For those who are still getting used to how Standard and Extended rotates in and out sets since their changes a year or two ago, I'll remind you about certain sets' legalities as of M12 and when Innistrad releases in the Fall.
M12 Release Set Legalities: Standard
Remember, unlike the pre-M10 Core Sets, the release of a new Core Set does not automatically knock out the previous Core Set.
When M12 officially releases Friday, M11 will still be legal. Yes, for example that gives Goblin decks access to 4x Goblin Guide (from Zendikar), 4x Goblin Grenade (from M12), and 4x Lightning Bolt.
At least, for a little while.
Each Core Set is now tied to the block that immediately preceded it. For example, M11 ties to Zendikar block for rotation purposes, and M12 will tie to Scars of Mirrodin block.
What does this mean for when rotation happens?
Well, remember that Standard is a 2-year format. A block only stays legal for 2 years counting from when the first set in that block released. (So for example, even though we just finished up Scars of Mirrodin block, it rotates out in full in Fall 2012 when the block after Innistrad starts).
SO...all of THAT was to say...M11 will rotate at the same time as Zendikar block. That is, when Innistrad releases on September 24th. So at the same time we lose Goblin Guide, we'll also lose Lightning Bolt (for example).
So here are all the Standard-legal sets as of M12's release Friday (in chronological order):
Zendikar
Worldwake (except for Jace, the Mind Sculptor and 99.999999% of the time Stoneforge Mystic)
Rise of the Eldrazi
M11
Scars of Mirrodin
Mirrodin Beseiged
New Phyrexia
M12
When Innistrad releases on September 30th, though, here's our (much more shortened) list:
Scars of Mirrodin
Mirrodin Beseiged
New Phyrexia
M12
Innistrad
M12 Release Set Legalities: Extended
Extended is like a "double Standard" in that the oldest block is 4 years old instead of Standard's 2. (This took effect a year ago, I believe). So when Innistrad releases in the fall, Lorwyn/Shadowmoor "mega-block" will rotate out of Extended.
What does this mean for the Core Sets, though?
The same rotation plan will happen.
M10 seems to tie to Shards of Alara block, M11 still to Zendikar, and M12 to Scars of Mirrodin.
So what happens when Friday hits? Nothing except for M12 being added to the format, just like Standard. :) Your Extended list will look like this on Friday:
Lorwyn
Morningtide
Shadowmoor
Eventide
Shards of Alara
Conflux
Alara Reborn
M10
Zendikar
Worldwake
Rise of the Eldrazi
M11
Scars of Mirrodin
Mirrodin Beseiged
New Phyrexia
M12
Once Innistrad hits on September 30th, though, Extended will lose its oldest block, in this case Lorwyn/Shadowmoor "mega-block" and Extended will look like this:
Shards of Alara
Conflux
Alara Reborn
M10
Zendikar
Worldwake
Rise of the Eldrazi
M11
Scars of Mirrodin
Mirrodin Beseiged
New Phyrexia
M12
Innistrad
"So when does the next Core Set rotate out, then?" Well, if I'm right, M10 ties to Shards of Alara block, so when the block after Innistrad starts and every year thereafter, the oldest Core Set will rotate out with the oldest block in the format just like it does now with Standard.
...
That is, unless they change format rotation strategies again. :p
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