Understanding Power Level in Formats

Power level refers to the strength of cards within a specific format, which influences what cards are viable for play. Generally, as the number of available cards in a format increases, so does its power level due to a greater variety of strong options. Different formats like Standard, Pioneer, and Legacy require cards with varying power, with Legacy usually demanding higher-powered cards due to its expansive card pool. This dynamic reflects the evolution of Magic over time, where older formats boast an increased power level supported by a more comprehensive card base.