As a beginner in Magic: The Gathering (MTG), one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is choosing the right format to start with.
With so many formats available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to dive into first.
Each format has its own rules, strategies, and card pool, making it essential to choose the one that best fits your playstyle and preferences.
Understanding MTG formats is crucial for any player looking to get into the game.
Each format has its own set of rules, banned and restricted cards, and card pool, which can significantly impact gameplay.
Some formats are more accessible and affordable than others, while others require a more significant investment in terms of time and money.
In this article, we’ll explore the most popular MTG formats and provide insights into which ones are the best for beginners.
Key Takeaways – What Is the Best Format to Start in MTG
- Standard is the most accessible format for new players, as it focuses on the latest sets and has a rotating card pool that keeps the format fresh and exciting.
- Commander is a casual multiplayer format that allows players to express their creativity and play with unique cards and strategies.
- Draft formats are an excellent way for new players to build their card collection, learn the game mechanics, and improve their drafting skills.
Understanding MTG Formats
As a new player in Magic: The Gathering, understanding the different formats can be overwhelming.
Formats are essentially different ways to play the game, each with their own rules and restrictions.
In this section, I will explain the difference between constructed and limited formats, as well as the difference between eternal and rotating formats.
Constructed vs. Limited
Constructed formats are those in which players bring their own pre-built decks to the game.
These formats include Standard, Modern, Legacy, and Vintage.
In constructed formats, players have access to a wide range of cards and can build decks with specific strategies in mind. The power level of the decks can vary greatly, depending on the cards used and the player’s skill level.
Limited formats, on the other hand, are those in which players build a deck from a limited pool of cards.
These formats include Booster Draft and Sealed Deck.
In limited formats, players must make the best of the cards they are given, and must be able to adapt their strategy on the fly. The power level of the decks in limited formats is generally lower than in constructed formats.
Eternal vs. Rotating Formats
Eternal formats are those in which all cards ever printed are legal to use.
These formats include Vintage and Legacy.
In eternal formats, players have access to a huge pool of cards and can build decks with very specific strategies in mind. The power level of the decks in eternal formats is generally very high, and the metagame can be very diverse.
Rotating formats, on the other hand, are those in which only a limited number of recent sets are legal to use.
These formats include Standard and Pioneer.
In rotating formats, the metagame can shift dramatically as new sets are released and older sets rotate out. The power level of the decks in rotating formats can vary greatly, depending on the current state of the metagame.
It’s important to note that each format has its own banlist, which is a list of cards that are not legal to use in that format.
The banlist is designed to keep the power level of the format in check and to prevent certain cards from dominating the metagame.
Getting Started with Standard
If you’re new to Magic: The Gathering, Standard is a great format to start with.
It’s a one-on-one Constructed format that follows all the normal rules.
Your deck should consist of a main deck with at least 60 cards in it and a sideboard of up to 15 cards.
Across those 75 cards, you can’t use more than four copies of the same unique card, except basic lands.
Rotation and Set Releases
One of the unique features of Standard is that it follows a rotation schedule.
This means that as new sets are released, older sets rotate out of the format.
This helps keep the format fresh and ensures that no one deck dominates for too long.
You can check the current Standard rotation schedule on the official MTG website.
Currently, there are four new sets added each year, and every year when the fall set is released, the oldest four sets in Standard rotate out.
This means that the format is constantly changing, and you’ll need to keep up with the latest set releases to stay competitive.
Building a Standard Deck
Building a Standard deck can be a bit daunting for new players, but it’s not as difficult as it may seem.
The first step is to choose a strategy or theme for your deck. This could be anything from a tribal deck that focuses on a specific creature type, to a control deck that aims to disrupt your opponent’s plans.
Once you have a strategy in mind, you’ll need to choose the cards that fit that strategy.
You can use online resources like MTGGoldfish or MTG Arena to help you find the cards you need.
It’s important to remember that you can only use cards that are currently legal in Standard, so make sure to check the rotation schedule before you start building.
Finally, you’ll need to fine-tune your deck and make sure you have a good mix of creatures, spells, and other cards.
It’s a good idea to playtest your deck against other players to see how it performs and make any necessary adjustments.
Exploring Commander
As a new player to MTG, Commander can be an exciting and fun format to start with.
Commander is a multiplayer format that challenges players to show off their deck-building, piloting, and even their political skills.
It is also known as EDH (Elder Dragon Highlander), named after the original format’s restriction of using only legendary creatures that were dragons.
