Becoming a Better Magic: The Gathering Player

Magic: The Gathering isn’t simply a good game. It’s not even just a fantastic game. It’s an establishment that didn’t only ignite a new era of card games – Trading Card Games (TCGs) or Collectible Card Games (CCGs) – but has also left its mark on everything from board games to the Metal Gear series. Equally important, even if we set aside all the inventive gameplay mechanics and strategic complexity, a lively, global community has emerged around Magic.

Hey there! Did you know that Magic: The Gathering is printed in 11 different languages? Isn’t that amazing? People all over the world are playing this game and forming tight-knit communities. It’s incredible how this game can connect people from different corners of the world, right?

But I have to admit, diving into Magic can be a little overwhelming at first. There’s so much to learn and explore! The game has a rich history and a huge library of cards, which can seem intimidating. But guess what? If you’re just starting out, you don’t have to worry about all that stuff!

Hey there! I’m Tom Reeve, and I’m here to help you out. I’ve been playing Magic for a long time, around 15 years to be exact. While I haven’t played on the Pro Tour, I’ve been involved in countless tournaments, taught people how to play, written strategy articles, and covered events for various card games. Magic has been a huge part of my life, and I currently work for an online Magic retailer in the UK. And guess what? This is the perfect time for you to get into Magic!

When it comes to the game of Magic: The Gathering, there’s something to be said about getting in early. Collectible card games like these can become quite valuable over time, and being an early adopter has its financial benefits. However, in recent years, the game’s creators, Wizards of the Coast, have been actively working to make it more accessible to new players.

They’ve streamlined the rules, created products specifically for newcomers, and even developed electronic versions of the game that rival the physical experience. It’s an impressive effort to welcome a broader audience into the world of Magic.

In future articles, we’ll delve deeper into specific decks and boxed sets that are ideal for new players. We’ll explore how to make the most of these resources. But for now, let me give you a quick overview of the best tools available if you want to learn how to play the game from scratch.

Duels Of The Planeswalkers

Duels of the Planeswalkers is the shining star of Wizards of the Coast’s Acquisition Armada. Released in 2009 and recently updated just a few months ago, Duels of the Planeswalkers can be played on Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network, Steam, and even iPad. What sets it apart are its tutorials, tooltips, and user-friendly interface, making it a great choice for beginners. Of course, experienced players will find plenty of challenges, game modes, and puzzles to keep them entertained as well. If you’re interested, you can learn more about Duels of the Planeswalkers in Mike Rosenberg’s review of the latest edition.

If you’re looking to get into the world of Magic: The Gathering, I’ve got a great tip for you. The game has a cool feature that can help you make the transition from virtual cards to real ones.

When you purchase a Magic: The Gathering video game, like Magic 2013, you’ll find a special code inside. This code can be used on the game’s website to unlock a free booster pack. And that booster pack comes with a special version of a Mythic Rare card from the Magic 2013 core set.

Now, I know you might be wondering why you’d want to switch from digital cards to physical ones. Well, there are a few reasons. First, collecting real cards is a lot of fun. You can hold them in your hands, trade them with friends, and even customize your deck with cool sleeves and accessories. Plus, you can bring your cards to local game stores and compete in tournaments with other players.

Another reason to consider getting real cards is the collectability factor. Some cards become highly sought after and their value can increase over time. So you never know, you might have a rare gem in your collection that could be worth a lot of money in the future.

Now, let’s talk about how to get started. If you’re new to the game, I recommend starting with the Magic 2013 video game. It’s a great way to learn the basics and get a feel for the different cards and gameplay mechanics. Plus, it comes with that special code I mentioned earlier.

So go ahead and give it a try. Experience the thrill of playing Magic: The Gathering with real cards. You won’t regret it!

Check out the Official Magic: The Gathering Website

Hey there! So, listen up! I wanted to tell you about this awesome website for Magic: The Gathering. It may not be as fancy as Duels of the Planeswalkers, but it’s got some really helpful stuff to get you started on your magical journey.

