Ancient
Ancient is a constructed Magic: The Gathering format that only allows cards from the original border sets (Alpha through Onslaught). [1]
While the card pool is limited, it also allows players to use cards from Magic's past that might be deemed too weak by today's standards - creatures in particular. There are SOME exceptions where cards from a cycle that were printed in a 'Modern' set are allowed, but only when these cards were printed to complete a cycle from an earlier set (most notably, the Zendikar fetchlands that completed the cycle from Onslaught).
Note: reprints from the Alpha-Onslaught sets with new borders ARE allowed.
References
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (not dated). "Casual Formats". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.