The world of Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is vast and varied, attracting players with its strategic depth and the rich lore of its multiverse. However, one topic that often sparks debate among its enthusiasts is the use of MTG proxies.
Today we’re sharing our video on the easiest and (in our opinion) best way to print hgih quality MTG proxy cards. After the video we’ll share our thoughts on the debate around proxy cards.
What Are MTG Proxies?
MTG proxies are unofficial replacements for official Magic cards. These can range from a basic land card with another card’s name scribbled on it to sophisticated printouts that mimic the appearance of real cards. Proxies are used for various purposes, including playtesting new strategies, facilitating casual play without significant financial investment, and enabling players to use cards that are rare, expensive, or out of print.
Wizards of the Coast’s Position
Wizards of the Coast (WotC), the creator of MTG, has a clear stance on the use of proxies in official play: they are not allowed in sanctioned tournaments and events. However, WotC distinguishes between proxies used for personal, non-commercial purposes, which they do not police, and counterfeit cards, which are illegal reproductions of Magic cards intended to be passed off as genuine. The company actively works to protect the game and its community from counterfeit cards, highlighting the legal and ethical line between proxies for personal use and counterfeit cards.
The Community’s Perspective
The MTG community is divided on the topic of proxies. Some players see proxies as a practical solution to the game’s accessibility issues, allowing for greater creativity and experimentation without the barrier of high card prices. Others argue that proxies undermine the authenticity of the game and the value of genuine Magic cards. This division is reflective of broader discussions about fairness, accessibility, and the preservation of the game’s integrity.
Creating Proxies
The process of creating MTG proxies varies in complexity. At its simplest, a proxy might be a piece of paper with a card name written on it. More sophisticated methods involve printing high-quality replicas of cards. Websites and software tools offer templates and customization options for those who wish to create proxies, whether for casual play or as placeholders in a collection.
Ethical Considerations
The ethical debate around proxies centers on the distinction between personal use and commercial gain. While proxies for personal, non-commercial use are generally accepted within the community, producing and selling counterfeit cards is both illegal and unethical. This distinction is crucial for maintaining the game’s integrity and respecting the rights of its creators and the players who invest in genuine cards.
In the world of trading card games, the cost of acquiring specific cards can often be prohibitive. Whether you’re into Yogi Magic, Pokémon, or other popular games, the expense can sometimes prevent players from accessing the cards they need to build competitive decks or simply enjoy the game to its fullest. Fortunately, there are methods for creating proxy cards that can serve as affordable alternatives to the real thing. In this guide, we’ll explore various techniques for proxying cards, ensuring that you can continue playing your favorite games without breaking the bank.
Proxying cards involves creating replicas of existing cards using cost-effective materials and methods. While these proxies may not be legal for official tournament play, they are perfectly suitable for casual games with friends or alternative formats where deck customization is encouraged. Additionally, proxies can be a valuable tool for playtesting new deck ideas or experimenting with different card combinations before committing to expensive purchases.
There are several approaches to proxying cards, each with its own advantages and considerations. Here, we’ll outline two primary methods: printing proxies on paper and creating foil proxies.
Printing Proxies on Paper
One common method for creating proxies is to print card images onto paper or cardstock. This approach allows you to replicate the appearance of real cards while minimizing costs. Here’s how it works:
Choose Your Materials: To print proxies on paper, you’ll need high-quality images of the cards you want to proxy, as well as suitable printing materials. Opt for heavy cardstock paper (around 300 GSM) for durability and a professional finish.
Select Printing Software: Many trading card games have online tools or websites that allow you to generate proxy card images. These tools typically provide options for customizing card details and layouts.
Print Your Proxies: Use a standard printer to print the proxy card images onto the cardstock paper. Be sure to adjust the printer settings to ensure the images fit correctly on the page.
Cut and Sleeve: Once printed, carefully cut out the proxy cards along the edges. Use a guillotine cutter or scissors for precise cuts. After cutting, sleeve the proxies in card sleeves to protect them during gameplay.
Creating Foil Proxies
For players who prefer a more premium look, foil proxies offer a shiny alternative to traditional cards. While creating foil proxies requires a bit more effort, the results can be impressive. Here’s how to make foil proxies:
Gather Your Materials: To create foil proxies, you’ll need blank foil cards, acetone, cotton balls, and transparent vinyl sticker paper. Blank foil cards can often be purchased inexpensively from online retailers.
Remove Existing Ink: Using acetone and cotton balls, carefully wipe away the ink from the surface of the blank foil cards. Take care not to damage the card’s surface during this process.
Print Proxy Images: Print your desired card images onto transparent vinyl sticker paper. Ensure that the images are scaled correctly to fit the foil cards.
Apply Proxy Images: Carefully peel the printed proxy images from the sticker paper and affix them to the blank foil cards. Use an exacto knife to trim any excess sticker paper from the edges of the cards.
Sleeve and Enjoy: Once the proxy images are applied, sleeve the foil proxies in card sleeves to protect them from wear and tear during gameplay. Your custom foil proxies are now ready to use in your favorite trading card games.
Wrapping Up
Proxying cards offers a cost-effective solution for players looking to expand their card collections or experiment with new decks. Whether printing proxies on paper or creating foil proxies, these methods allow players to enjoy their favorite trading card games without breaking the bank. Remember to adhere to tournament rules and guidelines when using proxies in organized play, and always respect the integrity of the game. With these techniques, you can continue playing and exploring the world of trading card games to your heart’s content.