The World of MTG Proxy Cards: Everything you need to know
Table of Contents
Magic: The gathering is an original collectable card game featuring a rich set of lovable characters and lore filled multiverse. With more than 50 million fans to date and enjoyed in over 150 countries.
To play this game, each player has a deck comprised of 60 cards, which includes spells and creatures which combined are used to defeat the opponent. For a full guide on how to play follow the link: How to play Magic: The Gathering
This guide will cover the world of MTG proxy cards by exploring what a proxy card is, the rules around them and how to make proxy cards.
Ready? Let’s begin.
What is an MTG Proxy Card?
Firstly, some of you may be asking what is a proxy card?
A proxy card is a replica of the original card, but with distinct differences so that anyone would be able to tell the difference.
In fact, players should inform other players that it’s a proxy.
So, since it’s not an exact copy, why make one.
Why would you Proxy a card?
As with many trading card games, the value of the card can fluctuate massively, just look at how much original Pokemon cards are worth!
With that in mind, imagine you bought a blind pack and got a legendary status card!
No way will you play this card in a friendly match and risk damaging it.
Since the original card could be worth a lot in value (or sentimental value) many owners will make a proxy card and use that to preserve the original.
Not only that, but players can also even use proxy to test their deck build before important tournaments.
But beware!
Official rules state that you are not allowed to use proxy cards in tournaments as they require authentic cards as the prizes usually end up being cash awards.
Now, you might be wondering, hey printing a copy, isn’t there copyright protection or trademarks?
Are MTG Cards Copyright protected?
Short answer? Yes, they are copyright protected and trademarked.
Long answer, there are ways where its allowed to be copied and printed but there are strict rules.
The rules are set by the wizards of the coast who are the publishers of Magic: The Gathering. You should check and treat the official rules as final and the below information is for reference only.
According the Wizards of the Coast’s Fan Content Policy you are allowed to use their IP under the following conditions.
- It has to be FREE
- You cannot gain financial or information for the fan content (your proxy)
- It must be Free for others (including Wizards) to view, access, share and use without requiring paying you, obtaining your approval or giving you credit.
- You must make it abundantly clear its fan content
- Ensure others know it’s not endorsed or sponsored by Wizards
- You must include a note; “[Title of your Fan Content] is unofficial Fan Content permitted under the Fan Content Policy. Not approved/endorsed by Wizards. Portions of the materials used are property of Wizards of the Coast. ©Wizards of the Coast LLC.”
- Don’t use other fans’ content without strict approval
- Don’t hurt Wizards
- Don’t use their logos and trademarks
- If your fan content already contains legal notices, keep it there!
- Don’t use Wizard’s IP in other games (Only Magic: The Gathering)
- Don’t use any of Wizard’s videos or music, full stop.
- No Bad Stuff
- Wizards reserve the right to stop or restrict your use of their IP for any reason or no reason —including when we think your use is inappropriate, offensive, damaging, or disparaging.
- Practice safe sponsorship
- Don’t use a sponsor that would be harmful to Wizards, including competitors or endorse inappropriate or offensive sponsors
- Make it clear (verbally or visually) that they are acting as a sponsor only;
- Keep any shout-outs, mentions, and credits to a reasonable length; and
- Do not associate Wizards with your sponsor in any way.
- Follow the law of the land
- Its your fan content creation, but you still need to comply with your countries laws and adhere to Wizards’ Terms of Use and Code of Conduct.
How to Make Proxy Cards
Making Proxy cards can be very simple (and comfortable!) if you decide to make them from the comfort of your own home.
Below are the steps broken down.
Step 1: Gather Materials
- Foil magic card (cards that have a special metal foil layer that highlights parts of the design)
- Double-sided tape
- Acetone
- Soft rag
- Spray adhesive
- Color printer or access to a high-definition printer
- Transparency printer sheets
- Clean workspace
- Computer with Magic card editor software (e.g., Magic Set Editor)
Step 2: Prep the Card
- Place double-sided tape along the back of the card on both sides.
- Anchor the card tape side down to your workspace.
Step 3: Removing the Ink
- Apply acetone to a rag and gently rub it against the card in small circles from the center outwards.
- Reapply acetone as needed and shift to cleaner sections of the rag.
- Remove all ink until only the shiny foil surface remains.
Step 4: Print the New Design
- Use card editing software to design the new card on a transparency sheet.
- Print the design in reverse to ensure the inked side is sealed on the inside.
- Check for any flaws before proceeding.
Step 5: Adhering the New Face
- Apply spray adhesive to the printed image.
- Place the blank foil card over the image, ensuring alignment.
- Use a credit card to remove any air bubbles by rubbing them towards the edges.
Step 6: End
- Enjoy your custom-made foil proxy cards and impress your play group!
Although the steps above sound simple enough to follow, you will need to focus your attention on laser like precision.
How Much Do Proxy Cards Cost?
The cost of proxy cards varies depending on plenty of factors including print quality, materials used, and the resources used for the design.
but
Between genuine MTG cards and proxies, in general, proxy cards are wildly cheaper than the real deal.
FAQ Section
Absolutely NOT. The governing body Wizards Play Network (WPN) do not permit the use of proxy cards in sanctioned tournaments.
There are several things you could do to improve the quality of MTG cards, this includes using high-resolutions images, high quality cardstock and advanced printers. You may need to test around which combination works best for your preference.
You can distinguish a proxy and the genuine MTG card by looking out for various factors such as the cardstock texture, does it feel like your existing MTG cards? The printing quality, low quality printers cannot print to the same level as the professional printer used for MTG cards. This is also noticeable in the color, symbols and designs.
Conclusion
By printing your own proxy cards you can gain access to cards you don’t currently own, playtest your deck build and most importantly preserve your high value cards in friendly matches. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can navigate the world of proxy cards with confidence and creativity.
I should add that although I covered the rules set by Wizards, you should absolutely go and double check it yourself and see if there are updates before you print their proxies.
Additional Mention
The card designs you see on this page are all created with respect to the wizards IP.
If you are interested in creating your own trading game cards but don’t want to bother ordering the equipment and crafting it yourself, give us a try with our Trading Card Game Printing.
and that’s a wrap.