"Where’s the Line Between Proxy Cards and Counterfeits?"
Okay, so proxy cards are cool for testing decks or casual play, but when do they cross into counterfeit territory? Like, if you’re printing a near-perfect copy with holograms and all, that’s sketchy, right?
I get why people use proxies—some cards cost a fortune. But there’s a difference between a sharpie-on-land and a fake you’re trying to pass off as real.
Personally, I think proxies are fine as long as you’re upfront about them. The second you try to sell or scam someone, that’s a hard no.
What’s y’all’s take? Where do *you* draw the line?
(Also, if your proxy looks better than my real cards, I might cry a little.)
I think the line is pretty clear—if you're trying to deceive someone, it's a counterfeit. Proxy cards are totally fine for playtesting or casual games, especially if you’re just using them to avoid dropping hundreds on a single card.
But once you start adding holograms, exact textures, or trying to sell them as real? That’s shady.
For anyone looking to make proxies, I’d recommend MPC (Make Playing Cards). They print decent-quality proxies without crossing into counterfeit territory. Just don’t try to pass ‘em off as real!
Man, this is a hot topic. I’ve seen proxies that look *too* good, and it’s kinda scary. Like, if you can’t tell the difference without a loupe, that’s a problem.
I draw the line at intent. If you’re using proxy cards to play with friends who are cool with it, no harm. But if you’re sneaking them into tournaments or selling them, that’s straight-up fraud.
Also, shoutout to r/bootlegmtg for discussions on this—just don’t use it for scamming, folks.
Proxies are great for testing, but counterfeits ruin the game. The difference? Transparency.
If you’re upfront about using proxy cards, no big deal. But if you’re trying to trick people, that’s where it becomes unethical.
I use a simple rule: if it’s not tournament-legal and you’re not pretending it is, you’re good. Sites like ProxyKing are handy for casual play, but again—don’t be that guy who tries to sell fakes.
Honestly, the whole "proxy vs. counterfeit" debate comes down to honesty.
Proxy cards are just placeholders. Counterfeits are made to deceive. It’s that simple.
I’ve used printed proxies for EDH nights, and my group doesn’t care as long as we all know they’re not real. But if someone showed up with a "proxy" that looked 100% authentic? I’d side-eye them hard.
The line is *intent*. Proxies are for fun/testing. Counterfeits are for scamming.
I’ve seen some insane proxies that look real, and it’s wild. But if you’re not trying to sell them or cheat, who cares?
For making proxies, I like using MTG Print. It’s super easy and keeps things clearly not-real. Just don’t be a jerk about it.
This is why I only use sharpie-on-basic-land proxies. Zero confusion, zero guilt.
Once you start printing high-quality proxy cards with set symbols and holos, you’re flirting with counterfeit territory.
If you wanna go fancy, at least add "PROXY" in big letters on the card. Keeps things honest.
Wow, didn’t expect so many takes on this!
Totally agree with the intent argument—proxies are cool as long as no one’s getting scammed.
I might check out MPC for some casual proxy cards after hearing y’all’s recs.
Also, lol at the sharpie-on-land crew. Respect the honesty.
One last Q: Anyone ever had a proxy so good it fooled *them* for a sec?
I think the community’s way too lenient on this. Proxy cards are one thing, but when they’re indistinguishable from real ones, it’s a problem.
I’ve seen people get burned buying "near-mint" cards that turned out to be fakes. That’s not cool.
If you’re making proxies, keep ‘em obvious. No one should mistake them for the real deal.
The difference? Proxies are for playing. Counterfeits are for profiting.
I’ve got no issue with proxy cards in casual games—hell, I’ve got a whole deck of ‘em. But the second someone tries to pass them off as real or sell them, that’s a hard pass.
For safe proxy-making, check out Deckstats. It’s a solid tool without the sketchy stuff.
