I recently wanted to get back into MTG but when I tried to play at a public tournament I found I was far too behind to stand any chance against anyone.
I tried to reach out to people online on social media in magic groups and such and have had no luck with anyone willing to help me sift through the vast amount of information to find what information I actually need to feel relevant.
If someone could answer some questions I have either here or in a private message I would greatly appreciate it.
An example of some questions I have are.
What packs should I buy to get cards that I can use at hobby shops in local tournaments?
What are viable builds to stand a chance against actual people?
how do I know what cards are banned from use?
How should I buy cards? Packs? individually?
anyway, I have a few more questions and hope that this forum is the solution.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
To answer your first question, packs are never really the answer when wanting to get good cards for play. Instead buying cards off online vendors is the way forward.
The main thing you need to understand is that there are different formats, or groups of cards you can play with. Standard, for example, only lets you play with the three most recent blocks. Modern, Legacy and Vintage all have much larger card pools and thus more powerful cards.
I highly recommend you check out the Magic website where they explain all of this much more in-depth. They also have all of the banned lists so you know which cards you can't play.
Don't buy packs until you read up and decide what format you want to play in and which deck.
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Modern: G Stompy G UR Izzet Prowess/Delver UR UWB Spirits UWB UWB Brain Control UWB WUB Esper Reveillark WUB EDH: WUBRG Horde of Notions WUBRG W Nine-and-a-Half TailsW WGUR Kynaios and Tiro of Meletis WGUR
I was in the same boat. I have been going to the booster drafts to get some of the new mechanics down, some play experience, and just collect some cards. I am going to the Kaladesh pre release this weekend for the same reason. I am hoping to get a standard deck built after this which i buy individual cards for at my LGS.
I guess you really need to know what format you want to play. As the guy above said WotC website has all the info on what the different formats are and banned cards.
Also ive been looking a couple channels on youtube to get an idea as well. I like Tolarian Community College a lot. Not surebwhy, but i do. Hope this helps a little.
As out of the game as you are, I'd suck it up and read the Comprehensive Rules if I were you. It'll kill most of your free time for a day off work but you pretty much need it.
To answer your first question, packs are never really the answer when wanting to get good cards for play. Instead buying cards off online vendors is the way forward.
The main thing you need to understand is that there are different formats, or groups of cards you can play with. Standard, for example, only lets you play with the three most recent blocks. Modern, Legacy and Vintage all have much larger card pools and thus more powerful cards.
I highly recommend you check out the Magic website where they explain all of this much more in-depth. They also have all of the banned lists so you know which cards you can't play.
Don't buy packs until you read up and decide what format you want to play in and which deck.
I was in the same boat. I have been going to the booster drafts to get some of the new mechanics down, some play experience, and just collect some cards. I am going to the Kaladesh pre release this weekend for the same reason. I am hoping to get a standard deck built after this which i buy individual cards for at my LGS.
I guess you really need to know what format you want to play. As the guy above said WotC website has all the info on what the different formats are and banned cards.
Also ive been looking a couple channels on youtube to get an idea as well. I like Tolarian Community College a lot. Not surebwhy, but i do. Hope this helps a little.
TCC is a good channel, and is very helpful; Don't forget The Mana Source.
As out of the game as you are, I'd suck it up and read the Comprehensive Rules if I were you. It'll kill most of your free time for a day off work but you pretty much need it.
That is a good time waster to get you caught up.
For me: Drafting helps. When I started magic, I built a Boros Aggro (Red/White Aggression), and then when Khans of Tarkir released (January 2014), I began drafting at my local stores. It helped me check out the new mechanics and understand the game better.
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"The gods may not always be kind, but they do have a soft spot for the plucky underdogs."
I hold the job of resurrecting dead threads.
Formerly presumed dead, but also formerly presumed alive.
