An Introduction to Premodern
Brand new to Magic itself?
This guide assumes you know the basics. If you've never played, start one step back.
Coming From Another Format?
Already play Magic somewhere else? Whatever you love about your format has a home in Premodern. Pick where you're coming from and we'll translate it.
The Philosophy: Capturing 'Classic' Magic
Founded in 2012 by Martin Berlin, Premodern is a community-driven format that captures the 'golden age' of Magic between 1995 and 2003. It specifically includes the 29 Standard-legal sets from Fourth Edition to Scourge. The format aims to preserve the aesthetics and interactive gameplay of early Magic while keeping the power level balanced via a curated ban list.
Nostalgia-driven, community-built format.
Fixed card pool (no power creep from new sets).
Encourages modern-frame reprints and gold-bordered cards for accessibility.
Focuses on onboard synergy rather than single game-ending haymakers.
How It Feels to Play
Premodern has a unique 'Middle-School' feel that differs significantly from Modern or Legacy. Gameplay is highly interactive and leans toward onboard threats, artifacts, and enchantments.
Synergy over Power
Strategies rely on synergistic interactions (like Madness or Enchantress) rather than raw individual card power.
Shaky Mana Bases
Without fetchable dual lands and only allied fetchlands available, three-color mana bases are difficult to manage. Sequencing land drops is a critical skill.
Contemporary Rules
Despite the old cards, we use modern rules: no mana burn, no damage on the stack, and the London Mulligan.
The Golden Rule of Legality
If a card was printed in a Standard-legal set with an old frame between Fourth Edition (1995) and Scourge (2003), it is legal, provided it is not on the ban list.
Fourth Edition through Scourge (29 sets).
Allied Fetchlands (Onslaught) and Pain Lands (Ice Age/Apocalypse) are the primary mana fixers.
Reprints are encouraged! You can use modern-frame versions of any legal card.
Excluded: Portal, Starter, Un-sets, and Promos.
Entry Pathways: Budgeting
Premodern is one of the most accessible eternal formats. Because we allow reprints and often gold-bordered cards, you can build a competitive deck without breaking the bank.
Use Modern-Frame Reprints: Any legal card from a set like Modern Horizons or retro promos is 100% legal.
Pain Lands vs Fetchlands: Allied fetchlands (Onslaught) are staples, but many decks function perfectly on Ice Age pain lands.
Gold-Bordered Accessibility: Many local groups allow World Championship cards (e.g. Gaea's Cradle, City of Brass) for non-sanctioned play.
Starter Archetypes: Mono-Red Burn and Mono-Black Aggro are Tier 1.5/2 and cost less than $100.
Getting Started: Entry Pathways
Looking for your first deck? These archetypes are highly recommended for their balance of power, interactivity, and affordability.
Burn / Sligh
Aggressive & Budget-Friendly
Fast, consistent, and uses basic mountains. Excellent for learning the format's tempo.
Madness
Synergistic & Flexible
Uses powerful synergy between discard outlets and madness spells. Very resilient.
The Rock
Midrange & Value
Focused on hand disruption and board control. Perfect for players who enjoy grinding out games.
Goblins
Explosive Tribal
A format pillar. Offers explosive starts and incredible card advantage.
Where to Play
Premodern has a thriving global community both in-person and online.