Command Zone and Deck Size
One of the unique aspects of Commander is the use of the Command Zone.
The Command Zone is a special zone outside the player’s main deck where the Commander card is placed at the beginning of the game.
The Commander is a legendary creature that represents the player’s identity and leads their deck.
Players can cast their Commander from the Command Zone at any time they could normally cast it from their hand.
If the Commander is put into the player’s library or graveyard, the player can choose to put it back into the Command Zone instead.
Commander decks are made up of 100 cards, including the Commander.
This is a larger deck size than most other formats, which allows for more variety and creativity in deck building.
The singleton rule also applies, meaning that each card in the deck must be unique except for basic lands.
Color Identity and Legendary Creatures
Another unique aspect of Commander is the use of color identity.
Each card in the deck, including the Commander, has a color identity that is determined by its mana cost and any color symbols in its rules text.
The Commander’s color identity determines which colors of mana can be used to cast spells and activate abilities in the deck.
Players must also include cards in their deck that match their Commander’s color identity.
Commander decks must contain a legendary creature as the Commander.
The Commander is a key part of the deck and often shapes the strategy and theme of the deck.
There are many legendary creatures to choose from, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles. Players can also choose to build their deck around a specific theme or strategy, such as tribal or control.
Diving into Draft Formats
If you are new to Magic: The Gathering, diving into the world of drafting can be a daunting task.
However, drafting is one of the most popular formats for players of all skill levels. In this section, I will provide a brief overview of two of the most popular draft formats: Booster Draft and Sealed Deck.
Booster Draft
Booster Draft is a popular format where players open booster packs and draft cards in a specific order to create a deck.
In a typical Booster Draft, each player will start with three booster packs.
They will open one pack, choose a card, and pass the remaining cards to the player on their left.
They will then receive a pack from the player on their right, choose a card, and pass the remaining cards to the left. This process continues until all the cards have been drafted.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when drafting is to be aware of the cards that are being passed to you.
This can help you to identify the colors and archetypes that are open and guide you in making the best picks for your deck.
It is also important to keep in mind that drafting is not just about picking the rarest or most powerful cards. Sometimes, common cards can be just as important for building a strong deck.
Sealed Deck
Sealed Deck is another popular format where players build a deck from a limited pool of cards. In a typical Sealed Deck event, each player will receive six booster packs. They will open all the packs and use the cards to build a 40-card deck.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when building a Sealed Deck is to be aware of the colors and archetypes that are represented in your pool of cards. This can help you to identify the best cards for your deck and guide you in making the best picks for your deck.
It is also important to keep in mind that Sealed Deck is not just about picking the rarest or most powerful cards. Sometimes, common cards can be just as important for building a strong deck.
The Appeal of Modern and Pioneer
As a newcomer to MTG, you might wonder which format is the best one to start with. Two popular non-rotating formats are Modern and Pioneer. Let’s take a closer look at each one to help you decide which one is the right fit for you.
Modern Horizons
Modern is a format that includes all cards printed in Magic: The Gathering from the 8th Edition core set to the current set, with some exceptions. The format has a relatively large card pool, which can be intimidating for new players.
However, the release of Modern Horizons in 2019 has made the format more accessible to newcomers. Modern Horizons introduced powerful new cards that have shaken up the format and made it more diverse.
Pioneer’s Place in MTG
Pioneer is a newer format that was introduced in 2019. It includes all cards from Return to Ravnica forward, which is a smaller card pool than Modern. Pioneer has a smaller banlist compared to Modern, which makes it more accessible to new players. The format is still evolving, and new decks are being discovered all the time, which makes it exciting to play.
Casual Play and Other Formats
As much as Magic: The Gathering is a competitive game, it is also a social activity that can be enjoyed casually. There are several formats that are perfect for casual play, and they can be a great way to introduce new players to the game.
Kitchen Table Magic
Kitchen Table Magic is a term used to describe casual play between friends or family members. It is a great way to learn the game and experiment with different decks. The rules are flexible, and players can make up their own rules or use a modified version of the official rules.
Brawl and Historic
Brawl is a casual format that is similar to Commander. The difference is that players use a Planeswalker as their commander instead of a legendary creature. Historic is a format that allows players to use cards from any set that has been released on Magic Arena. Both formats are great for casual play and can be a lot of fun.
Pauper and Highlander
Pauper is a format that only allows players to use common cards. It is a great way to learn the game and experiment with different decks without spending a lot of money.