1) Don't buy packs. But you'll still get to open them, don't worry (more on this in a bit)
2) Viable builds vary depending on the format you want to play. Standard is the most common, uses the smallest cardpool, and as a result is the least complex. It's also the least expensive to play upfront, but due to its cycling nature, cards you acquire to play it need to be traded off before they rotate out or they lose the majority of their value while you still hold them. No one wants to trade for cards they know are going to rotate at full value, so if you're intent on getting value for them, you need to move them several months in advance and this means that you might not have a functional standard deck for a while. However, since it is the least expensive to play upfront, and the least complex, it's the most popular format and the one most people are likely to be playing. Modern costs more to get into, but the cards don't rotate and have stable value. There's a LOT more cards though, entirely different viable decks, MUCH greater complexity, and many cards can get pretty pricey. While Modern cards don't rotate, they are fair game to get reprinted and you can watch a card you bought for $70 get a reprint and crash to $25. But the deck you built to play pretty much just needs the occasional update, not ever outright replacement (so long as it doesn't get banned like Birthing Pod did). Lots of players want to like modern, but are dissatisfied with the format right now. Do your research and ensure that there are enough Modern players in your area before diving in.
Legacy is an extremely competitive, extremely expensive extremely complex format. In areas where Legacy thrives, it's got a huge scene and dedicated following. Many players regard it as the most "fun" format where almost anything goes, and tons of different decktype duke it out. Many necesary cards are reserve listed, which means they can';t be reprinted. This makes them both stable and expensive from a price perspective. While there are a few "budget" legacy builds, expect to spend at least $1k for a competitive deck that isn't burn.
Vintage: Have you seen anyone play Black Lotus and Moxen at your local game store? No? No one's playing vintage there. Vintage is not something you need to concern yourself with right now anyway.
Cards that are banned from use are listed on the Banned and Restricted list maintained by WoTC on tehir website. Simply google "banned and restricted list mtg" and you'll find it quickly.
Here's how you should buy and obtain packs and cards:
Singles and draft.
Drafting enables you to compete on square footing against anyone in the store. This gives you exposure to competitive play without having to sink $200+ into a deck and then losing with it because you have no idea what you're doing.
In a nutshell:
You and 6 other people buy 3 boosters and drop another $3 or so into a prize pool and all go sit at a table. Cost: $15.
Each of you opens one of your three packs in front of you, takes one card, and passes the rest to the person on their left. You take a crd from the remaining 14 cards you got passed by the person that's on your right and keep passing and taking cards till the boosters are all gone.
Then you open pack #2 and take a card, except you pass to your right till pack #2 is all gone.
Then you open #3 and go back left.
Then you take those cards, add some land, and build a 40 card deck and, and play 3-5 rounds with it until winners are determined and paid out.
Drafting will help you familiarize yourself with the new cards that came out, give you practice in deckbuilding every week, show you different synergies and interactions the latest set has to offer, you get to keep the cards you drafted- building your collection- and winning drafts= store credit that can be spent on singles or whatever. You'll also get to interact with other players who can help guide you in proper play and technique and learn the little ins and outs to competitive play (i.e. always offering an opponent a shuffle after you've shuffled your deck, determining who goes first before you draw your opening hand and little things like that that are second nature to experienced players but completely foreign to many players new to competitive play).
The first time you do this, you will lose. Badly. Just plan on that. If you do some research on how to draft, you might be able to run mid-pack, but you're probably not getting paid the first time.
The second time you will do MUCH better (everyone does). You'll know what cards sucked when you played them, what cards did good work for you, and what cards you lost to real hard.
Getting really good at draft can be profitable. I used to play regularly and win at LEAST enough store credit to draft again the next week, and sometimes come out $10-$20 ahead. You can also lean on your playskill to make up for sub-par packs. I can't tell you how many drafts I've won with nothing but a pile of commons and uncommons, taking no playable rares.
Learn to draft. Do draft. If you want certain cards, buy those cards individually.
Just know this: If you buy boosters, buy them for fun. They are always a losing proposition. Every now and then you'll open up a $30 card, maybe more, but far more often you'll open up a $1 rare. Nothing wrong with buying a booster at Wal mart at 1 AM when you're shopping and you want to reward yourself for adulting, but doing so and expecting a great return is wrong.
Still, my foil Cavern of Souls came from a Wal-Mart booster at 1 AM, so who am I to complain?
