How to Play Magic: The Gathering - Getting Started

The Original Trading Card Game

Magic: The Gathering has been the gold standard of trading card games since 1993. The core rules are simple and you can start playing with just a preconstructed deck.

The Basic Concept

Two players start with 20 life points and a deck of at least 60 cards. Reduce your opponent's life to zero to win.

The Five Colors

• White - Order, protection, small creatures working together
• Blue - Control, card drawing, counterspells
• Black - Power at a cost, removal, discard
• Red - Speed, direct damage, aggressive creatures
• Green - Big creatures, ramp, nature

Best Way to Start

Pick up a Commander precon deck. 100 cards ready to play, designed for 3-4 players. Commander is Magic's most popular format. We stock them in store.