Creating stand-ins for Magic: The Gathering cards involves producing representations that can be used in casual play or for playtesting new deck ideas. These substitutes allow players to experience the game without acquiring every expensive or hard-to-find card. For instance, a player might print a copy of a highly sought-after Planeswalker to experiment with its abilities before committing to a purchase.
The practice offers significant benefits, primarily cost savings and access to a wider range of cards for deck building and experimentation. Historically, the creation of these substitutes has been a common practice among players seeking to enjoy the game without the financial burden of collecting every card. It allows for testing of new strategies and refining deck compositions before investing in the actual cards.
