Getting started with Magic: The Gathering?

Question

I have recently learned how to play Magic and I would like to get some cards. I like red, especially dragons. I am thinking about getting the red and black intro pack. Is this intro pack any good or is there a better one? Or should I wait for Magic 2012 to come out? Or is there a better way to start playing?

Answer 1

When starting out, you shouldn't worry too much about whether a deck is good or not. If you have fun with the deck, then the power of the cards themselves isn't that important. That being said, from my experience most prebuilt decks are at least average in playablility. They won't win you any tournaments, but are definitely competent for casual. Also, I assume you mean Magic 2013, since Magic 2012 is already out. It is ultimately up to you if you would like to wait. If none of the current prebuilt decks interest you, then it would probably be better not to waste your money on a deck you won't like and to save for M13's release. To answer your question about getting started, I would recommend a prebuilt deck and maybe some boosters and/or a fat pack. The preconstructed deck would give you a framework to build off of and the extra cards from boosters or the fat pack would give you some experience with deck construction. Once you feel established with the game and have more experience with both deckbuilding and the game itself, the best way to buy cards is to buy singles so you can get exactly what you need for your deck. However, make sure you know that not only will the deck be good if you buy singles, but that the deck is fun. Buying singles can get expensive. Whatever you choose to do, good luck and welcome to Magic!

Answer 2

@Black Magician:



Magic isn't complicated at all. It's extremely easy to understand and it's easy to pick up on the rules and strategies.



I find the Magic card games to be oddly organized and well thought out. It takes a bit of thinking, but when you dig into it, you start to see advantages and disadvantages that help you look into the future the game at hand. It's like it's one of those games where you build up continuously and you have to adapt on the spot.

Answer 3

Magic is too complicated, if you want to play something easier and cooler than magic (magic i think is for nerds who stay at home all day long) play yugioh way cooler and it even has its own show, which i thnik magic...doesn't have.

Answer 4

yes and intro pack is a good way to start thought magic 2012 has been out since march 2011 .. but there is a set by the name avacyn restored due for release may 4th and magic 2013 coming late july so theres your options really but if you check online for a avacyun restored prerelease event you can get an intro pack or 6 boosters of the new set on april 28&29th a week before the actual release .. the intro pack is for people goign for open play 6 boosters is for a sealed deck tournament .. in which you only use the cards you get in the packs to make a deck and then compete with the tourney is more recommended more for experienced players and open is for new players to learn abit more and play around ..the tourney competitors are encouraged to help out the newer players beetween matches so .. would be a great start if you can make a prerelease event ..get a look at the new cards plus playing experience

Answer 5

So, the cool things about Magic is fantasization and competition. The card game is a low cost substitute for fantasy and competition in real life, and it's semi-socially acceptable, so there are others who will support it. Whether you prefer women or men, there are mostly men who play it. I'm in my thirties, and friends of mine played magic when I was in high school. Most of those friends grew up to be computer code programmers, and work with computers in general. A few of them do websites, graphic design, etc.



Another cool thing about magic is the artwork. Some of the cards have really cool art on them. The stories and fantasization are kind of clever. There are a handful of successful fiction writers.



It might be the case that one above the rest of these things starts to appeal to you. There are a lot of cool aspects to the Magic game, but I found most of my friends just prefered to socialize with the alternative crowd. Maybe it's different these days, but too much socialization with the alternative crowd might make somebody miss the point of society.



So, if one of those aspects appeals to you, or you like computers, start thinking about pursuing that as an interest. Chicks, and guys I suppose, dig guys with an interest, and if you start getting good at something now it will pay off when you are an adult. There is a greater probability of being a succesful IT pro than a successful fantasy author, so factor that in.

Answer 6

Magic: The Gathering also doubles as a chastity belt! :D