The rotating 60-card format with recent sets only
Magic: The Gathering Standard — The rotating proving ground
Standard is Magic's flagship rotating format. The card pool consists of the most recent 5-7 Standard-legal sets (the exact list rotates yearly, typically in fall). It's the format Wizards designs new sets FOR — meaning the meta evolves with each release and the format is the most accessible entry point for new players (smaller card pool = lower cost to enter). Standard is also the primary format in MTG Arena, making it the digital battleground for the largest active player base. Available on paper, MTG Arena, and Magic Online.
Quick reference
- Deck size
- 60
- Starting life
- 20
- MTG Arena
- Yes
- MTGO
- Yes
Key rules
- 01
60+ cards main deck, 15 cards sideboard.
- 02
Legal cards: only sets in the current Standard rotation (typically 5-7 most recent).
- 03
Rotation happens roughly once per year — older sets cycle out as new ones come in.
- 04
Up to 4 copies of any non-basic card.
- 05
20 life, best-of-three matches with sideboard.
Strategy and feel
Standard is the format where individual card choices matter most. The smaller pool means every new set shifts the meta — staying current is critical. Common archetypes evolve every rotation but the trinity (aggro/midrange/control) is consistent.
Official B&R list
Wizards maintains the official banned and restricted list. Updated periodically — check the official source before any tournament:
https://magic.wizards.com/en/banned-restricted-list#standardReady to build a Standard deck?
Build a Standard deck with automatic format validation, import from Moxfield/Arena, and play online with friends when it's ready.