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Legacy: TES
EDH: Grand Arbiter $tax, Freyalise Stompy, Mimeoplasm Death From the Grave
I recently wanted to get back into MTG but when I tried to play at a public tournament I found I was far too behind to stand any chance against anyone.
I tried to reach out to people online on social media in magic groups and such and have had no luck with anyone willing to help me sift through the vast amount of information to find what information I actually need to feel relevant.
If someone could answer some questions I have either here or in a private message I would greatly appreciate it.
An example of some questions I have are.
What packs should I buy to get cards that I can use at hobby shops in local tournaments?
What are viable builds to stand a chance against actual people?
how do I know what cards are banned from use?
How should I buy cards? Packs? individually?
anyway, I have a few more questions and hope that this forum is the solution.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Don't buy packs, get the singles you want once you know what you want to play, this would save you money.
I don't know, I don't play in standard.
Googling banned lists is best.
Buy cards individually if you want to create a standard deck. If you want to get into the new set play in drafts, it allows you to open boosters, get some rares, and gets you practicing the game.
Depending on how much of your old collection you have, try Commander (EDH) it can be more casual and enjoyable too.
I tried to reach out to people online on social media in magic groups and such and have had no luck with anyone willing to help me sift through the vast amount of information to find what information I actually need to feel relevant.
If someone could answer some questions I have either here or in a private message I would greatly appreciate it.
An example of some questions I have are.
What packs should I buy to get cards that I can use at hobby shops in local tournaments?
What are viable builds to stand a chance against actual people?
how do I know what cards are banned from use?
How should I buy cards? Packs? individually?
anyway, I have a few more questions and hope that this forum is the solution.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
The main thing you need to understand is that there are different formats, or groups of cards you can play with. Standard, for example, only lets you play with the three most recent blocks. Modern, Legacy and Vintage all have much larger card pools and thus more powerful cards.
I highly recommend you check out the Magic website where they explain all of this much more in-depth. They also have all of the banned lists so you know which cards you can't play.
Don't buy packs until you read up and decide what format you want to play in and which deck.
G Stompy G
UR Izzet Prowess/Delver UR
UWB Spirits UWB
UWB Brain Control UWBWUB Esper Reveillark WUB
EDH:
WUBRG Horde of Notions WUBRG
W Nine-and-a-Half TailsW
WGUR Kynaios and Tiro of Meletis WGUR
I guess you really need to know what format you want to play. As the guy above said WotC website has all the info on what the different formats are and banned cards.
Also ive been looking a couple channels on youtube to get an idea as well. I like Tolarian Community College a lot. Not surebwhy, but i do. Hope this helps a little.
Don't forget EDH! (Commander)
TCC is a good channel, and is very helpful; Don't forget The Mana Source.
That is a good time waster to get you caught up.
For me: Drafting helps. When I started magic, I built a Boros Aggro (Red/White Aggression), and then when Khans of Tarkir released (January 2014), I began drafting at my local stores. It helped me check out the new mechanics and understand the game better.
I hold the job of resurrecting dead threads.
Formerly presumed dead, but also formerly presumed alive.
2) Viable builds vary depending on the format you want to play. Standard is the most common, uses the smallest cardpool, and as a result is the least complex. It's also the least expensive to play upfront, but due to its cycling nature, cards you acquire to play it need to be traded off before they rotate out or they lose the majority of their value while you still hold them. No one wants to trade for cards they know are going to rotate at full value, so if you're intent on getting value for them, you need to move them several months in advance and this means that you might not have a functional standard deck for a while. However, since it is the least expensive to play upfront, and the least complex, it's the most popular format and the one most people are likely to be playing. Modern costs more to get into, but the cards don't rotate and have stable value. There's a LOT more cards though, entirely different viable decks, MUCH greater complexity, and many cards can get pretty pricey. While Modern cards don't rotate, they are fair game to get reprinted and you can watch a card you bought for $70 get a reprint and crash to $25. But the deck you built to play pretty much just needs the occasional update, not ever outright replacement (so long as it doesn't get banned like Birthing Pod did). Lots of players want to like modern, but are dissatisfied with the format right now. Do your research and ensure that there are enough Modern players in your area before diving in.
