One of the most heated debates in the Magic: The Gathering community is about proxies. Can you use them? Are they legal? Will you get banned for having them?

The answer is actually simpler than you might think, but there is a lot of misinformation out there. This guide sorts facts from fiction.

TL;DR: Proxies are 100% legal for personal, non-commercial use (like testing decks or kitchen table magic), but are banned in official sanctioned tournaments.

The Big Distinction: Proxy vs. Counterfeit

To understand legality, you must understand the difference between a "Proxy" and a "Counterfeit".

What is a Proxy?

A proxy is a stand-in card used to represent a real card during gameplay.

Purpose: Playability and accessibility.
Appearance: Often clearly different from a real card (different back, "PROXY" text, alternate art).
Intent: NO intent to deceive anyone thinking it's real.

What is a Counterfeit?

A counterfeit is a fake card designed to look exactly like a real Magic card.

Purpose: Deception and financial gain.
Appearance: Uses high-resolution scans and identical card backs to pass "bend tests" or light tests.
Intent: To trick players or stores into buying a fake card as a real one.

Counterfeits are illegal. Producing, selling, or trading them is copyright infringement and fraud. Proxies for personal use are fine.

Official Tournament Rules (Wizards of the Coast)

In any Sanctioned Event (Friday Night Magic, Store Championships, Pro Tours), you cannot use proxies. You must use authentic cards.

The "Judge Proxy" Exception

There is one tiny exception. If a card you own and are using in the tournament gets damaged during the tournament (e.g., you spill water on it in Round 2), the Head Judge can issue a "proxy" for the remainder of that event only. You cannot start a tournament with proxies.

Casual Play & Commander (EDH)

This is where 90% of Magic takes place, and here, proxies are widely accepted.

Why Players Proxy in Commander

Cost: Building a competitive deck can cost $1,000+. Proxies allow players to play the strategy, not the wallet.
Security: Some players own a $500 Gaea's Cradle but keep it in a safe, playing with a proxy to avoid damage or theft.
Creativity: Players want custom art or frames that match their deck's theme.

Etiquette: Always ask your playgroup "Is everyone cool with proxies?" before the game starts. The answer is almost always "Yes," provided your deck power level is appropriate.

How to Proxy Ethically

If you want to use proxies without being "that guy," follow these rules:

Never Trade/Sell Them: If you made a proxy, it is yours. Never try to trade it as a real card.
Make Them Distinct: Use a custom card back or clearly legible "Not for Sale" text. This prevents your proxies from accidentally entering the secondary market years later.
Readability Matters: Don't use a sharpie on a swamp unless you have to. Use a tool like TCGCustom to print readable, clear cards so opponents know what they do.

Conclusion

Tournaments: Real cards only.
Kitchen Table / EDH: Proxies are generally welcomed.
Selling: Illegal. Don't do it.

Proxies are a tool to enjoy the game. Magic is a game of wits, not a game of who has the deepest pockets. So go ahead, print that Mana Crypt for your Commander deck, and have fun!

Create Your First Legal Custom Proxy Today →

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