No More Core Sets

~
Happy Monday MTG peeps,

Some very big changes are on the horizon for Magic: the Gathering players - first and foremost is that Wizards of the Coast, after much discussion is cancelling core sets.  Love 'em or hate 'em, this will be making room to accommodate two-set blocks moving forward.  The downside may be is increased standard format rotation but let's get into the nitty-gritty now.  We strongly suggest that everyone read Lead Designer Mark Rosewater's article on the mothersite today before we go further.

Here is a quick 'n' dirty summary of the changes to be implemented -  

Change #1: Beginning in the Fall of 2015, Magic Blocks Will Be Two Sets Each

Starting with "Blood" block in September 2015, each block will have one large set that introduces the world and one small set that builds upon it. (I should note that this is the default and we reserve the right to have sets of different sizes if it serves the block.) Blocks will no longer have a third set.

Change #2: Beginning in the Fall of 2015, Magic Will Have Two Blocks Per Year

Here's the typical schedule of the Magic year, with all the usual caveats about how Magic is about change and you should expect us to shake this up a bit over time: There will be a large fall expansion and small winter expansion set in World #1. Then there will be a large spring expansion and a small summer expansion, usually set in World #2. The first two sets will be part of one block and the second two sets will usually be part of a second.

Change #3: Beginning in 2016, the Core Sets Are No More

The summer of 2015 will have the last core set release, and in 2016, the summer set will be the second set of the block that started in spring of 2016.

Change #4: Beginning in 2016, the First Set of Each Block (the Fall and Spring Sets) Will Cause a Rotation

This in some ways isn't a change, but rather an adaptation to match the new Two-Block Paradigm. The first set of a block has always caused a rotation in the past. The Two-Block Paradigm just means that this now happens twice a year (in the fall and in the spring) rather than just in the fall.

Change #5: Beginning in 2016, Standard Will Be Three Blocks Rather Than Two Blocks

To keep the metagame more robust, we are changing the size of Standard. This change is the reason we are telling you this now, because we want you to understand that Khans of Tarkir will only be played in Standard for 18 months. This change should not have any impact on the set's role in other formats.

~
Many Magic: the Gathering players are typically ho-hum about the core set and simply considered the summer a bit of a write-off for MTG.  WotC did change things up by providing a number of new never-before printings to spice things up.  Personally, we are liking the new change and the retirement of the core set.  We are a titch unsure as to whether the increased rotation will cost us more - which may be an issue if were not so damn happy about picking up all the latest singles from MTG Mint Card.  Anywhoos, all in all, we might be able to make it out to Friday Night Magic at our local store OMG! Games in Barrie, Ontario more often now during the summer months.  :)

~