Legacy is an extremely competitive, extremely expensive extremely complex format. In areas where Legacy thrives, it's got a huge scene and dedicated following. Many players regard it as the most "fun" format where almost anything goes, and tons of different decktype duke it out. Many necesary cards are reserve listed, which means they can';t be reprinted. This makes them both stable and expensive from a price perspective. While there are a few "budget" legacy builds, expect to spend at least $1k for a competitive deck that isn't burn.
Vintage: Have you seen anyone play Black Lotus and Moxen at your local game store? No? No one's playing vintage there. Vintage is not something you need to concern yourself with right now anyway.
Cards that are banned from use are listed on the Banned and Restricted list maintained by WoTC on tehir website. Simply google "banned and restricted list mtg" and you'll find it quickly.
Here's how you should buy and obtain packs and cards:
Singles and draft.
Drafting enables you to compete on square footing against anyone in the store. This gives you exposure to competitive play without having to sink $200+ into a deck and then losing with it because you have no idea what you're doing.
In a nutshell:
You and 6 other people buy 3 boosters and drop another $3 or so into a prize pool and all go sit at a table. Cost: $15.
Each of you opens one of your three packs in front of you, takes one card, and passes the rest to the person on their left. You take a crd from the remaining 14 cards you got passed by the person that's on your right and keep passing and taking cards till the boosters are all gone.
Then you open pack #2 and take a card, except you pass to your right till pack #2 is all gone.
Then you open #3 and go back left.
Then you take those cards, add some land, and build a 40 card deck and, and play 3-5 rounds with it until winners are determined and paid out.
Drafting will help you familiarize yourself with the new cards that came out, give you practice in deckbuilding every week, show you different synergies and interactions the latest set has to offer, you get to keep the cards you drafted- building your collection- and winning drafts= store credit that can be spent on singles or whatever. You'll also get to interact with other players who can help guide you in proper play and technique and learn the little ins and outs to competitive play (i.e. always offering an opponent a shuffle after you've shuffled your deck, determining who goes first before you draw your opening hand and little things like that that are second nature to experienced players but completely foreign to many players new to competitive play).
The first time you do this, you will lose. Badly. Just plan on that. If you do some research on how to draft, you might be able to run mid-pack, but you're probably not getting paid the first time.
The second time you will do MUCH better (everyone does). You'll know what cards sucked when you played them, what cards did good work for you, and what cards you lost to real hard.
Getting really good at draft can be profitable. I used to play regularly and win at LEAST enough store credit to draft again the next week, and sometimes come out $10-$20 ahead. You can also lean on your playskill to make up for sub-par packs. I can't tell you how many drafts I've won with nothing but a pile of commons and uncommons, taking no playable rares.
Learn to draft. Do draft. If you want certain cards, buy those cards individually.
Just know this: If you buy boosters, buy them for fun. They are always a losing proposition. Every now and then you'll open up a $30 card, maybe more, but far more often you'll open up a $1 rare. Nothing wrong with buying a booster at Wal mart at 1 AM when you're shopping and you want to reward yourself for adulting, but doing so and expecting a great return is wrong.
Still, my foil Cavern of Souls came from a Wal-Mart booster at 1 AM, so who am I to complain?
EDH: Grand Arbiter $tax, Freyalise Stompy, Mimeoplasm Death From the Grave
Don't buy packs, get the singles you want once you know what you want to play, this would save you money.
I don't know, I don't play in standard.
Googling banned lists is best.
Buy cards individually if you want to create a standard deck. If you want to get into the new set play in drafts, it allows you to open boosters, get some rares, and gets you practicing the game.
Depending on how much of your old collection you have, try Commander (EDH) it can be more casual and enjoyable too.
BURWGSliver Hivelord's alt wincon deck at Maze's EndBURWG
GWBSidar Kondo and Ikra Shidiq likes big butts
RUMizzix of the Izmagnus Super ThiefRU
BURWGGeneral Tazri, The Megazord AllyBURWG
BURJeleva Mill and Kill BUR
BRGrenzo's get out from under that deck!BR
WUG Roon's Enchanted Evening (enchantment deck) WUG
BUG The Undersea World of Tasigur CousteauBUG
BWGAnafenza, Counter QueenBWG