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The core set that keyworded hexproof
What this set is
Magic 2012 is the third year-named core set. Its one returning mechanic is bloodthirst, from Guildpact: a creature with bloodthirst enters with +1/+1 counters if an opponent was dealt damage this turn, which pushes red and black toward attacking early.
It is also where hexproof became a keyword. Cards that used to spell the rule out got the single word instead, and hexproof went on to replace shroud as the evergreen protection keyword.
Commander players know it for Swiftfoot Boots, Grand Abolisher and Buried Ruin, all first printed here. Primeval Titan returned in M12 and is banned in Commander; Ponder returned too and is banned in Modern.
Themes
Every mechanic in Magic 2012
Bloodthirst
If an opponent was dealt damage this turn, the creature enters with that many +1/+1 counters. Back from Guildpact, and it rewards getting an attacker through before casting the next creature.
Hexproof
Keyworded here for the first time: the permanent can't be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control. It replaced shroud as the evergreen keyword because it still lets you target your own creature.
Where You Can Play It
Format legality
Magic 2012 shipped under a single code. It predates Pioneer, so the set is legal in Modern and the eternal formats. Some of its cards were reprinted later and are Pioneer-legal through those printings.
Not Standard-legal; Standard only ever holds the last few years of sets. Magic 2012 cards are playable in Modern, Legacy, Vintage and Commander, except that Primeval Titan is banned in Commander and Ponder is banned in Modern. Commons from any set are Pauper-legal; that isn't listed per set here.
Limited
The draft format
A core set format with one mechanic. Bloodthirst made red and black the aggressive pair, and the rest of the format played fundamentals.
Bloodthirst aggro
Attack early
Cheap evasive creatures and burn to deal damage before casting bloodthirst creatures, so they enter bigger.
Two colors and fliers
Fundamentals
Elsewhere the format rewarded removal and flying creatures, the usual core set plan.
Boosters, precons and singles from Magic 2012 are on TCGplayer.
FAQ
Common questions
When did hexproof become a keyword?
In Magic 2012, released July 2011. Earlier cards with the same effect were updated to say hexproof in their Oracle text, and hexproof replaced shroud as the evergreen keyword.
Was Swiftfoot Boots first printed in Magic 2012?
Yes. Swiftfoot Boots debuted in Magic 2012 and has been reprinted in many Commander products since.
Is Magic 2012 legal in Pioneer?
Not from this printing. Pioneer starts at Return to Ravnica in October 2012. Magic 2012 is legal in Modern, Legacy, Vintage and Commander.
All card names, art, and mechanics belong to Wizards of the Coast. Magic 2012 released on Jul 15, 2011; details reflect the set as published. Sources: Wizards of the Coast set pages and release notes, Draftsim, Untapped.gg.
Playing Magic 2012 in Commander?
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