MTR 3.4 Proxy Cards - Rules Resources

A proxy card is used during competition to represent an otherwise legal Magic card or checklist card that can no longer be included in a deck without the deck being marked. For a proxy to be issued, the card it is replacing must meet at least one of the following criteria:

The card has been accidentally damaged or excessively worn in the current tournament, including damaged or misprinted Limited product. Proxies are not allowed as substitutes for cards that their owner has damaged intentionally or through negligence.
The card is a foil card for which no non-foil printing exists.

We want to issue proxies only in cases where the card or cards have been damaged through no fault of the player or they do not exist as a non-foil variant (“Kess, Dissident Mage” for example). Cards being expensive or rare are not reasons to issue a proxy. “I don’t want to damage my Retro Frame Foil Etched Showcase+ storm crow” is not a reason to issue a proxy. Also, while purchasing well-worn or damaged cards will save money, if the cards are distinguishable from others in the deck, they cannot be played and no proxy will be issued.

Players may not create their own proxies; they may only be created by the Head Judge who has sole discretion as to whether the creation of a proxy is appropriate. 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. The original card is kept nearby during the match and replaces the proxy while in a public zone as long as it is recognizable. A proxy is valid only for the duration of the tournament in which it was originally issued.

Using a sharpie on a basic land is a simple and effective way to issue a proxy. It is recommended to initial the proxy as well so that the judge staff and other players in the event can recognize that the proxy was properly issued. Include the name of the card, and its mana cost on the proxy. Any other information may be added at the Head Judge’s discretion. Additionally, a proxy created by another head judge at last weeks event does not satisfy the criteria for “only created by the Head Judge”