The Format
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.
Current Banlist
Banlist is maintained by the Premodern format committee, check
premodernmagic.com for official updates.