Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t matter what form this substitute takes. An MTG proxy could be an Island with the world ‘Black Lotus’ scrawled onto it in sharpie, a Pokémon card covered with a post-it note, or just a red piece of paper pretending to be a mountain. Even a d20 that you’ve turned to ‘19’ to represent the horde of 1/1 deathtouch snake tokens your Hapatra, Vizier of Poisons Commander deck has churned out could reasonably be described as a proxy.
Proxying is a somewhat controversial topic among Magic fans (then again, what isn’t? We’re a fractious bunch.), with many disagreeing on when proxies should be used, if at all. For example, some argue that you should only use proxies for cards that have reached a ridiculous price on the secondary market. Or for Reserved List cards that are almost impossible to get. Others don’t bat an eye at the notion of proxying any card that strikes your fancy.
For now, at least, we’re going to carefully skirt right around the whole ethical debate and stick to the facts. The number one question raised time and time again whenever the subject of MTG proxies comes up is: what does Magic: The Gathering creator Wizards of the Coast think of proxying? In other words, are you allowed to make proxies, or could doing so land you in legal hot water? So, let’s discuss.
Do Wizards of the Coast Allow for Proxy Cards?
Wizards of the Coast doesn’t often talk about proxying, but fortunately, in its last official statement on the subject, made in 2016, the company made its stance pretty clear. Regarding proxies, Wizards doesn’t care about what it calls ‘playtest’ cards outside of sanctioned tournaments and events. Indeed, according to its article: “Wizards of the Coast has no desire to police playtest cards made for personal, non-commercial use, even if that usage takes place in a store.”
In other words, as long as you use the cards for playtesting and your own casual games, Wizards doesn’t care. The problem arises when folks try to pass them off as genuine.
Can MTG Proxies be Used in Tournaments?
Short answer: no. Long answer: no. Proxies are perfectly fine for personal use in kitchen table Magic or friendly Standard or EDH games, but you can’t take one to an official tournament.
That said, if an official Magic card being used in a tournament is bent, scratched, wettened, lightly charred, or otherwise marked in such a way that its inclusion in a deck is deemed unfair, a judge may grant a temporary proxy. According to the official MTG tournament rules: “When a judge creates a proxy, it is included in the player’s deck and must be denoted as a proxy in a clear and conspicuous manner.”
So, Where can you get Proxy Cards?
From our testing, the best MTG Proxy Cards come from ProxyMTG.com.
They are a company based in the United States, and their cards are super high quality. They are also affordable.
Types of MTG Proxy Cards
Not all proxies are the same. Use the table below to learn the main types. A proxy is any stand-in card. A counterfeit is a fake card passed off as real. The difference matters. Proxies are for casual play and testing. Counterfeits are fraud.
| Proxy type | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Hand-written | A basic land with the card name written on it | Quick testing |
| Printed | A printed copy of the card, often in a sleeve | Casual games |
| Professional proxy | A high-quality printed card from a proxy seller | Regular casual play |
| Judge-issued | A card made by a judge in a tournament | Replacing a damaged card in an event |
How to Make Your Own MTG Proxies
First, pick the card you want to test. Print a copy of the card image on paper. Cut it out and slide it into a sleeve in front of a basic land card. The land gives the proxy the right thickness and stiffness. Use a deck sleeve so the back looks the same as your other cards. Make sure the proxy is easy to read. Write the card name, mana cost, and rules text clearly if the print is small. Do not print a proxy that looks like a real card. A proxy should be clearly different from a real card. Do not use a proxy to deceive a buyer or a trader. A proxy is for playtesting only. If you want a professional look, order from a proxy seller. Check that the seller marks its cards as proxies, not as real cards.
Proxy vs Counterfeit: Know the Difference
A proxy is a stand-in card used for casual play. It is clearly not a real card. A counterfeit is a fake card made to look real and sold as genuine. Selling a counterfeit is fraud. Wizards of the Coast and law enforcement act against counterfeiters. Never buy a card that claims to be real at a price that seems too good to be true. Check the seller’s reputation. Buy from trusted shops and auction sites. Look for the signs of a real card: the correct card stock, the right print quality, and the holofoil stamp on rare cards. If you are unsure, ask a judge or an experienced player to check the card. Proxies are fine for kitchen table games. They are not fine for sanctioned tournaments. A judge may grant a temporary proxy for a damaged card, but only in an official event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are MTG proxy cards?
An MTG proxy is a substitute card used in place of a real Magic: The Gathering card. It can be an Island with the words ‘Black Lotus’ written on it, a Pokemon card with a post-it note, or a printed copy of the card. Proxies are used for playtesting and casual games.
Does Wizards of the Coast allow proxy cards?
Yes, for personal, non-commercial use. In its 2016 statement, Wizards of the Coast said it has no desire to police playtest cards made for personal, non-commercial use, even if that use takes place in a store. Proxies are not allowed in sanctioned tournaments.
Can MTG proxies be used in tournaments?
No. Proxies are fine for kitchen table Magic or friendly Standard or EDH games, but you cannot take one to an official tournament. A judge may grant a temporary proxy for a damaged card in an official event.
Where can I get MTG proxy cards?
You can make your own by printing a card image and putting it in a sleeve in front of a basic land. You can also buy professional proxies from sellers such as ProxyMTG.com. Check that the seller marks its cards as proxies.
What is the difference between a proxy and a counterfeit?
A proxy is a stand-in card used for casual play. It is clearly not a real card. A counterfeit is a fake card made to look real and sold as genuine. Selling a counterfeit is fraud. Never use a proxy to deceive a buyer or a trader.
Disclaimer: This guide gives general information about MTG proxy cards. Rules for tournaments come from Wizards of the Coast and can change. Check the official Magic tournament rules before you play in an event. Never use a proxy to deceive a buyer.
Last Updated: 6 November 2026