Guidelines

As a baseline, we use the Atlantic rule set. The rules of any specific event will override Atlantic rules though. Any such deviation from Atlantic rules will be well-published in advance of the event in its advertisement. We do experiment with other, more exploratory, rules. Other formats that fall under the broader Old School umbrella (e.g. Premodern) also see play among our group.

We allow all non-foil cards from the legal sets that were reprinted in any language with the original frame and original art. In addition, we will allow any additional reprints OR proxies consistent with the aesthetic values of "Old School Magic". As may be expected, aesthetic values is highly subjective, and by playing with proxies, with alters, or with reprints without the original frame and art, you open yourself to the subjective judgment of the community.

As a rule, the community will be open to reprints with art from the "newer" sets as long as the reprints use the original frame. As an example, an Ice Ace printing of Icy Manipulator is likely to be found in accordance with the aesthetic value of the community. However, a Dominaria (2018 expansion) version of Icy Manipulator will almost certainly not be tolerated.

An altered card is almost certainly acceptable as long as the altered card in question is distinguishable from other card-names in your deck.

For regular meet-up play, proxies, whether they be modified versions of other cards, other cards that clearly serve as a stand-in (e.g. Chaos Confetti for Chaos Orb), original artist's sketches on blank cards, or player-altered cards may be found to be acceptable as long as they are clearly distinguishable from other proxies or the cards they were proxied upon. Please be sure to consider the aesthetic appeal of any proxies you choose to include.

For tournament play, proxies may not be allowed. It will be specified in such a case.

The community is likely to respond to any aesthetic lapses with boos, hisses, jeers, mocking, insults, and potentially other tournament specific penalties. It is also likely that the individual that proffered an art or card frame deemed offensive will be forced to sit in the worst seat in the tournament space or be used as a gofer for drinks for their opponents or other tournament participants.

We are an open, inclusive, and self-governing community that most often meets in public spaces. Please make sure that your sleeves, playmats, and most importantly, your actions reflect that openness and inclusivity. Every member of our community should endeavor to respect other members and concerns raised by other members. It is also the responsibility of every member of the community to support other members. This does not mean that we cannot joke, but it does mean that if someone tells you that your joking crossed the line, you should listen.