Will the MTG Reserved List Ever End? What Players Should Do Now
Few topics stir more debate in Magic: The Gathering than the Reserved List—a controversial policy that bars Wizards of the Coast from reprinting specific older cards. If you’re wondering whether Reserved List abolition could ever happen, you’re not alone.
In this article, we’ll break down:
- 📜 What the Reserved List actually is
- 🛑 Why Wizards hasn’t abolished it yet
- 🧠 What it means for Legacy, Vintage, and Commander players
- 💡 Why MTG proxies are the most practical solution right now
Whether you’re a casual Commander brewer or a competitive Legacy player, the fate of the Reserved List affects your wallet—and your ability to play the game.
📜 What Is the MTG Reserved List?
Introduced in 1996 after the explosive success of early sets like Alpha, Beta, and Legends, the Reserved List is a promise: certain powerful cards will never be reprinted in a tournament-legal form.
This includes iconic staples like:
The idea was to protect collector value, ensuring players who invested early wouldn’t see their cards tank due to future printings.
But decades later, the question looms:
Will the Reserved List ever be abolished?
🛑 Why Reserved List Abolition Hasn’t Happened (Yet)
1. Legal Concerns
Wizards has hinted that breaking the Reserved List could bring lawsuits. Some collectors argue the list is a “contractual promise,” and any reversal could mean legal and financial risk.
2. Collector Backlash
Many Reserved List cards are worth thousands. Tabernacle at Pendrell Vale, The Abyss, and Dual Lands make up a massive portion of some players’ investments.
Abolishing the list could collapse secondary market values, causing outrage from high-end collectors and vendors.
3. Brand Integrity
Wizards has stated that their commitment to the list is about “maintaining trust.” Whether players agree with that or not, it has been a consistent talking point since the 2010 Reserved List re-affirmation.
You can read the official policy here.
🎯 What Players Should Do in the Meantime
If you want to play Legacy, Vintage, or CEDH, the Reserved List is an expensive barrier to entry. A single copy of Mox Diamond can exceed $600. A complete set of Dual Lands? Several thousand dollars.
And since reprints aren’t happening, what’s the solution?
💡 Proxies Are the Reserved List Workaround
Proxies are the clear, honest workaround that lets players experience high-power play without breaking the bank.
At Abyss Proxy Shop, we’ve built full sets of Reserved List staples for playgroups, playtesting, and casual play, including:
🧪 Foil Gaea’s Cradle Proxy
🧪 Mox Diamond Proxy
🧪 Dual Land Proxy Set
🧪 The Abyss & Tabernacle Combo
Our Reserved List proxy collection allows players to:
- Play with the power they love
- Protect their real copies
- Build and test decks freely without fear of damage or loss
And best of all—they’re accessible. Our proxies start at a fraction of the cost of originals and are printed with:
- ✅ Color-accurate detail
- ✅ Realistic weight and feel
- ✅ Options for both foil and non-foil preferences
💬 But Are MTG Proxies Legal?
Proxies are not legal in sanctioned tournaments, but they’re widely accepted in:
- Playgroups
- Local game nights
- Kitchen table Commander
- Testing for large events
We always encourage open communication. Let your pod know you’re using proxies, and let the cards speak for themselves.
🔮 What If the Reserved List Does Get Abolished?
If Reserved List abolition ever happens, it will likely involve:
- Ultra-limited collector reprints
- Secret Lair-style premium sets
- Long warning periods and opt-out windows
But as of 2025, Wizards has not shown signs of doing this. They’ve instead sidestepped the list with:
- The List (Mystery Booster style)
- Universes Beyond products
- Special border treatments that don’t count as reprints
So don’t hold your breath—and don’t wait to play. Use proxies and enjoy the game now.
✅ Final Thoughts: Play the Game, Not the Market
The Reserved List isn’t going anywhere soon. But you don’t have to let that stop you.
Instead of spending $15,000+ on Reserved List staples, try high-quality proxies that respect the art, integrity, and purpose of the originals—while keeping the focus on fun.
💬 Ready to build your dream Legacy or Commander deck?
🛒 Shop Our Reserved List Proxy Collection Now