of the format after a certain period, typically once a year, allowing for new cards and strategies to be introduced.
    • Deck Size: Minimum of 60 cards, with no maximum limit (though most players stick to the minimum). Up to 15-card sideboard is allowed for best-of-three matches.
    • Banned & Restricted List: Standard has a Banned & Restricted List that restricts certain overpowered or format-warping cards from being played.
    • Recent Sets: Standard includes the most recent sets, typically spanning the last two years or so. This ensures a fresh meta and constantly evolving gameplay.
    • Competitive Play: Standard is played in various competitive events, including the Standard Grand Prix, Pro Tour, and World Championship.
  2. 2
    41
    votes
    This format is gaining popularity and has a strong following. It is a multiplayer format that allows players to have a 100-card singleton deck with a legendary creature as their commander.
    Commander, also known as Elder Dragon Highlander (EDH), is a multiplayer Magic: The Gathering format. Each game is played with a deck consisting of 100 cards, including a legendary creature card that serves as the deck's commander. The format emphasizes social interaction, politics, and multiple opponents. It is known for its casual and fun gameplay where players can showcase their creativity and unique strategies.
    • Deck Size: 100 cards
    • Commander: Deck must have a legendary creature card as the commander.
    • Starting Life Total: 40
    • Singleton Rule: Each card in the deck, other than basic lands, must have a different name.
    • Command Zone: Commander starts the game from the command zone and can be cast from there.
  3. 3
    24
    votes
    This is a popular format that allows players to use cards from sets dating back to 8th Edition. It is popular among players who prefer a more powerful and diverse meta.
    The Modern style in Bloxburg is a popular and contemporary house design that features sleek lines, minimalistic aesthetics, and an emphasis on open spaces and natural light. It often combines elements of modern architecture with comfortable and functional living spaces.
    • Exterior Materials: Use of materials like glass, concrete, steel, and wood.
    • Open Floor Plan: Spacious and fluid layout, with minimal dividing walls.
    • Large Windows: Abundance of expansive windows to maximize natural light and offer views.
    • Clean Lines: Straight and geometric lines throughout the house.
    • Neutral Colors: Predominantly neutral color palettes with occasional pops of bold colors.
  4. 4
    18
    votes
    This format allows players to use cards from all sets in the game's history, making it popular among players who enjoy using older cards and decks. It is also known for its high power level and complex interactions.
    Legacy in a marriage refers to the lasting impact and influence that a couple leaves behind through their actions, values, and accomplishments. It encompasses the values, traditions, and memories that are passed down to future generations, shaping their lives and relationships. It encapsulates not only material possessions but also the shared experiences, love, and wisdom that are cherished and carried forward by the family.
    • Emotional Bond: A strong emotional connection between spouses and with their children.
    • Shared Values: Shared beliefs, principles, and moral values that guide the family's choices and behavior.
    • Family Traditions: Establishing and maintaining unique customs and rituals that provide a sense of continuity and belonging across generations.
    • Role Modeling: Serving as role models for future generations in terms of love, commitment, respect, and problem-solving.
    • Financial Security: Building and ensuring a stable financial foundation for the family's well-being and future endeavors.
  5. 5
    13
    votes
    This format includes draft and sealed deck tournaments, where players build a deck from a limited pool of cards. It is popular among players who enjoy the challenge of building a deck from a limited selection of cards.
    Limited is a popular Magic format where players build their decks from a limited pool of cards. This typically involves opening booster packs and using the cards contained within to construct a playable deck.
    • Number of Players: Usually played by two to eight players
    • Card Pool: Uses specific booster packs or preconstructed decks
    • Deck Building: Players construct a deck from the limited card pool
    • Win Condition: Usually involves reducing the opponent's life total to zero
    • Variants: Formats like Sealed Deck or Draft are common variants
  6. 6
    12
    votes
    This format is gaining popularity among budget-conscious players. It only allows players to use common cards, making it an affordable option for players who cannot afford expensive cards.
    Pauper is a popular Magic: The Gathering format that focuses on affordable and accessible gameplay. It was created by Alex Ullman and introduced in the year 2005. As the name suggests, the format primarily consists of common cards, making it an inexpensive option for players to build competitive decks. The format has gained a strong following among both casual and competitive players due to its simplicity and cost-effective nature. Pauper tournaments and events are frequently organized across the world, attracting a diverse player base. Here are ten important specifications about Pauper:
    • Format Type: Constructed
    • Card Pool: Only common cards allowed
    • Deck Size: 60-card minimum
    • Banned List: A constantly updated list of banned cards
    • Competitive Play: Regular tournaments hosted by various organizations
  7. 7
    12
    votes
    This is a newer format that allows players to use cards from sets dating back to Return to Ravnica. It is gaining popularity among players who enjoy using newer cards in a non-rotating format.
    Pioneer is a Magic the Gathering format that was created in 2019. It was designed to be a non-rotating format that includes cards from Return to Ravnica and forward, excluding only the sets that are banned in the format. Pioneer provides a middle ground between the Modern and Standard formats, allowing players to use cards from recent sets while still offering a larger card pool for deck building.
    • Format Type: Non-rotating
    • Card Pool: Return to Ravnica and forward
    • Banned Sets: Excludes banned sets
    • Deck Building: Minimum 60 cards, up to 15-card sideboard
    • Starting Life Total: 20
  8. 8
    3
    votes
    This format is popular among players who enjoy using powerful and expensive cards. It allows players to use cards from all sets in the game's history, including restricted and banned cards.
    Vintage refers to clothing styles and trends from a previous era that are considered classic and of enduring popularity. It encompasses various fashion styles from the 1920s to the 1990s, with an emphasis on preserving the look and feel of the past. Vintage clothing is often characterized by its timeless appeal, unique detailing, and nostalgic charm.
    • Time Periods: 1920s - 1990s
    • Variety: Various fashion styles
    • Quality: Well-made garments
    • Authenticity: Original or faithfully reproduced designs
    • Detailing: Unique trims, buttons, patterns, and fabrics
  9. 9
    15
    votes

