Alternate Art cards?

[1bottom]

Hi,

I'm looking to alter some of my cards, but want to keep them legal for play in ANY format.

Are altered cards legal for competitive play?
If so,
At what stage may they become illegal?

Cheers.

[Ace/Homebrew]

You should always check with the head judge and have unaltered backups available. It's his call.

Most times you will be fine as long as you can clearly read the name of the card, the casting cost, and the card type. It should also still be easily recognizable as the original card. The less the card looks like its original form, the bigger the chance the judge won't allow it.

If you want a guaranty that you will always be able to use it... don't alter it.

[Malchar]

In my view, there are four basic principles:
The head judge is the ultimate authority for determining which cards are allowed.
The card must not be distinguishable from other cards when viewed from the back or sides.
The card must still contain enough of its original information to be able to verify that it is a legitimate card.
The card cannot be altered in such a way that it provides misleading information about the card's original characteristics.

Here are some specific things that I've heard:
The alterations should not extend all the way to the edge of the card. This makes it so that it could be recognized from a side view. However, this doesn't matter as much if you use sleeves.
Some portion of the original artwork must remain visible.
The name, mana cost, type line, and power/toughness should be visible.
The alterations should not make the card thicker or add any textured quality.

[cdr]

The actual rule may be helpful.

MTR 3.3 Authorized Cards:
Artistic modifications are acceptable in sanctioned tournaments, provided that the modifications do not make the card art unrecognizable, contain substantial strategic advice, or contain offensive images. Artistic modifications also may not obstruct or change the mana cost or name of the card.

The Head Judge is the final authority on acceptable cards for a tournament.

So,
- The card art must be recognizable as the original art
- No substantial strategic advice like sideboarding notes
- Nothing un-family-friendly
- The mana cost and name must be visible