Would like to get into playing Magic The Gathering trading card game, how?

Question

Have been looking to get into a hobby lately, something that is fun to do, and that I might be able to get into some competition of some sort. Been looking into board games, and roleplaying games and what not, but havn't really been able to find anything. So I've decided that I'm going to try out Magic The Gathering, I've found a place that hosts tournaments called Super Stars, in my area, and curious as to what a good way to get started playing Magic, and what I should be looking into. I know that the game has been around for years, and there has been many 'editions' to the game, so if anyone could help me out, on how to get started into the hobby, now that there are probably new rules, and cards, etc.

Thanks, and suggestions on games are welcome.

Answer 1

It is a great hobby, and you will have a blast. You have already gotten some good advice, but here is what I'd recommend, in this order.



1) First things first, go here (http://www.wizards.com/Magic/Digital/MagicOnline.aspx) and download Magic the Gathering: Online. It comes with a FREE trial mode, which is the very best way to learn the game, I promise you. It comes with preconstructed decks, and allows you to play some laid back games online against other opponents. Best of all, the client forces everyone to play by the rules, so you will understand them in no time!



2) Go here (http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/) and register for a free account. This is the best Magic Forum on the net, hands down. Ask any questions you could possibly think of, and you will get a lot of quick, very helpful responses.



The guys on MTG: Salvation will also be able to help you pick a deck, they can give you advanced play tips, and will offer other advice as well. If you really want to learn Magic, here is where you start.



Also, a lot of top players hang out their. Many times someone will post a tournaments results, and half of the players in the tourament will comment on the thread ;)



Trust me, these two things will put you on the fast track to success. First, get Magic the Gathering: Online, and then register for MTG: Salvation. You will be a pro in no time.

Answer 2

Magic the Gathering, or MTG is a great hobby to get into, and a player of the game myself, it's a really fun way to pass the time.



Finding a place to play MTG is the first step to getting into it, and you've already done that. The next is purchasing a intro pack, maybe two. The most current edition, or block, as it's called, is Zendikar. Zendikar is divided into 3 sets, as are all of the blocks, them being: Zendikar, Worldwake, and the current set, Rise of the Eldrazi. There is also a running set that is released every year, usually called M9, M10, and the upcoming set, M11, set to be released in July. I recommend taking a trip to a local Target store, where they should have intro packs and booster packs of the current sets. If you're looking for something simple to play with, buy a Rise of the Eldrazi intro pack called Totem Power.

http://www.amazon.com/Magic-Gathering-Eldrazi-Intro-Theme/dp/B003IM9QFW



Most intro packs will run about $12 - $16, and feature an already built deck, a booster pack, and a set of rules and explanations of keywords and other jargon involved in the game. STUDY THIS RULE SHEET!



I don't recommend attending Super Stars, as it is a bit more higher on the skill ratio than what you're currently playing at, and the players there would probably wait for you to just make a mistake and disqualify you than attempt to correct any mistake you make and chalk it up as inexperience rather than just plain cheating. To find a better suited area of play, use this:



http://ww2.wizards.com/StoreAndEventLocator/Default.aspx?link=true&ReturnParamMapZoom=10&ReturnParamMapSearch=San%20Jose&ReturnParamMode=play&ReturnParamCheckedProducts=&ReturnParamCheckedEvents=1:9;&ReturnParamCheckedEventBrands=1:x&ReturnParamTablePage=1&ReturnParamLastDirectionsQuery=null



Find one of these casual tournaments and seek out the judge. tell him/her that you are new to the game and want to learn to play. Hopefully, he/she will cooperate (as they should), and help you. Don't be discouraged, as other players will be much more accomplished than you in the game, but you will quickly be talking about the game like you've been playing it for years.



A new Magic player's best friend is this website: http://www.wizards.com/

and you can find out a lot about the game here.



It would help to get a profile on this website:



https://membership.wizards.com/login.aspx?dcionly=true&ReturnURL=https://webapp.wizards.com/login.aspx%3ftarget%3dpersonal&token=c7dbd9c5-6747-439d-abc1-fb1076841318



as it will allow you to participate and become ranked in the MTG community.



Wishing you the best of luck,

Matt

Answer 3

You've asked this question already. Once is enough. And what combo are you needing help with?