Format Rules

Preface

Alpha 40 is a "throwback" format that transports us back to 1993, before much, if any, conventions or etiquette for Magic existed. It embraces both the scarce nature of Magic's 1st edition cards and the powerful effects (and unintended consequences) of the original rules as released in 1993.

Alpha 40 utilizes rules for cards as printed, when possible, with best common interpretation of how the game functioned roughly in August of 1993. It places no limitation on how many duplicates may exist in a deck, simply a requirement of 40 cards minimum. It is simple, elegant, and you play what you own.

1. Legal Sets

Alpha League decks may consist of cards from Alpha Edition only. No other sets are permitted, including Beta, Unlimited, or any reprints. All cards must be authentic Alpha printings, identifiable by their rounded corners.

2. Deck Construction

• Decks must contain a minimum of 40 cards (no maximum, but you must be able to randomize your deck).
• There is no sideboard.
• There is no limit to the number of basic lands or commons you can include, unless they appear on the Moderated List.
• Cards on the Moderated List are limited to a maximum of 3 copies regardless of rarity.

A player's deck may not contain more than:

• 1 card from the Fast Mana group
• 1 card from the Power group
• 1 card from the Destruction group
• 1 card from the Draw group
• 1 card from the Charms group
• 1 of each Restricted card
• 3 of any individual Rare
• 3 of each Moderated List card
• 6 of any individual Uncommon
• 0 Banned cards

3. Card Lists

Your deck may contain at most 1 card from each of the following groups. Restricted cards are limited to 1 copy each; Moderated cards to 3 copies each; Banned cards are not legal.

† Ancestral Recall counts as your choice for both the Power group and the Draw group.