Commander decks can contain cards that cost more than the rest of the deck combined, so it is no surprise that proxies, stand-in cards that represent a card you do not own, are one of the most debated topics at the table. Some groups proxy freely, some never do, and many sit somewhere in between. Here is how proxies work, where they are allowed and how to use them without causing friction.
The short answer: proxies are not allowed at sanctioned Magic: The Gathering tournaments, but in casual Commander they are fine if everyone at the table agrees. Talk about it before the game as part of Rule Zero, make proxies clearly readable and obviously not genuine, and never sell or trade a proxy as a real card, because that is counterfeiting.
What is a proxy in MTG?
A proxy is a placeholder that represents a specific card in your deck, ranging from a handwritten note slipped into a sleeve in front of a basic land to a printed copy of the card's text and art. Players use them to test a card before buying it, to play cards they cannot afford, or to keep one physical copy moving between several decks. A proxy is only a stand-in; it has no value of its own.
Are proxies allowed at tournaments?
No. Sanctioned events run through the Wizards Play Network require genuine cards, and proxies are only permitted in very narrow cases where a judge issues one to replace a card damaged during the event. Some stores and community events for older formats allow a limited number of proxies, but that is a local rule, so always check with the organiser first.
Are proxies allowed in casual Commander?
Yes, if your playgroup agrees. Casual Commander is built on the social contract and Rule Zero conversations, so the group decides; see what is Rule Zero. Many groups welcome proxies for expensive staples or cards being tested, while others prefer a ‘real cards only’ table.
| Setting | Proxies allowed? | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen-table Commander | If the group agrees | Mention it before shuffling up |
| Casual store Commander night | Store's choice | Ask staff, then your pod |
| Sanctioned tournament | No | Genuine cards only |
| Community-run competitive events | Sometimes, limited | Read the event rules |
| Testing a deck at home | Yes | Swap in real cards once you buy them |
What is the difference between a proxy and a counterfeit?
A proxy is openly a stand-in and nobody is fooled by it. A counterfeit is made to pass as a genuine card, and selling or trading one as real is fraud. Wizards of the Coast has said it does not intend to police playtest cards made for personal, non-commercial use, but anything designed to deceive is a different matter; our guide to spotting fake MTG cards explains the warning signs.
How should you ask your group about proxies?
Raise it before the game, say which cards are proxied and why, and be ready to swap the deck if someone objects. Proxying a deck to play at a much higher power level than the table can feel unfair, so pair the conversation with your deck's bracket; see Commander brackets explained. Transparency is what keeps proxies friendly.
What makes a good proxy?
It should be easy to read across the table: clear card name, mana cost, type line and full rules text. Slip it in an opaque-backed sleeve in front of a basic land or bulk card so it shuffles and feels exactly like the rest of the deck. Avoid anything that could be mistaken for a genuine card, such as marking up a real card with a different name.
Do proxies change deck box needs?
A proxy behind a basic land is slightly thicker than a single card, so a deck with lots of them takes a little more space. A box rated for 100+ single-sleeved cards copes with a handful of these easily. Keep proxies sleeved identically to the rest of the deck so nobody can tell them apart while shuffling.
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Related reading
- How to Play MTG Commander with Two Players
- MTG Card Condition Grades Explained
- What Is Rule Zero in MTG Commander?
- MTG Commander Brackets Explained
- How to Spot Fake MTG Cards
- How to Upgrade an MTG Commander Precon
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