Custom MtG Proxy Cards

An MTG proxy card is an easily acquired or home-made substitute for a collectible card. A proxy is used when a collectible card game player does not own a card, and it would be impractical for such purposes to acquire the card.

This usually occurs when a player desires a card that is cost-prohibitive, or is “playtesting” with many possible cards. When doing intensive training for a competitive tournament, it often makes more sense to use proxy cards while figuring out which cards will be brought to the tournament. Another card is substituted and serves the same function during gameplay as the actual card would.

A proxy can also be used in cases where a player owns a very valuable card, but does not wish to damage it by using it in actual play.

Proxy cards can be used in various situations. The rules and restrictions are object of common agreement, or a given policy, and may differ from the above-mentioned “fair play requirements”.

In casual games, the players may agree on a common policy of how to incorporate proxy cards. This allows to play a higher variation of card combinations and strategies, while keeping a limit on the expenses. In tournaments, the organizer may permit a limited number of proxy cards, and define rules about how these cards must look. This policy has become especially popular in games or formats where some vital cards are far too expensive, such as the vintage format inMagic: The Gathering.

For playtesting. Proxy cards allow a player to test new cards, before they decide to actually buy or trade for them. In card prototyping. Card developers in companies like Wizards of the Coast use proxies to playtest their ideas for new cards before they are printed.

Some players create cards based on their own ideas for card themes and mechanics. In this case, however, the term “proxy” may no longer be applicable, as these cannot be considered substitutes for existing objects.

Famous cards that are often proxied are the so-called power nine in Magic: The Gathering, which are considered totally out of balance in gameplay, while being unaffordable for the average player, due to their rarity and enormous price on the secondary market.

The main issue to guarantee fair play in a card game is that all cards in the deck must be indistinguishable for any player who does not view the front side (if card sleeves are used, the term ‘card’ means the sleeve with the card inside).

Ideally, all cards (both original and proxy) should be indistinguishable in the following characteristics to ensure fairness:

Card size and shape, including the typical rounding cut on the edges.

The card’s total weight, its center of gravity and, ideally, the moment of inertia (which implies a homogeneous distribution of mass on the surface).

Overall and local stiffness and elasticity – all cards should behave equally on bending.

Overall and local thickness.

Feel and relief (tactilecharacteristics) of the card, especially elevations and cavities on the surface on both sides.

The image printed on the back side, including its shininess.

Overall and local transparency, when examined with a light from behind.

Besides these physical implications, it should be considered that someone (the players or a judge) will need to control the validity of the cards – which may prove difficult with some of the above points.

We deliver the best quality custom MTG proxies on the market. These are perfect for testing your decks and casual play with friends and family.

These cards are designed by us and printed in a professional commercial printing facility. They are the exact same size as a standard Magic card. We strive to make the most realistic proxies on the market. 

We are constantly adding new cards to our shop, so check back regularly.

1. Lower Barrier to Entry
Proxies make it easier for players to build new decks and for new players to get into the game. This is great for so many reasons but the main one is that it makes Magic: The Gatherings competitive community bigger. It’s more likely that LGSs and players will benefit from a more active community. For more information on why you should use MtG proxy cards, click here.

2. You Can Tryout MTG Cards Before Spending Big Money
If a player buys a proxy, that doesn’t necessarily mean he or she won’t buy the real card. It’s important to test these cards with your deck and against competitors. Let’s say someone buys a Cyclonic Rift proxy and decides it doesn’t work with their deck. Instead of wasting $20 on a card that won’t be used, that money can be put toward a new Rebuild card that is working great.

3. They Keep Your Authentic Magic Cards in Great Shape
A custom mtg proxy card can follow you into battle over and over again without the worry of damage or wear. One dual land set can save you hundreds or more by preserving valuable cards in your deck.

4. It Plain Saves You Money
This is straightforward, but it needs to be mentioned. Playing MTG is great – but plying MTG while paying off bills and going out on Friday night is even better. Proxies can help you save precious dollars and spend them even better. In conclusion, proxies are good for the players, which makes them good for the game.