As a beginner Magic player, it can be overwhelming to figure out what products to buy. With so many different formats, decks, and products available, it’s hard to know where to start.
However, with the right guidance, you can confidently select your first deck and start playing Magic: The Gathering.
To get started with Magic: The Gathering, you’ll need to select your first deck.
There are a few different options available, including Commander, 60-card Casual, and Standard.
Commander is a great format for playing with players outside of your playgroup, while 60-card Casual is the original way to play Magic and is still very popular. Standard is another popular format that is constantly changing, making it appealing for players who want to keep things fresh.
Once you’ve selected your first deck, you can start exploring Magic: The Gathering products to enhance your gameplay experience.
From booster packs to playmats, there are a variety of products available to help you develop your strategies and play styles.
As you learn more about the game mechanics and understand the Magic lore and themes, you can start building your collection and becoming a part of the Magic: The Gathering community.
Key Takeaways: Beginner Magic Player
- Understanding the basics of Magic: The Gathering is crucial for new players.
- Choosing the right format, such as Standard or Commander, can enhance your gameplay experience.
- Intro Decks and Starter Kits are great for beginners to get into the game.
- Learning about mana and card types is essential for building effective decks.
- Exploring Magic: The Gathering products can help expand your collection and knowledge.
- Developing strategies and understanding different deck archetypes can improve your play.
- Engaging with the local and online Magic community can offer valuable learning opportunities.
- Understanding Magic lore and themes can enrich your overall experience of the game.
Getting Started with Magic: The Gathering
If you’re a beginner Magic player, you might be wondering where to start. Magic: The Gathering, or MTG, is a complex game, but with a little guidance, you’ll be able to jump in and start playing in no time.
In this section, we’ll cover the basics of the game, the different formats you can play, and the different types of cards you’ll encounter.
Understanding the Basics
At its core, Magic: The Gathering is a game of strategy and resource management.
Each player starts with a deck of cards that represents their spells and creatures, as well as a supply of land cards that generate the game’s primary resource: mana.
Players take turns playing cards, casting spells, and attacking their opponents with creatures until one player’s life total is reduced to zero.
Choosing the Right Format
There are several different formats you can play in Magic: The Gathering, each with its own rules and restrictions.
Standard is the most popular format and features the most recent sets of cards.
Modern is a non-rotating format that includes cards from a larger pool of sets.
Commander is a multiplayer format where each player has a 100-card deck and a legendary creature that serves as their commander.
If you’re just starting out, we recommend starting with Standard or Commander, as they’re both accessible and have active player communities.
Learning About Mana and Card Types
Mana is the fuel that powers your spells and creatures in Magic: The Gathering.
Each land card you play generates a certain color of mana, which can be used to cast spells of the same color.
There are five different colors of mana in Magic: The Gathering: white, blue, black, red, and green. Each color has its own strengths and weaknesses, and different strategies will require different combinations of colors.
There are three main types of cards in Magic: The Gathering: land cards, creature cards, and spell cards.
Land cards are the foundation of your mana base and are essential for casting spells.
Creature cards represent the creatures you’ll use to attack your opponents and defend your own life total.
Spell cards are the bread and butter of your deck, and they come in a variety of types, including instants, sorceries, and enchantments.
Each card has its own unique abilities and effects, so it’s important to read each card carefully and understand how it fits into your overall strategy.
Selecting Your First Deck
As a beginner Magic player, selecting your first deck can be a daunting task. There are many options available, and it can be challenging to know where to start.
In this section, I will provide an overview of the different types of decks available and offer some guidance on how to choose the right one for you.
Intro Decks and Starter Kits
Intro Decks and Starter Kits are an excellent place to start for new players.
These decks are pre-constructed and designed to be easy to play. They come with a ready-to-play deck and a guide that explains the rules and how to play the game.
Intro Decks are typically more straightforward and have a limited number of cards, while Starter Kits are more comprehensive and come with additional accessories like dice and counters.
Planeswalker Decks and Their Role
Planeswalker Decks are another option for new players.
These decks are designed around a specific Planeswalker character and come with a ready-to-play deck and a Planeswalker card.
Planeswalker Decks are a great way to learn about the different characters in the Magic universe and can help you develop your play style.
Building a Custom Beginner Deck
Building a custom beginner deck can be a fun and rewarding experience. It allows you to create a deck that suits your play style and strategy.
However, it can be challenging to know where to start.
