Standard Showdown is a Magic: The Gathering pilot program, aimed at growing local Standard communities and providing a reliable weekly setting for this format. Standard Showdown was introduced in November 2016 after the release of Kaladesh.[1] The tournament is played in local communities after a new block release. Events must be Ranked (i.e. include at least three rounds, and at least eight players). The first Standard Showdowns were scheduled as 1 event per week, on eight consecutive weekends (excluding the week of Game Day). Starting with Ixalan, Game Day is abandoned and Standard Showdown culminates in the Store Championship.[2]