Magic: The Gathering guide

Magic: The Gathering (MTG) has evolved over time, but the basic concept has remained the same: two or more players each have a deck of cards representing powerful spells, creatures, and artifacts, and they use these cards to battle one another.

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to start collecting MTG cards and building your own decks.

Getting _Started

What is Magic: The Gathering?

The story of Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is set in a fictional universe with its own rich history and mythology. The game's setting is a multiverse made up of countless planes, each with its own unique characters, creatures, and conflicts. Over the years, the game's story has been expanded through books, comics, and other media, with new planes and characters introduced in each set of cards.

MTG was created by mathematician Richard Garfield and first published by Wizards of the Coast in 1993. Garfield had been working on the game for several years before its release, and it quickly gained a following among gamers and collectors alike. The game's popularity continued to grow over the years, with numerous expansions and spin-off products released.

Today, MTG is owned by Hasbro and is one of the most popular trading card games in the world, with millions of players and fans around the globe. The game has also spawned a competitive scene, with tournaments and events held at all levels of play, from local game stores to international championships.

What type of player do you want to be?

To start collecting MTG cards, you'll first need to decide what type of player you want to be. There are several different ways to enjoy the game, including:

• Casual play with friends
• Attending local events and tournaments
• Competitive play at a higher level

Once you have a better idea of what type of player you want to be, you can start building your collection. There are a few different ways to acquire MTG cards:

• Booster Packs: These are packs of 15 cards that you can purchase at game stores, online, or at big-box retailers. The cards are randomized, so you never know what you're going to get.
• Preconstructed Decks: These are ready-to-play decks that you can purchase at game stores or online. They're a great way to get started if you're new to the game.
• Singles: If you're looking for specific cards to add to your collection, you can purchase them individually online or at game stores.

Understanding the Basics

Before you start building your own decks, it's important to understand the basics of MTG. The game is divided into several phases, and each player takes turns playing cards and casting spells.

There are five different colors of magic in MTG, each with its own strengths and weaknesses:

• White: Focused on healing and protection
• Blue: Focused on card draw and counterspells
• Black: Focused on destruction and manipulation
• Red: Focused on direct damage and speed
• Green: Focused on creatures and mana ramping

In MTG mana is a resource that players use to cast spells and summon creatures. Mana is generated by certain cards, such as lands, and can be stored in a player's mana pool. Each spell or creature requires a certain amount and type of mana to be cast, and players must carefully manage their available mana to play the cards they need to win the game. The color and type of mana also play a role in the game, with each color representing different styles of spells and creatures.

Building Your Deck

Building your own MTG deck is one of the most fun and rewarding parts of the game. To build a successful deck, you'll need to consider several factors:

• Deck Theme: What type of strategy do you want to use? Will you focus on creatures, spells, or a combination of both?
• Card Types: How many creatures, spells, and other card types will you include in your deck?
• Mana Curve: How many cards do you want at each converted mana cost (CMC) to ensure you can play spells throughout the game?
• Synergy: Do your cards work well together to create powerful combinations?

There are several resources available online to help you build your own MTG deck, including deck building software and forums where you can discuss strategies with other players.

Understanding the different types of cards

MTG cards come in several different types, each with their own unique abilities and effects. The most common types of cards include:

• Creatures: These cards represent creatures that you can summon to battle your opponent.
• Spells: These cards represent powerful spells that you can use to damage your opponent, draw cards, or manipulate the game in other ways.
• Artifacts: These cards represent powerful magical artifacts that you can use to gain an advantage over your opponent.

The most valuable cards

Some MTG cards are more valuable than others, depending on a variety of factors, including rarity, age, and overall power level. Some of the most valuable cards in the game include:

• Black Lotus: This card, released in the game's earliest sets, is considered by many to be the most valuable card in the game.
• Mox Sapphire: Another powerful card from the game's earliest sets, the Mox Sapphire is highly sought after by collectors and players alike.
• Time Walk: This card, which allows a player to take an extra turn, is one of the most powerful spells in the game and is highly prized by collectors and players.

Recent Card Releases

MTG releases new sets of cards on a regular basis, each with their own unique themes and mechanics. Some recent releases include:

• Kaldheim: A set inspired by Norse mythology, featuring new mechanics like Foretell and Boast.
• Strixhaven: A set focused on a magical university, featuring new mechanics like Learn and Magecraft.
• Innistrad: Midnight Hunt: A set returning to the gothic horror-inspired world of Innistrad, featuring new mechanics like Daybound/Nightbound and Coven.

Advanced Strategies

Once you have a basic understanding of the game and have built a few decks, you can start exploring more advanced strategies. These may include:

• Card Advantage: Using cards that let you draw extra cards or destroy your opponent's cards to gain an advantage.
• Mana Ramp: Using cards that generate extra mana to play bigger and more powerful spells earlier in the game.
• Control: Using counterspells and other cards to prevent your opponent from playing their spells and creatures.
• Combo: Using specific

To build your collection, you can purchase booster packs or individual cards from game stores, attend local tournaments or events, or even participate in online auctions.

We hope this guide will be helpful. Enjoy collecting on Voggt!