Pauper is one of the most challenging formats in Magic the Gathering but it also is one of the most inexpensive as the cards used are all of common rarity.
The format is a sixty card deck constructed format with a maximum of four of any card unless it is a basic land, apart from a select number of cards which are banned, yes, even in a format of commons some cards are too powerful.
The official guide and banned list can be found on the link below
https://magic.wizards.com/en/game-info/gameplay/formats/pauper
So what determines a common card ?
If a card has ever been printed at Common rarity either online or in paper, provided it is not on the Banned List it may be used.
e.g.
Battle Screech was originally printed in Judgment as an Uncommon but online was printed at Common in Vintage Masters.
Oblivion Ring was originally printed at Common in Lorwyn but rose to Uncommon in Magic 2012.
Seeker of the Way was printed at Uncommon in Khans of Tarkir but was later printed at common in Iconic Masters.
All three are legal in Pauper and any version of the card.
So why Pauper ?
The strength of Pauper is that whilst we have many excellent cards, very few can turn a game around immediately, this allows for a battle of skill where Mythic rarity haymaker’s like Elder Dragon Legends or Planeswalker’s can’t just win the game in a few turns. Pauper does require skill to be played well but it is also fun.
Another feature of Pauper is the history of the game and we can use our favourite old cards, this can make for interesting stories when playing at your local store.
They don’t make cards like they used too ! You may well be shocked at the relative power level of some cards and what they can actually do with a low mana cost.
Pauper can be played either online through Magic the Gathering Online, commonly known as MTGO or at your local game store, commonly known as an LGS.
The game is the same no matter where it is played, however, the experience is slightly different where you play,
MTGO – Pauper Challenge, the most competitive version of the format where the best decks are played by the best players.
MTGO – Pauper League, a middle ground for Pauper with many competitive decks and players where you can improve your skill and evaluate your deck choice.
MTGO – Practice, where you can just play friendly games and enjoy Pauper.
Paper – You will find people willing to play friendlies in your shop where this is a community and Tournaments are run much like any other format. There are some bigger events in the US which have had over a hundred players and highly competitive but your local shop will usually be more akin to an FNM or regular store event. However, whilst you will see popular decks being played you may also find rogue strategies are played e.g. someone will play with the cards they have, will try something funky with cards they own and you can find people just play their favourite old cards they enjoy.
I hope this gives you an insight into my favourite format.
On_Common_Ground 