    Cube Draft

    Jeff Varasano
    This format involves building a custom draft set, allowing players to use a variety of cards that may not be legal in traditional formats. It is popular among players who enjoy creating and playing with their own custom sets.
    Cube Draft is a popular Magic: The Gathering format where players draft cards from a custom-made set called a cube. The cube is curated by the creator to include a wide variety of cards that offer different strategies and gameplay experiences. Players take turns selecting cards from the cube to build their own decks and then compete against each other. The cube can be designed with specific themes, power levels, or even include cards from multiple Magic sets.
    • Number of players: Usually 8, but can vary
    • Drafting method: Traditional booster draft
    • Card pool: Custom cube created by the creator
    • Card limit: Varies based on the cube's design
    • Card diversity: Includes cards from different Magic sets
  10. 10
    1
    votes

    Two-Headed Giant

    Richard Garfield
    This is a multiplayer format where two players team up against another pair of players. It is popular among players who enjoy playing with friends and combining their decks to create a powerful team.
    Two-Headed Giant is a popular Magic: The Gathering format that is played with teams of two players each. The objective of the format is for the teams to work together to defeat opposing teams by reducing their shared life total to zero. It combines elements of strategic planning, communication, and teamwork.
    • Number of Players: 4
    • Shared Life Total: 30
    • Starting Hand Size: 7
    • Deck Size: 60 cards per player
    • Banned Cards: Depends on the specific format and tournament rules

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Ranking factors for popular format

  1. Accessibility
    The format should be accessible to players of different skill levels, budgets, and interests. This includes the availability of cards, the cost of building competitive decks, and the ease of learning the format's rules and strategies.
  2. Tournament support
    High-level competitive Magic events, such as Grand Prix, MagicFests, and the Pro Tour, should support the format. The more tournament support a format has, the more visibility and play it will receive, leading to increased popularity.
  3. Diversity of gameplay
    A popular format should offer players a variety of deck types, strategies, and interactions to explore. The more diverse the format, the more interesting and engaging it becomes for players.
  4. Balance
    The format should have a relatively balanced metagame, where multiple deck archetypes can be viable and competitive without one deck type dominating the field. A balanced format leads to a healthy, engaging, and interesting gameplay experience.
  5. Community involvement
    The format's player community should be engaged and enthusiastic, discussing strategies, decks, and tournament results. A strong community can help increase the popularity of a format through word of mouth, online content, and in-person events.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Magic format. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or form is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2775 views
  • 215 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each form once every 24 hours. The rank of each form is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular magic format

Magic: The Gathering is a popular collectible card game that has been around since 1993. With over 20 million players worldwide, it has become a staple in the gaming community. One of the most appealing aspects of Magic is the variety of formats in which it can be played. Each format has its own set of rules and restrictions, providing players with different challenges and experiences. From the classic Standard format to the more casual Commander format, there is something for everyone in the Magic community. So, what is the most popular Magic format? Let's take a closer look at the options.

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