PRIMORDIAL FORMAT

RULES

Deck AND SIDEBOARD Rules

Visual synthesis of the Primordial format deck construction rules.

Primordial uses the official Magic: the Gathering comprehensive rules with the exception of rule 100.2a and rule 100.4a (you don’t necessarily need to go and read them, these details are mainly for judges), which are replaced by the rules below. Do not hesitate to take a look at our FAQ or join our Discord server if you have any questions.

Deck rules (replacing rule 100.2a):

A Primordial deck has a minimum deck size of 40 cards, all cards come from the same set (same set code), and is composed of:

  • Exactly 2 mythic rare or rare cards, with no more than 1 of any mythic rare or rare with a particular English name
  • Exactly 6 uncommon cards, with no more than 2 of any uncommon with a particular English name
  • Any number of common cards, with no more than 4 of any common with a particular English name
  • Any number of basic lands

Non basic lands use a slot of their rarity.

Sideboard rules (replacing rule 100.4a):

A Primordial sideboard may contain no more than 10 cards, and all from the same set as the deck. The 1-of-any-mythic-rare,1-of-any-rare, 2-of-any-uncommon, and 4-of-any-common limits apply to the combined deck and sideboard. The exactly 2 mythic rares or rares and the exactly 6 uncommons limits don’t apply to the combined deck and sideboard.

You may have other mythic rares or rares and other uncommons in your sideboard. However, if you put one of them in your deck between games, you’ll have to put another one out. Also, if you put one out, you’ll have to put another one in (otherwise, your deck will no longer respect the “deck rules” section, as it will not have exactly two 2 mythic rares or rares and exactly 6 uncommons at the beginning of the next game).

Complementary Rules

Basic lands rule:

The following basic lands can be played with any set: Plains, Island, Swamp, Mountain and Forest.

It may seem surprising, but some sets don’t have basic lands. Therefore, this rule is necessary to make them playable.

Cards rarity rule:

A card’s rarity is determined by its printed rarity in the player’s chosen set.

Cards that explicitly refer to another card from another set rule:

Cards that explicitly refer to another card from another set can be played together, as if they were from the same set

e.g.: Gate to the Afterlife explicitly refers to God-Pharaoh’s Gift.

Old Sets Buff

When you play an old set, creature spells you cast cost 1 less to cast.

e.g.: Sengir Vampire in the 4th Edition costs 2BB, instead of 3BB. Will-o’-the-Wisp still cost B.

An old set is currently defined as any set printed before the Eighth Edition.

Banned Cards

It seems like the feeling of fairness plays in major role in our format’s attractiveness. Therefore, it’s important for us to keep an eye on the cards that might have a significantly bad impact on that feeling. If a card seems too unfair to you to be played in Primordial, don’t hesitate to join our Discord server to report it in our dedicated channel.

Generic bans (which will always apply to all sets):

Specific bans (which apply to a selection of sets only):

All sets that are or were Standard or Type 2 legal and main sets that were released before Standard or Type 2 was created are legal in Primordial. These sets are listed below.

Feel free to play with other sets on your kitchen table with your friends, but keep in mind that non Standard legal sets like Commander, Masters or Modern Horizons have a significantly higher power level.

Sets that are or were Standard or Type 2 legal:

Main sets that were released before Standard (Type 2) was created:

* These sets could be considered as “unplayable” as they don’t contain any common.

Multiplayer Recommendations

Maybe the best way to play Magic “for fun”, even in Primordial.

  • 3 players: free for all.
  • More than 3 players: Two Headed Giant (warning: mixing 2 Primordial decks can lead to a very powerful combination that might feel unfair).
  • Commander Primordial? Why not. We have no official recommendations for now, but our community has already tried and defined some rulings. You can discuss them on our Discord server.

Current rules version: 3.12. Here is a list of all recorded Primordial rules updates notes.