you’re probably not trying to start a philosophical debate about cardboard morality. You just want to play the game you love without selling a kidney for a mana base. Fair. The good news is that most proxy drama is avoidable with one ancient social technique: telling people what you’re doing before you do it.
This isn’t a manifesto. It’s a practical guide to asking, answering, and not being That Person about proxies, whether you’re at a kitchen table, a Commander night, or sitting down with a brand-new pod that has no idea what you’re about to shuffle up.
Start with the boring part: what kind of “proxy” are we talking about?
People say “proxy” and mean three different things:
- Playtest cards: Sharpie on a basic land, or a clear placeholder that is not trying to look real.
- Printed proxies: A card-shaped print that resembles the real card (often the most common in Commander).
- Counterfeits: A fake trying to pass as an authentic card. This is the line you do not want to cross, and it’s also the line that makes everyone suspicious of the word “proxy” in the first place.
Why this matters: your playgroup might be totally fine with “i proxied the duals so i can test the deck,” and totally not fine with “i brought 100 cards that look like the real thing and i will not acknowledge reality.”
So when you ask, be specific. “I run printed proxies of expensive staples” communicates a lot more than “i have some proxies.”
MTG proxy etiquette: how to ask your playgroup without making it weird
Here’s the core rule: surprise is the enemy. Most people don’t mind proxies. Most people mind feeling tricked, disrespected, or blindsided.
A clean ask sounds like this:
“Hey, quick check: i’m running some proxies in this deck. Mostly expensive staples and lands. I’m happy to swap decks if your group doesn’t like proxies. What’s your usual vibe?”
That sentence does a few important things:
- It discloses proxies up front.
- It frames intent (play, test, budget) instead of flexing.
- It offers an out without making it a hostage negotiation.
What to include in the ask (so people can actually say yes or no)
Give your table something they can respond to. The big three:
- How many proxies?
“Just a couple” and “the entire deck” are different experiences, even if both are valid at the right table. - Why are you proxying?
Testing a list, protecting expensive cards, building multiple decks, avoiding a $900 land package. All normal. “Because i can” is also technically true, but it’s not helpful. - What power level are you aiming for?
Proxies are not inherently high power. But proxies make it easier to accidentally show up with “oops all fast mana” at the table that brought precons and optimism.
If you want a simple line that keeps everyone calm:
“The proxies don’t change the power level goal. They just keep the budget from bullying me.”
Proxy etiquette for Commander night
Commander already runs on social agreements. Proxies just become one more thing to agree on. The trick is to treat it like any other pregame expectation, not like a confession.
If you want a helpful framework, do this quick “Rule 0” style check:
- Are proxies allowed here?
- If yes, are there limits? (Number of proxies, no reserved list, no fast mana, etc.)
- What power band are we trying to play?
If your group is established, you can formalize it in one sentence:
“Proxies allowed, but keep the deck in the same power band as the table.”
If your group is new, assume nothing. Bring a backup deck if you can. If you can’t, bring a plan for swapping a few cards, or at least be ready to sit one out without acting like you’re being persecuted for your beliefs.
Also, one honest note: if your “proxy-friendly” Commander night keeps turning into arms races, it may not be a proxy problem. It might be a communication problem wearing a proxy costume.
If you’re still sorting out what counts as Commander versus other formats and where rules expectations shift, this can help: Beginner’s Guide to Formats: Standard vs Modern vs Pioneer vs Commander
Proxy etiquette at game stores
This is where people get confused, because “casual at the store” can mean:
- truly casual, unsanctioned open play
- a store league
- an event with entry and prizes
- a reported, sanctioned event with official rules enforcement
So here’s the etiquette that saves everyone time:
1) Ask the store, not just the table
Even if the players don’t care, the store might have policies because of how the event is run. Use a simple question:
“Is this event sanctioned or reported, and are proxies or playtest cards allowed tonight?”
That’s it. No speech. No TED Talk.
2) If there are prizes, assume stricter rules
Prize support changes incentives and expectations. People who are chill in free play can get less chill when there’s store credit on the line. That’s not hypocrisy. That’s math.
3) Do not argue with staff about policy
You can disagree internally. You can disagree quietly. You can write a journal entry titled “the tyranny of real cardboard.” But arguing in the moment just turns you into the reason stores hate running Commander nights.
If you want to be a hero, be the kind of player who makes the store’s life easier.
How to bring proxies to a new pod
New pod etiquette is basically first-date etiquette, except with more dragons and fewer normal conversational skills.
Here’s a small script that works:
“Hey all, before we start: i have some proxies in here. Mostly staples and lands. Totally fine if that’s a no for this pod. i can switch decks, or i can sit this one out.”
Then stop talking. Let them answer. Do not keep selling your case like you’re in court.
What to do if someone says no
Do one of these:
- Switch decks.
- Swap cards if the issue is limited to a couple problem proxies.
- Borrow a deck if someone offers.
- Sit out and watch a game.
Do not do this:
- Act offended.
- Start litigating how expensive Magic is (they know).
- Demand they justify their preference.
People are allowed to want different things from their leisure time.
MTG proxy cards best practices for casual events
If your group allows proxies, you still want your proxies to be easy to play against. The goal is “game flows smoothly,” not “my printer is a planeswalker.”
Best practices that make everyone happier:
- Use opaque sleeves and keep card backs consistent.
Nobody wants to wonder if your deck is accidentally marked because one proxy is slightly different. - Prioritize readability over aesthetics.
Clear name, mana cost, and rules text. Fancy alt-art is fun until someone can’t tell what the card does. - Make proxies obvious enough that nobody feels tricked.
This doesn’t mean ugly. It means not pretending they are real. - Bring a decklist or quick reference if your deck is heavy on unusual prints.
This is especially helpful when you’re sitting with strangers. - Match the table’s comfort level.
If the pod is proxy-friendly but hates fast mana, do not show up with the full “i proxied the format” starter kit.
And yes, quality matters. Not because you need “perfect,” but because you want consistent thickness, consistent cuts, and a deck that shuffles like a deck. If you care about that side of it, we did a print-quality comparison here: PrintMTG vs PrintingProxies: which proxy card printer is better?
A quick note about other games
Proxy norms vary a lot:
- Netrunner communities are often very proxy-positive because availability and fan-driven formats are part of the ecosystem.
- Lorcana and Pokémon can be more structured around official play environments, which can mean stricter expectations, especially at league-style events.
Same rule applies across all of them: ask first, be clear, don’t surprise people.
The whole thing in one sentence
The best proxy policy is the one where nobody feels ambushed.
If you take nothing else from this, take this: “mtg proxy etiquette how to ask your playgroup” is mostly just “talk like a normal person, before the game starts.” You can proxy responsibly, keep the vibe intact, and still get to cast your ridiculous spells. Everyone wins. Or at least nobody has to have a 40-minute argument about cardboard.