What is Premodern?
Premodern is a Magic: The Gathering format played with cards from Fourth Edition through Scourge (1995–2003) — the game's golden era. It captures the feel of early competitive Magic: iconic old-border cards, meaningful decisions and a rich, interactive metagame, free of the power creep of later sets.
How it plays
Premodern is an eternal, non-rotating format. Games reward tight play, deckbuilding skill and knowledge of the metagame rather than raw speed. Combo, control, aggro and midrange all have a home — from Goblins and Stiflenought to Landstill, Replenish and The Rock.
Deck construction
- Minimum 60-card main deck.
- Up to a 15-card sideboard.
- At most 4 copies of any single card (basic lands excepted).
A card is legal as long as its name appears in one of these sets. (Reprints in newer sets are legal too — but on Premodern Chronicles we always show the period-correct old-frame printing.)
To keep the format diverse and interactive, these cards are banned — including the classic ante cards.
Banlist is maintained by the Premodern format committee — check premodernmagic.com for official updates.
Learn more
Official format home: premodernmagic.com · Community & events: playpremodern.com