Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is a beloved trading card game with a rich history and a multitude of formats to explore. Among these, and possibly my favorite the Pauper format stands out as an excellent entry point for beginners and a thrilling challenge for seasoned players. Understanding the Pauper format can enhance your MTG experience, offering a cost-effective and competitive way to enjoy the game. In this article I will cover what pauper in magic the gathering is, and even cover some decks.
What is Pauper in Magic The Gathering?
The Pauper format is a unique and exciting way to play Magic: The Gathering. Originating from the desire to make MTG more accessible, Pauper restricts deck construction to only common cards. This limitation encourages creativity and strategic thinking, as players must build effective decks with a more limited pool of cards. While the word “Pauper” does mean poor in Magic this mostly means affordable. Some cards can be as cheap at .01, but if you go for some of the rarest COMMON cards since the beginning of MTG you can still pay a steep price. Paying extra for a rare common card is not needed at all though.
Unlike other formats such as Standard or Modern, which can include rare and mythic rare cards, Pauper focuses solely on commons. This results in a more level playing field, where success depends on skill and strategy rather than the financial investment in rare cards. The official rules for Pauper are maintained by Wizards of the Coast, ensuring a consistent and fair format for all players.
Why Play Pauper in MTG?
Pauper offers several advantages that make it an appealing format for both new and experienced players. One of the primary benefits is its cost-effectiveness. Since the format uses only common cards, building a competitive deck is significantly less expensive than in other formats. This affordability lowers the barrier to entry, making Pauper an excellent choice for beginners.
Additionally, Pauper is known for its competitive yet accessible nature. The reliance on common cards means that powerful synergies and strategies can still emerge, providing a deep and engaging gameplay experience. For those who enjoy a strategic challenge without the hefty price tag, Pauper is an ideal format.
Personally I love Pauper, you can pull cards from the beginning of Magic the Gathering! Got a bunch of Bulk laying around? Throw together a Pauper formatted deck and you will have all kinds of fun.
Building a Pauper Magic the Gathering Deck
Constructing a successful Pauper deck involves understanding key principles and focusing on synergy and strategy. Here are some essential tips for building your first Pauper deck:
- Focus on Synergy: Ensure that the cards in your deck work well together. Look for interactions that can give you an advantage in the game.
- Balance Your Mana Curve: Make sure your deck has a good mix of low-cost and higher-cost cards to maintain a smooth gameplay flow.
- Choose a Theme or Archetype: Popular Pauper deck archetypes include Aggro (fast and aggressive), Control (managing the opponent’s actions), and Combo (leveraging card interactions for a big payoff).
Examples of popular Pauper decks include Mono-Red Burn, which focuses on dealing direct damage quickly, and Blue-Black Control, which aims to disrupt the opponent’s strategy while gradually gaining an advantage.
Strategies for Pauper Success
Success in Pauper requires a good understanding of the format and continuous practice. Here are some general strategies to keep in mind:
- Understand the Metagame: Knowing which decks are popular and how to counter them is crucial.
- Practice Regularly: The more you play, the better you’ll understand the nuances of your deck and the format.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with Pauper news and updates to adjust your strategies accordingly.
Pauper in the MTG Community
Pauper has a vibrant community with numerous tournaments and events. Online platforms like Magic: The Gathering Online (MTGO) host regular Pauper events, and various forums and social media groups offer a space for players to discuss strategies and share deck ideas.
For players in Eastern Kentucky, there is a dedicated community and resource hub at AppalachiaTCG. This website and group provide information about local Pauper events, deck discussions, and a space to connect with fellow MTG enthusiasts. We can all connect and dicuss pauper and other formats of Magic in the Appalachian Region on our FB group or on our official discord.
Top Pauper Cards to Consider
When building your Pauper deck, some cards stand out due to their effectiveness and versatility. Here are a few of the best MTG Pauper cards to consider:
- Lightning Bolt: A staple in many red decks, this card offers efficient and versatile removal.
- Counterspell: As a powerful tool in blue decks, Counterspell provides crucial disruption.
- Gurmag Angler: This black creature can be a formidable presence on the battlefield due to its high power and low casting cost with delve.
Integrating these cards into your deck can significantly enhance its performance and adaptability.
Lightning Bolt
While Lighting Bolt isn’t super cheap, its such a powerful card for the price its still hard to beat.
Counterspell
Counterspell has been around since the beginning of Magic the Gathering and is a staple to this day.
Gurmag Angler
Some cards that aren’t powerful in Stanard/Modern are aboustely insane in Pauper.
Some Pauper Decks to Consider
Here are some decks we’ve thrown together to give you an idea of what kind of Pauper formatted deck you can have!
- Mono Black Discard – Like discarding the opponent cards? Build this deck on the cheap and have all sorts of fun.
- Green/White Tribal Slivers – This deck is called everyone hates slivers! Another Journey to nowhere would be great to add to this deck.
- Competitive Pauper Boros Nonsense – Pump up Tenth District Legionnaire and take over the game with prowess!
Look for more decks to build? Check out Smango’s Moxfield decks list all built and own’d on paper.
Fingal Thoughts on Why you should give Pauper a Chance
The Pauper format in Magic: The Gathering offers a unique and accessible way to enjoy the game. Its focus on common cards makes it cost-effective, while still providing a deep and strategic gameplay experience. Whether you’re a beginner looking to enter the world of MTG or an experienced player seeking a new challenge, Pauper is a format worth exploring. If you are just coming back to Magic the Gathering a time when there was no planewalkers or crazy combos. Playing Pauper has that old school feeling from when the game first came out. Cards are still powerful and there are so many commons that work together well that the format is competitive and also fun. Don’t sleep on Pauper just cause there isn’t any uncommon, rares, or mythics to play with.
If you are in Eastern Kentucky and searching for Pauper events, visit AppalachiaTCG for the latest updates and to connect with the local Pauper community. Embrace the creativity and strategy Pauper demands, and you’ll find yourself immersed in a rewarding and engaging MTG journey.