Shoe’s Guide to Variant Formats.
Below is a primer on the methods I use to sort variant formats on the site. Oftentimes they can be combined for more complex formats to increase variance. Below there are some guidelines on how to combine formats with maximum compatability (as some variants' rules directly contradict other formats' rules). Of course, the descriptions below are just a guide. Feel free to mix and match as you will.
Constructed Variants are formats that solely affect the way a deck is constructed. Sometimes they are combined with another constructed format (Highlander vs. 5-color Highlander) or are even combined with a game-play variant (5-color 2-headed giant). Often times they can even be mixed with many from both of these categories (I. E. emperor 5-color highlander).
Limited Variants are for changing up the rules to a draft or sealed pool. They can be mixed with a game-play variant sometimes (2hg build your own draft) but almost never with a constructed format. This is mainly because it is difficult to build a deck to the specific construction rules a variant format tends to require with a limited pool.
Rules Variants only change the rules during the game (as opposed to deck construction) and have to be applied to another format (anything from a variant to just plain ol’ Standard). Generally, only one of these should be used at a time, but some will mix and match well (I.E. Planechase Assassin).
Solitare Variants are pretty self explainitory. They are variants involving only one player. They tend to play very different from a normal game and probably cannot mix with other formats.
The Other Variants section is for any variant that doesn't fit under any or just one of the above categories. its harder to say if they can be combined with other formats, but good judgment can be used to figure it out.
Enjoy playing magic in new and exciting ways, it keeps the game fresh. And until next time...
...Use YOUR shoes as counters,
Shoe
Moderator
Constructed Variants are formats that solely affect the way a deck is constructed. Sometimes they are combined with another constructed format (Highlander vs. 5-color Highlander) or are even combined with a game-play variant (5-color 2-headed giant). Often times they can even be mixed with many from both of these categories (I. E. emperor 5-color highlander).
Limited Variants are for changing up the rules to a draft or sealed pool. They can be mixed with a game-play variant sometimes (2hg build your own draft) but almost never with a constructed format. This is mainly because it is difficult to build a deck to the specific construction rules a variant format tends to require with a limited pool.
Rules Variants only change the rules during the game (as opposed to deck construction) and have to be applied to another format (anything from a variant to just plain ol’ Standard). Generally, only one of these should be used at a time, but some will mix and match well (I.E. Planechase Assassin).
Solitare Variants are pretty self explainitory. They are variants involving only one player. They tend to play very different from a normal game and probably cannot mix with other formats.
The Other Variants section is for any variant that doesn't fit under any or just one of the above categories. its harder to say if they can be combined with other formats, but good judgment can be used to figure it out.
Enjoy playing magic in new and exciting ways, it keeps the game fresh. And until next time...
...Use YOUR shoes as counters,
Shoe
Moderator
