In Magic: The Gathering, It’s Not Necessarily True That The Cheese Stands Alone

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In both digital and physical games, the term “cheese” refers to when players cleverly exploit game systems, mechanics, or components to gain an unfair advantage, although they’re not technically cheating. For instance, in Magic: The Gathering, certain Green cards allow for free casting of larger cards under specific circumstances, which can be considered as exploiting the system, or “cheesing” the game. Interestingly, there exists a card named “The Cheese Stands Alone” in Magic: The Gathering, hailing from the Unglued set released in 1998.

Un-sets encompass all the humorously intended Magic: The Gathering releases, such as Unglued (1998), Unhinged (2004), Unstable (2017), Unsanctioned (2020), and Unfinity (2022). These sets, unlike regular ones, often contain cards that aren’t tournament-legal due to their eccentric effects. Since the 2026 release schedule for Magic: The Gathering mirrors that of 2025, finding room for another Un-set might be challenging. However, for players seeking a touch of whimsy, even in competitive games, Magic: The Gathering has got them covered.

In Magic: The Gathering (MTG), cards with an un-border, which is usually silver, are not permitted in formal tournaments as they don’t conform to the standard rules.

The Cheese Stands Alone is a Great Magic: The Gathering Joke With a ‘Secret’ Follow-Up

The Gathering” Commander format, such a strategy can work with appropriate support, but unfortunately, The Cheese Stands Alone is not allowed in that specific format.

Despite the card’s title suggesting otherwise, Wizards of the Coast had actually printed another card with a similar effect around 10 years later, in 2007’s Future Sight expansion. Unlike the original, this new card has a black border and is named Barren Glory. Similar to the initial card, it requires 4 generic mana and 2 White, but its effect kicks in at the beginning of the user’s upkeep rather than at sorcery speed. This change might be seen as a toning down of the card’s power, but when combined with mass destruction effects like Magic: The Gathering’s Armageddon, Austere Command, and Ultima (particularly for White cards), it can make for an interesting strategy.

A powerful Magic: The Gathering (MTG) combination for this card could involve Sunscour, a white sorcery that eliminates all creatures, which can be cast without spending its mana cost by discarding two cards from your hand. This strategy works particularly well when partnered with either Barren Glory or The Cheese Stands Alone.

Magic: The Gathering’s Time Spiral Block Explained

Although Barren Glory can be played, it’s limited to just a few game formats currently, and its original set, Future Sight, has been met with some controversy. Part of the Time Spiral block, which also included Time Spiral, Planar Chaos, and Future Sight, this collection of cards referenced past, present, and future sets and cards in the Magic: The Gathering universe. For instance, Future Sight featured what were called “future-shifted” cards that showcased designs and ideas from upcoming sets. However, ironically, it brought back a 10-year-old card, Barren Glory. The entire Time Spiral block didn’t sit well with all fans due to its ambitious nature at the time of release.

Because Barren Glory card exists, one could contend that The Cheese Stands Alone might not always be accurate, as these cards perform similar functions. However, the former’s impact suits the name The Cheese Stands Alone well, but it contradicts the concept of using cheating cards in the game since it becomes more difficult to activate its effect and ultimately win the game.

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2025-08-04 22:45