Frequently Asked Questions

A proxy card is a printed or handmade placeholder for a real trading card. Proxies are designed to represent actual cards for testing purposes and casual play. They are not intended to deceive anyone into thinking they are authentic cards.

Proxy cards typically feature the same artwork and text as the original card but are clearly marked or printed on different materials to distinguish them from genuine cards.

Yes, for personal use. Proxy cards are legal for personal use, playtesting, and casual play among friends. However, they cannot be used in official tournaments or sanctioned events for any TCG including Magic: The Gathering, Pokemon, or Yu-Gi-Oh.

Tournament organizers only allow original, authentic printed cards. Using proxies in casual settings where all players agree is completely acceptable and common in the TCG community.

Proxy cards: Clearly identified substitutes used for playtesting and casual play, never intended to deceive.

Counterfeit cards: Illegal forgeries designed to pass as authentic cards and deceive buyers or tournament organizers.

No. Proxy cards cannot be used in official Magic: The Gathering, Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, or any other TCG sanctioned tournaments. All major TCG tournament rules require players to use only authentic, printed cards from official products.

Judges may issue penalties or disqualifications for using proxy cards in competitive play. The only exception is when judges issue temporary proxies for damaged cards during an event, which is different from printed proxy cards.

People use proxy cards primarily to save money while playtesting new deck ideas before investing in expensive cards. Other common reasons include:

• Testing tournament strategies
• Trying out different deck configurations
• Playing casual games without risking damage to valuable cards
• Teaching new players without requiring card purchases
• Creating custom cards for casual formats like Commander/EDH

Proxies allow players to fully explore the game without financial barriers.

TCG Proxies is completely free to use. There are no:

• Registration fees
• Subscription costs
• Hidden charges
• Payment requirements

You can browse our database of over 400,000 cards from 40+ games, select cards, and download high-resolution images for printing at no cost. We believe proxy printing should be accessible to all players for playtesting and casual enjoyment of trading card games.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Select cards: Browse TCG Proxies and download optimized print-ready images
2. Printer settings: Use a color printer with photo or best quality settings
3. Paper: Print on 110lb cardstock or photo paper for best results
4. Cutting: Cut cards precisely using a paper cutter or craft knife with a ruler
5. Optional: Sleeve printed cards with a basic land or common card for proper thickness

For best results, consider using a local print shop with professional equipment. See our detailed Printing Guide for complete instructions.

Yes! Proxy cards are widely accepted for casual play, as long as all players in your playgroup agree. Many casual Commander/EDH groups, kitchen table players, and testing sessions welcome proxies.

It's considered good etiquette to inform other players before starting a game if you're using proxies. The TCG community generally supports proxy use for casual enjoyment of the game, especially when testing expensive cards or new strategies.

Proxy cards are essential for playtesting because they allow you to test deck configurations and strategies before purchasing expensive cards. Benefits include:

• Experiment with multiple deck variations
• Test different card combinations
• Evaluate whether a card fits your strategy
• Determine if an expensive card is worth buying

This saves hundreds or thousands of dollars by letting you validate your deck choices through actual gameplay before making financial commitments.

Recommended options:

• Best: 110lb (300gsm) white cardstock - durable with good print quality
• Premium: Glossy photo paper - vibrant colors
• Alternative: Matte cardstock - reduced glare
• Budget: Premium presentation paper

When sleeved with a real card backing, even lighter cardstock works well. For professional results, consider print shops that offer heavy cardstock with UV coating.

Selling proxy cards for profit is legally questionable and generally frowned upon by the TCG community. While creating proxies for personal use is acceptable, selling them may violate copyright and trademark laws held by companies like Wizards of the Coast, Pokemon Company, and Konami.

We strongly discourage selling proxy cards. TCG Proxies provides free tools for personal, non-commercial use only - for playtesting and casual play among friends.

Unlimited! With TCG Proxies, you can add as many cards as you need to your print queue - there are no limits.

Whether you're printing a single card to test or an entire 100-card Commander deck, our system handles it all. The card browser allows you to:

• Search through over 400,000 cards across 40+ games
• Select multiple cards from different sets
• Generate print-ready sheets optimized for standard paper sizes

TCG Proxies supports over 40 trading card games with more than 400,000 cards in our database.

Major supported games include:

We regularly update our database with new card releases and expansions across all supported games.

No special software required! TCG Proxies is a free web-based tool that works directly in your browser.

Features:

• No downloads or installations needed
• No registration required
• Works on any device with a web browser
• Pre-formatted, print-ready images
• Optimized for standard home printers

Simply browse cards, add them to your collection, and download. The images work with any PDF viewer or image viewing software. You can print directly or save for later use.

For official online digital platforms like Magic: The Gathering Arena, Pokemon TCG Online, or official simulators, you must use the cards available within those platforms - external proxies don't apply.

However, for unofficial online simulators used for testing (like Cockatrice, xMage, or similar tools), the entire concept is essentially proxy-based since you're not using physical cards. These platforms are designed for playtesting and casual play, similar to physical proxy use.