Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is a collectible card game that has been around since 1993. The game has several formats, with Vintage being one of the oldest and most complex. Vintage decks are known for their powerful cards and complex strategies, but some of these cards can be difficult to find or very expensive. This is where proxies come in. Proxies are cards that look like genuine MTG cards but are not officially printed by Wizards of the Coast. They are often used by players who cannot afford or find genuine MTG cards or who want to test new decks without investing in expensive cards. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about MTG proxies, including the best proxies for Vintage decks and how to use them.
What Are MTG Proxies?
MTG proxies are cards that are made to look like genuine MTG cards but are not officially printed by Wizards of the Coast. They are made using various methods, such as printing a card image onto a blank card or altering an existing card to look like another. The quality of proxies can vary widely, from poor quality prints to high-quality cards that are almost indistinguishable from genuine cards.
Why Use MTG Proxies?
There are several reasons why a player might choose to use MTG proxies. One of the most common reasons is the cost of genuine MTG cards. Vintage cards can be very expensive, with some cards costing thousands of dollars. For players who cannot afford these cards or who do not want to invest such a large sum of money, proxies are a great alternative. Another reason to use proxies is for testing new decks. Building a Vintage deck can be a complex process, and it can be difficult to know which cards will work well together without testing them. Proxies allow players to test new deck ideas without investing in expensive cards that may not work well together.
The Best Proxies for Vintage Decks
There are several proxy sellers that offer high-quality proxies for Vintage decks. Here are some of the best proxy sellers you can find online:
Cardamajigs
Cardamajigs is a popular proxy seller that offers high-quality proxies at an affordable price. Their proxies are printed on cardstock that is similar in thickness and texture to genuine MTG cards. The print quality is sharp, and the colors are accurate. Cardamajigs offers a wide range of Vintage proxies, including power nine cards and other hard-to-find cards.
BL/VZ Proxy
BL/VZ Proxy is another popular proxy seller that offers high-quality proxies. Their proxies are printed on a special cardstock that is thicker and more durable than genuine MTG cards. The print quality is excellent, and the colors are vibrant. BL/VZ Proxy offers a wide range of Vintage proxies, including power nine cards and other popular cards.
MPC Proxies
MPC Proxies is a popular proxy seller that offers high-quality proxies at a reasonable price. Their proxies are printed on cardstock that is similar in thickness and texture to genuine MTG cards. The print quality is excellent, and the colors are accurate. MPC Proxies offers a wide range of Vintage proxies, including power nine cards and other popular cards.
WSG Proxies
WSG Proxies is a popular proxy seller that offers high-quality proxies at an affordable price. Their proxies are printed on cardstock that is similar in thickness and texture to genuine MTG cards. The print quality is sharp, and the colors are accurate. WSG Proxies offers a wide range of Vintage proxies, including power nine cards and other popular cards.
How to Use MTG Proxies
Proxy Tournaments
Some players organize proxy tournaments, where all players use proxies instead of genuine MTG cards. These tournaments are a great way to play Vintage without the high cost of genuine cards. When participating in a proxy tournament, it’s important to make sure that all players are using high-quality proxies to ensure fairness.
Print Your Own Proxies
Another way to use MTG proxies is to print your own proxies. This is a great option for players who want to test new deck ideas or play with friends without investing in expensive cards. To print your own proxies, you’ll need access to a printer, high-quality cardstock, and card images. There are many websites where you can download card images for free, such as Gatherer or Scryfall. Once you have the card images, you can use a program like Photoshop or GIMP to resize and print them onto cardstock.
Using Proxies Ethically
While using proxies can be a great way to play MTG, it’s important to use them ethically. When playing in a tournament or with other players, it’s important to make sure that your proxies are high-quality and indistinguishable from genuine MTG cards. It’s also important to make sure that all players agree to the use of proxies before playing. Some players may prefer to play only with genuine cards, and it’s important to respect their preferences.
Conclusion
MTG proxies are a great option for players who cannot afford or find genuine MTG cards, or who want to test new decks before investing in expensive cards. There are many different types of MTG proxies available, ranging in quality and price. When using proxies, it’s important to make sure that they are high-quality and indistinguishable from genuine MTG cards. Whether you’re testing new deck ideas or playing with friends, MTG proxies can enhance your MTG experience and allow you to explore the game in new and exciting ways.