One option is to use a Spellslinger Starter Kit. These kits come with two pre-constructed decks that are designed to be played against each other. They also come with a guide that explains the rules and how to play the game.
When building a custom beginner deck, it’s important to keep in mind your play style and strategy.
Do you prefer an aggressive or defensive play style? Do you want to focus on creatures or spells?
Answering these questions can help you narrow down your options and create a deck that suits your play style.
Exploring Magic: The Gathering Products
As a beginner Magic player, there are many products you can choose from to start your journey. In this section, I will explore some of the most popular Magic: The Gathering products available.
Booster Packs and Core Sets
Booster packs are a great way to expand your collection and discover new cards. They contain 15 randomized cards, including at least one rare or mythic rare card.
Core sets, on the other hand, are designed to provide a solid foundation for new players. They contain a mix of new and reprinted cards, making them a great starting point for beginners.
Specialized Starter Products
If you’re looking for a more structured approach to learning the game, specialized starter products are a great option.
Welcome boosters are designed specifically for new players, with simplified rules and mechanics.
Starter Commander decks are preconstructed decks that are ready to play right out of the box.
Tales of Middle-Earth starter kit is another great option for those who want to explore the world of Middle-Earth.
Accessories for Gameplay
To protect your cards and keep them organized, deck boxes and sleeves are essential accessories.
Deck boxes come in a variety of sizes and designs, and can hold anywhere from a single deck to multiple decks.
Sleeves are used to protect your cards from wear and tear, and come in a variety of colors and designs.
Learning the Game Mechanics
As a beginner Magic player, it is important to have a solid understanding of the game’s mechanics. Magic: The Gathering is a complex game, but mastering the basics will give you a strong foundation to build upon. Here are some key areas to focus on:
Understanding Turn Structure
Each turn in Magic is divided into several phases, including the beginning phase, main phase, combat phase, and end phase.
It is important to understand the order of these phases and what actions you can take during each one.
For example, during the main phase, you can play land cards and cast spells, while during the combat phase, you can attack with your creatures and use combat tricks.
Mastering Combat and Spells
Combat is a crucial aspect of Magic, and it is important to understand the rules around attacking and blocking.
You should also familiarize yourself with the different types of spells, such as instants, sorceries, and enchantments, and how they can be used to gain an advantage over your opponent.
Utilizing Abilities and Effects
Many cards in Magic have special abilities and effects that can be activated to gain an advantage in the game. It is important to understand how these abilities work and when to use them.
For example, some creatures have abilities that trigger when they enter the battlefield or when they attack. Meanwhile, some spells have effects that can damage your opponent or disrupt their strategy.
Learning the game mechanics is a crucial step in becoming a successful Magic player. While there is an element of luck involved in the game, skill and tactics play a major role in determining the outcome of a match.
Understanding the different mana colors and how to build a sideboard can also be helpful in developing a winning strategy. Finally, don’t forget about the mulligan rule, which allows you to redraw your starting hand if it is not to your liking.
Developing Strategies and Play Styles
As a beginner Magic player, it’s important to develop your own strategies and play styles. This will help you understand the game better and improve your chances of winning.
Evaluating Different Deck Archetypes
When choosing a deck archetype, it’s important to evaluate the different options available and choose one that suits your play style.
For example, if you enjoy playing aggressively, a red deck might be a good choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more controlling play style, a black-green deck might be a better fit.
Another option is to play with a tribal deck, which focuses on a specific creature type such as goblins or elves. These decks can be a lot of fun to play and can also be quite competitive.
Finally, you might want to consider a mono-green deck, which focuses on using green creatures and spells to overwhelm your opponent. These decks can be very powerful and are a great choice for beginners.
Adapting to Competitive Play
As you become more experienced with Magic, you may want to start playing competitively. This means playing against other players who are also trying to win.
To succeed in competitive play, it’s important to adapt your strategies and play style to the situation at hand.
For example, if you’re playing against a player who is using a Niv-Mizzet deck, you’ll need to be prepared to deal with their powerful spells and creatures.
Where to Play and Community
As a beginner Magic player, it’s essential to find a place to play and engage with the Magic community. Here are some options:
Local Game Stores and Events
I highly recommend checking out your local game store for events and tournaments. Not only will you get to play in a fun and competitive environment, but you’ll also have the chance to meet other Magic players and make new friends.