First things first, they’ve got a section called ‘Learn to Play’ where you can find videos, a rulebook you can download, and even a demo! How cool is that? I mean, it’s like having your own personal magic tutor right at your fingertips. Trust me, it’s a great way to learn the ropes.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. On the left side of the page, you’ll find a store and event locator. This little gem can help you find places near you where you can meet other magic enthusiasts and learn more about the game. I don’t know about you, but I think it’s pretty awesome to have a community of fellow magic lovers to share the magic with.

Sure, the website might not have all the bells and whistles of Duels or the social aspect of playing with a group in person, but it’s still a fantastic resource. It’s like having a library filled with all the magic knowledge you could ever want. So, give it a try and see what you think. I have a feeling you’ll be pretty impressed.

Hey, did you know that there’s another super helpful resource on the official site called Gatherer? It’s like a massive library with every single Magic: the Gathering card ever created. How cool is that?

Gatherer is especially handy when you stumble upon older cards with wording that doesn’t quite gel with the latest rules. It sets you straight by giving you the most up-to-date rules text. It’s like a language translator for Magic cards!

But that’s not all – Gatherer is also your best friend when it comes to building or fine-tuning your decks. Let’s say you’re mulling over creatures of a specific color for the format you’re working on, Gatherer has got you covered. It makes deck-building a breeze!

Intro Packs

If you don’t have a store nearby and you want to learn how to play Magic with real cards and friends, you have plenty of options. Wizards of the Coast offers a wide range of Magic products, including booster packs, deluxe editions like From the Vault, and Commander’s Arsenal. Starting from the Tempest set in 1997, they’ve been releasing pre-constructed decks with each new set. These decks show you how the set’s mechanics work in real games. They used to be called Theme Decks but now they’re called Intro Packs, and they’re a great way for beginners to get into the game.

But here’s the good news: Intro Packs are an even better deal now! The latest versions come with not just the deck, but also two booster packs. This means you have a chance of getting some amazing cards and it inspires you to start tweaking and improving the deck right from the start.

If you’re just starting out, I suggest getting one or two Intro Packs from the latest Core Set. The Core Sets, like Magic 2013, offer a simpler introduction to the game compared to the expansion sets, which can be more complicated. By choosing an Intro Pack from the Core Set, you’ll have an easier time learning the rules and getting the hang of things.

A Buddy Who Knows the Game

Let me tell you something that may seem obvious, but it’s still worth mentioning. If you have friends who are into gaming and you’re curious if they play Magic, just shoot them a quick Tweet or post on Facebook. You might be surprised to find out that you already know some Magic players or that other people you know are interested in learning the game along with you. Because even though Magic is a complex and ever-changing game, it’s ultimately a game that brings people together.

When the game was first created, it was meant to be a quick and easy way to have fun during breaks from longer gaming sessions. The online version of the game has become really popular, but there’s something special about playing in person. You can teach yourself how to play, but it’s way more fun and faster to learn from someone who already knows or to join a group of new players. If you’re already part of a gaming group, chances are that some of them have played before. But even if they haven’t, why not grab a couple of Intro Packs and give it a try?

If you’re unsure about whether you should give Magic a shot, let me tell you why you should. First, ask yourself, what do you have to lose? Trying it out won’t cost you anything. Even if you decide not to buy any booster packs, you can still enjoy Duels of the Planeswalkers with its awesome single-player campaigns, puzzles, and game modes. And secondly, think about what you have to gain. Magic has a massive community and offers a wide range of casual and tournament play. There’s truly something for everyone, regardless of your skill level.

Imagine this: you’re sitting at the kitchen table, looking for a new game to play. Where do you turn? Magic: The Gathering has got you covered. Whether you’re just looking for a casual Friday night game or you want to dive into the competitive scene and travel the world, Magic has something for everyone.

When it comes to resources, Magic has you covered there too. There are articles to read, podcasts to listen to, and plenty of videos to watch. You can even catch livestreams of big tournaments with commentary to enhance your viewing experience. And if you’re more of a digital gamer, Magic Online allows you to draft, test out decks, and even qualify for prestigious events from the comfort of your computer chair.

No matter how you like to play, Magic has it all. So why not give it a try?