Do you want to start playing Magic: The Gathering but are unsure how the game works? MTG is one of the world's most strategic card games, but the basics are simpler than many people think. In this guide, we'll go through everything you need to know to play your first match.
How to play Magic: The Gathering?
Magic: The Gathering is played between two players who start with 20 life. You use cards from your deck to play creatures, cast spells, and attack your opponent. The goal is to reduce your opponent's life to 0 or win through other card effects.
The Basics – how the game works
Two players face each other with their respective decks. Both start with 20 life and 7 cards in hand. The first one to reduce the opponent's life to 0 wins, or if the opponent cannot draw any more cards.
A typical deck consists of at least 60 cards. Commander, one of the most popular formats, uses 100 cards with no duplicates.
Card types you'll encounter
- Land – generates mana used to play cards
- Creatures – attack and block
- Instants – can be played at any time
- Sorceries – played during your own turn
- Enchantments – affect the game over time
- Artifacts – colorless cards with various effects
- Planeswalkers – powerful cards with their own abilities
How a turn works
- Untap – untap your cards
- Upkeep – activate effects
- Draw a card
- Main phase – play cards
- Combat – attack and block
- Main phase – play more cards
- End step – the turn ends
When you use a land for mana, you tap it. It untaps at the beginning of your next turn.
Build your first deck
A beginner's deck should be simple and consistent. Stick to one or two colors and a clear plan.
- Approximately 24 lands
- Approximately 20 creatures
- Approximately 16 other cards
Playstyles
- Aggro – fast attacks
- Midrange – balance between attack and control
- Control – stop the opponent and win late
Roles of the colors
- White – order and small creatures
- Blue – control and card drawing
- Black – destruction and resources
- Red – quick damage
- Green – large creatures and mana
Formats
- Standard – newer cards
- Commander – 100 cards and social play
- Modern – larger card pool
- Pioneer – intermediate format
If you want to get started, you can explore Magic: The Gathering products or complement them with sleeves and deck boxes to protect your deck.
Tips for beginners
- Play simple decks at first
- Learn card timing
- Focus on one strategy
- Protect your cards from the start
- Play often to improve
Summary
Magic: The Gathering is easy to start but quickly becomes more advanced. With a simple deck and basic understanding, you can start playing right away and develop over time.
Explore the range at Hobbykort.se and start your Magic journey today.
FAQ – Magic: The Gathering rules
How many cards are in an MTG deck?
A deck consists of at least 60 cards. Commander uses 100 cards.
How do you win in Magic?
You usually win by reducing your opponent's life to 0.
What is mana?
Mana is the resource you use to play cards and is generated from lands.
What is the difference between Instant and Sorcery?
Instants can be played at any time, while Sorceries can only be played during your turn.
Where can I buy Magic cards in Sweden?
You can find Magic: The Gathering products at Hobbykort.se.