Most stores offer weekly events, such as Friday Night Magic, where you can play in a casual or competitive setting. Additionally, many stores offer beginner-friendly events and leagues, so don’t be afraid to ask for help or guidance.
Online Platforms like MTG Arena
If you prefer to play online, then MTG Arena is an excellent platform to start with.
It’s a free-to-play digital version of Magic that’s available on PC and Mac. The platform offers a comprehensive tutorial, and you can experiment with a sizable card pool. It also has a matchmaking system that pairs you with players of similar skill levels, so you don’t have to worry about playing against experienced players.
Engaging with the Magic Community
Engaging with the Magic community is an excellent way to improve your skills and make new friends.
You can join online forums, such as Reddit’s r/magicTCG or r/Magicdeckbuilding, to ask for advice or share your experiences. You can also follow Magic influencers on social media platforms, such as Twitter and Twitch, to keep up with the latest news and strategies.
Finally, attending Magic events, such as Grand Prix and Pro Tours, can be a great way to meet other players and experience the Magic community firsthand.
Understanding Magic Lore and Themes
As a beginner Magic player, understanding the lore and themes of the game can enhance your overall experience.
Magic: The Gathering has an extensive lore that has been continuously written for the past 30 years. The game’s lore is vast and covers a wide range of topics, including the history of the planes, the various factions, and the powerful beings known as planeswalkers.
Planeswalkers and Legendary Creatures
Planeswalkers are one of the most iconic aspects of Magic: The Gathering’s lore. These powerful beings can travel between different planes of existence and have the ability to manipulate the magical forces that govern the universe.
Planeswalkers are often depicted as the central characters in the game’s storylines and are a popular choice of card for players.
Legendary creatures are another important aspect of Magic: The Gathering’s lore.
These creatures are unique in that only one of each can be in play at any given time. They are often depicted as powerful beings that have shaped the history of the planes and are a popular choice of card for players who want to build a deck around a specific theme or character.
Expanding the Experience with Magic Story
If you’re interested in learning more about the lore and themes of Magic: The Gathering, you can explore the game’s story through various media.
Wizards of the Coast, the company that produces Magic: The Gathering, has released numerous novels, comics, and other media that explore the game’s lore in-depth.
In addition to the official media, Magic: The Gathering’s lore has also been integrated into other popular franchises, such as Dungeons and Dragons. This integration has allowed players to experience the game’s lore in new and exciting ways, and has helped to expand the overall Magic: The Gathering experience.
Frequently Asked Questions – What to Buy as a Beginner Magic Player
Which starter set is best for new Magic: The Gathering players?
If you are new to Magic: The Gathering, the best starter set to buy is the Game Night: Free for All 2022.
This product contains five 60-card ready-to-play decks, making it perfect for casual play. It is also a great way to learn and play the game in its purest form.
What are the essential items included in an MTG starter kit?
The MTG starter kit includes two starter decks, two dice, and a learn-to-play guide for two players.
The kit packages come with two paper Magic decks for two players in an MTG arena. It also combines a one play guide and two deck boxes. This starter kit allows gameplay with other players or digitally with a unique MTG arena code to unlock the game.
As a beginner, which Magic: The Gathering cards should I first acquire?
As a beginner, you should acquire cards that are easy to understand and play with. Start with cards that have simple mechanics and abilities.
You can also consider buying cards that are part of a theme deck, as they are designed to work well together. Once you become more experienced, you can start acquiring more complex cards and building your own decks.
What is the most recommended Magic: The Gathering set for a novice player?
The most recommended Magic: The Gathering set for a novice player is the latest Core Set.
This set is designed with new players in mind and contains cards that are easy to understand and play with. It is also a great way to learn the basics of the game.
Are there any specific Magic: The Gathering products tailored for beginners?
Yes, there are specific Magic: The Gathering products tailored for beginners.
The MTG Arena Starter Kit is a great option for new players who want to learn the game digitally.
It contains two 60-card decks, two quick-start guides, and a code to unlock the decks in MTG Arena. The Planeswalker Decks are also a good option for beginners. These decks are designed to be easy to play with and contain cards that work well together.
What accessories should every Magic: The Gathering player have?
Every Magic: The Gathering player should have a deck box to store their cards. They should also have sleeves to protect their cards from wear and tear. Dice are also necessary to keep track of counters and other game mechanics.
A playmat is also a good accessory to have, as it provides a clean and dedicated space to play the game. Additionally, a life counter or app is useful for keeping track of life totals during a game.
