Getting Started

If you are new to Magic, you will have to start establishing your collection somewhere. If you are fortunate enough to have a good friend, who is willing to loan, or give you a start up collection, by all means take it. However, most new players will have to locate a card shop or retail store, which distributes Magic. To find a local retailer, I would suggest searching Wizards' website.

Find a Retailer Near You!

New players will be faced with a wide variety of expansions, which may cause a bit of confusion. I know that when I first started, I wasn't sure whether Mirage and Ice Age where compatible with the core game, or if they were a separate game. Rest assured that all booster packs and boxes with the Magic: the Gathering logo on them are compatible. As a new player, one should start collecting into the current core set (M10 at the moment). Each core set has a good mix of reliable mechanics, simple design, and balanced power level. The cards in each core set, prior to M10, are reprints from prior expansions. M10 is unique, in that it is the first core set ever printed with original content (unless you consider Alpha, and GOOD LUCK getting your hands on that). However, the new cards printed in M10 are either remakes, with only a name change, or conceptually similar to older cards, but printed to create balance.

After picking up four to eight boosters of core (a core fat-pack runs about $34, and contains 8 packs), read into the cards and decide which color or color combination fits your personality. A detailed description of the color pie can be found on Wizards' home-page. Don't think of this as a snap decision, your favorite color choices will likely change numerous times over the course
of your Magic career. Next look to pick up a Preconstructed deck from core set, which runs around $12. Experimenting with the cards previously found in the booster packs, by swapping them into the precon deck, will help you to reinforce your play style. If you feel competent in your ability to play the game, but simply lack the collection base to compete in standard sanctioned competition, I strongly suggest participation in a draft tournament. For the price of a couple booster packs, you will be able to walk away with most of the cards you draft, perhaps more, and you will gain valuable tournament experience. Participation in draft competition essentially nets you an amount of cards, of your choice, which you pay for at booster pack price.

Well, you should be on your way. Good luck, and welcome to Magic.