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Do you believe in Magic: A Survival Guide for N00bies.

I blame my husband for this. Wasn't enough that I already do not have almost to none self control when it comes to spending on geeky items every darn paycheck?! Seriously? Wasn't that enough, Geek Overlords?!

Well, I guess their answer was 'HECK NO' because it wasn't enough spending it on Pop Funko collectibles, purses, etc., now I also spend a good chunk of my paycheck on Magic: The Gathering 😆😆.

A couple of months ago, my dear husband introduced me to the magical world of MtG (yes, I know it's a bit redundant) and it seems like I haven't stopped. I have a problem, and it's not drugs.

So, I thought this would be a good idea to do a n00b survival guide to MtG and what to expect, when you're expecting?! 🙊🙈

Here goes:

It is a good idea that if you have seriously been thinking in getting into MtG, you have a seasoned player with you on your journey.

Seasoned players whom have been around MtG for a while, can give you incredible insight, tips and whatnot into this vast, rich world that you are about to embark in.

Second, they give you pointers and definitely, explain terminology, rules to a n00b, as our selves.

Good idea; Buying a pre-made introduction dual deck is the best way to learn the game play. Your seasoned player can explain phases and what you're supposed to do and expect to happen. It's ok, if at first you really get confused, it is a lot to take in. But once you start playing more, you'll get the hang of it. It's mainly more overwhelming than difficult. Learning about mana, lands, non-lands, creature spells, sorceries, etc., is a LOT to take in.

It took me a couple of games to get the hang of what phases are which, what to do in them, and what to expect.

Bad idea: Just trying to play with a home brewed deck and not having anything explained. I mean, unless you're uber smart, I get it, it might not be such a bad thing, but most people, it takes time getting used to.
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A note to the guiding seasoned player: Be patient to your n00b, they scare easily, and for them to get comfortable, they may have lots of questions, answer them as much as you can. I know for you it might be obvious, but for us, it's not. So, overall, don't be a jerk to your n00b. You don't want them to just quit on you, do you?

Once your n00b is more comfortable with game play, you might want to explain the different colored decks that are available and what set to choose from. Not all sets, are equal. The newer sets are Ixalan, Dominaria, Core Set 2019.

Take in mind n00bie, that older sets, like Amonket and older, will be phased out, meaning, you will not be able to use cards from these sets because they will not be considered STANDARD legal.

Also, n00bie, you might want to ask what is the difference between Standard legal, Legacy, Commander, etc. These are different styles of game play, and not all shops allow all of these different styles to be played on certain nights. So, you and your seasoned player might want to call ahead your local shop and ask which night is for which style.

After a reasonable time, after you feel comfortable enough and have gotten the hang of the game play, you might be curious of what a tournament looks and feels like.

I suggest that for your first tournaments, you definitely bring your seasoned player with you. You and your seasoned player want to discuss what and how tournaments work beforehand, or better yet, the night before. When you are there, before you begin to play with opponents, ask questions to your seasoned player, and make sure you understand.

There are two types of tournaments, sealed deck, and draft.

There is no shame in liking one or the other (or in some cases, both) but there are differences.

Sealed deck: you get 6 sealed packs. From those 6 sealed packs you make your deck, most game shops provide the basic lands for you to complete your deck.

Draft: you still get 6 packs, but you are only allowed to open one at the time. Then you proceed to pick one card from each pack and then you pass the remaining cards to other players. This goes on until there are none cards left.

Remember the most important thing about MtG is to have fun. No you will not be uber bombastic, but you will gain the experience by playing more and more. You'll eventually understand, and enjoy either customizing home brewed decks or from deck lists.

Seasoned player, remember that is important to have patience with your n00bie. Yes, they might not be the best, but remember when you started off, make it fun for them, so you and your n00b can have many many years to come playing.

My experience playing MtG has been a positive one, I have experienced one tournament (pre-release for Core '19) and have met a wonderful person, whom I've played with her almost every Wednesday night.

Meeting new people whom share your love of MtG and bounce off ideas, strategies, etc., is what attracted me to this game. It is fun, when it is a positive experience.

Yes, there are douche players who don't care whether you are experienced or not, they just ruin the game for everyone. Do not be discouraged by these jerks, because you'll miss out on the opportunity to have fun and meet awesome people along the way.

So, it is extremely important seasoned player, that you keep a close eye on your n00b and alert them (and most importantly, be there) when they (and if ) they encounter these a**holes.

Remind them that not everyone in the MtG community is like this.

Before I forget, once you get the hang of it and start building your own decks, remember it's important to get deck boxes, playmats, dice bags, etc.

These are some of the sites that so far I've come across that have amazing products that can help you.

inkedgaming.com

legionsupplies.com

Both sites have amazing products, like playmats, dice bags, gaming totes, everything you need for your decks.

untap.in

Is an excellent source for community, deck list, play, etc. for anyone whom is interested in MtG. Whether you are a seasoned player or not, this is a really great site that is extremely useful.

I've imparted my wisdom as a semi-n00b for my other fellow n00bies who are about to enter the world of MtG or are thinking of entering.

I hope it has been useful, or at least entertaining.

And all I have to say is enjoy your adventure!!

** DISCLAIMER**

All trademark, copyrighted material, logos, names, brands, partners and affiliates are properties of Wizards of the Coast, Richard Garfield, Showcase Comics and Hobbies, Legion, legionsupplies.com, Inked Gaming, inkedgaming.com, UnTap.In, etc.
This post is used with Copyright Act of 1976, 17, U.S.C., § 107. All commentaries made in this post (that are not copyrighted) are my own. This blog is intended for entertainment purposes.



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