Highlander is a format that allows players to use only one copy of each card, except for basic lands. It is a great way to build unique decks and experiment with different strategies.
MTG Arena and Online Play
As a beginner, MTG Arena is the best place to start playing Magic: The Gathering. MTG Arena is a digital game that provides players with a chance to play Magic online.
With MTG Arena, players can enjoy the game without the need for physical cards. This makes it easy for beginners to learn the game and familiarize themselves with the rules and mechanics.
Digital Formats
MTG Arena offers players the opportunity to play in different digital formats. These formats include Standard, Historic, Alchemy, and Explorer.
Standard is a format that includes only the newest sets of Magic cards. Historic includes all sets released on MTG Arena.
Alchemy is a new format introduced in 2022 that allows players to play with a modified card pool. Explorer is a format that allows players to play with cards from the past and present.
MTG Online (MTGO)
MTG Online (MTGO) is another platform where players can play Magic online. However, MTGO is different from MTG Arena in that it is a more complex platform with a steeper learning curve.
MTGO provides players with access to all Magic cards, including older sets that are not available on MTG Arena. MTGO is a great platform for experienced players who want to play in more complex formats, such as Legacy and Vintage.
Choosing the Right Format for You
As a new player to Magic: The Gathering, it can be overwhelming to choose the right format to start with. There are many different formats to choose from, each with its own unique rules and playstyles. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when choosing the best format for you.
Considerations for New Players
When starting out, it’s important to choose a format that is beginner-friendly. Standard is a good format to start with, as it uses the most recent cards and has a smaller card pool to choose from.
This makes it easier to learn the game mechanics and understand the interactions between different cards.
Another beginner-friendly format is Limited, which includes Sealed and Draft.
In Sealed, players receive a set number of booster packs and build a deck from the cards they open. In Draft, players take turns selecting cards from booster packs to build their deck. These formats are great for new players as they don’t require a large collection of cards and allow players to practice deck building skills.
Finding Your Local Game Store (LGS)
Your local game store (LGS) is a great resource for finding other players and learning about different formats. Most LGSs host weekly events for various formats, which is a great way to meet other players and try out different formats.
You can also ask the staff for advice on which format to start with and what resources are available for new players.
Attending events at your LGS is also a great way to become part of the local Magic community. You’ll meet other players with similar interests and can learn from more experienced players. Many players are happy to share their knowledge and help new players improve their skills.
Frequently Asked Questions – Best Format to Start in MTG
Which MTG format is recommended for new players?
If you’re new to Magic: The Gathering, the Standard format is a great place to start. This format focuses on the latest sets that have been released and is designed to be accessible to new players.
Standard decks are made up of 60 cards and a 15-card sideboard that can be swapped in and out between games. This format is also supported by the MTG Arena client, which is a great way to learn the game and get started.
What is the most budget-friendly format for MTG beginners?
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly format, Pauper is a great choice. This format only allows cards that have been printed at the common rarity, which means that decks are generally much cheaper than other formats.
In fact, some of the best Pauper decks can be built for less than $100. However, this can also make some Pauper cards surprisingly difficult to find.
What are the main differences between the various MTG formats?
The main differences between the various MTG formats are the card pool, the deck size, and the banned list.
Some formats, like Standard, only allow cards from the most recent sets, while others, like Modern, allow cards from any set printed after 8th Edition. Additionally, some formats, like Commander, have unique deck building rules that make them stand out from other formats.
How does one choose the right MTG format when starting out?
Choosing the right MTG format when starting out can be a bit overwhelming, but there are a few things to consider.
First, think about what kind of experience you’re looking for. Do you want a fast-paced, competitive game? Or are you looking for a more casual, social experience?
Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for, you can start exploring the different formats and their rules to find one that fits your playstyle.
What MTG format is most popular among the player base?
The most popular MTG format among the player base is likely Commander. This format has exploded in popularity in recent years and has a strong following among both casual and competitive players.
Commander decks are made up of 100 cards, with no more than one copy of any given card (except for basic lands). Additionally, each deck must be built around a legendary creature or planeswalker that serves as the deck’s “commander”.
What is the ideal MTG format for a two-player experience?
For a two-player experience, the best MTG format is likely either Standard or Modern.
Both of these formats are designed to be played one-on-one and have a wide variety of decks and strategies to choose from.
Additionally, both Standard and Modern are supported by the MTG Arena client. This makes it easy to find opponents and play games online.
