Could I join your playgroup if... (Proxies)
General forum
Posted on Dec. 16, 2019, 12:59 p.m. by JaysinDub
I'm thinking about making some high quality proxi cards (obviously labeled as "Proxy") for my existing and new EDH decks. but I don't want to be seen as, "That guy nobody wants to play with." I want to get a feel for the community's opinion on the subject.
My reasoning: Simply put, it's a cost effective way to play the game. I have 9 commander decks now, each ranging form the 100-700 dollar mark. I get huge satisfaction out of deck building and EDH is my favorite format due to the social aspect. The problem I'm running into is that the EDH staples are starting to get very costly, considering that I want a set in each of my decks. I just think it sucks that whenever I want to build a deck, 100+ bucks goes into: Sol Ring Solemn Simulacrum Arcane Signet Ancient Tomb Strip Mine Lightning Greaves Swiftfoot Boots Vedalken Orrery Sensei's Divining Top Maze of Ith Scroll Rack Various mana rocks, ect ect ect... (maybe not the best examples but I'm sure we've all run into this.)
My other reasoning is that I have some cards now that are old as dust and over 200 dollars each. Call me cautious or paranoid, but there's a strong part of me that wants to never play with them to keep them safe, sealed and pristine.
Now with all that said, I understand power levels of decks quite well. Matching a playgroup's power level is simply the most enjoyable way to play in my experience.
My question is... If I came strolling in to your local game store to play some EDH, would you allow me to play with your group, using decks with proxi cards in them? Given that:
1) I also have a well organized binder collection of cards on me that I can quickly reference to prove I own the actual card.
2) The proxies are high quality, and as easy to read from across the table as the original mint card.
I'll be honest, I personally don't have any issue with someone using proxies even if they don't own the cards. I'll give you shit for it, of course, but that's just because I'm an asshole.
I'd say, be sure to give people a heads up beforehand, but I don't think it's an issue.
December 16, 2019 1:24 p.m.
grumbledore says... #4
I proxy out ideas I want to build before I invest in the physical cards. I also proxy anything expensive that I own one of but want in multiple decks, like Grim Monolith. I have no problem with other people using proxies as long as it’s easy to tell what they are. I don’t want to read somebody else’s scribbles lol
December 16, 2019 1:28 p.m.
If you have own the card and the proxy is in the deck I see no problem with it with in reason. I don't want to see a proxy that looks like the real thing (you say it is clearly labeled as such and so I see no issue).
I also don't see an issue with proxies of cards you don't own but are testing out the cards for a new deck or "I'm looking to buy X that's $50+ but want to test first". But as TypicalTimmy stated not if you have no intent to buy the card.
At the end of the day make sure your clear on what's going on with your deck before you shuffle so there are no surprises.
December 16, 2019 1:31 p.m.
I'm ok with proxies, even whole decks. As far as I'm concerned I want to play against another deck builder and the best deck they can build, no interest in winning games just because I own more expensive cards.
December 16, 2019 1:40 p.m.
Last_Laugh says... #7
I don't mind proxying but it's a 'don't push your luck' type of scenario. You try to pull out Mishra's Workshop or something along those lines then I'd have a major problem with that. Also try to keep it to 10 cards or less.
December 16, 2019 3:42 p.m.
Not sure if you have a place in mind but I've heard mpc proxies does good work. Also some lgs's might have an issue with someone using proxies in their store
December 16, 2019 5:37 p.m.
catmaster0 says... #9
As long as the I know beforehand I wouldn't have any issues. The only real issue that comes up is if you are proxying a deck of both insane power and expense, like thousands of dollars of value for a top tier deck vs randoms or anything well beyond what anyone else is playing in the price range. Having a deck be too strong but within the budget radius is usually more a sign you are just making better choices than they are, though you could tone things down for fun.
December 17, 2019 1:38 p.m.
RNR_Gaming says... #10
I'm of the mind set that the size of your wallet shouldn't be a determining factor of how well a deck gets built or played. I want people to play me with their best creation not just some weaker iteration. I hate the excuse of "I cannot afford x". If i trust a person I'll typically let them borrow some high end cards. Though I do think people should buy cards if it supports their lgs.
December 17, 2019 6:26 p.m.
RNR where do you draw the line? In my 5 color dragon deck can I proxy a perfect land base including Abu duals?
December 17, 2019 7:34 p.m.
RNR_Gaming says... #12
Proxy your whole deck. Bring your idea to life. I don't want any excuses regarding money. Put time and effort into brewing and come at me with everything. I want people to bring their absolute best when they sit at a table with me. Though I guess the line is at a sanctioned events but that's not really up to mr anyways; though I'd lend out cards if I have em and get em back
December 17, 2019 8:05 p.m.
Deadpoo111 says... #13
I'm all for proxies, as long as you don't start a Timetwister loop with your proxied piece of the power nine, ya know? The examples you provided are pretty much fine and if you can match power levels, there should be no problem with other players.
GhostChieftain says... #2
If you own the actual card and your proxy card is indistinguishable from other cards when face down in sleeves, then by all means proxy away.
December 16, 2019 1:19 p.m.