I am looking to get back into Magic. I am looking to be a casual player only. I played in the 90s and don't really know what this community is all about. Where do casual nerds get their Cards on here in Pittsburgh?
Well, that's a bit complicated... Where about town do you live? I live in the mid Mon Valley region and there's a few places I'll go.
Mr. Nice Guy Games: Monroeville
Been here a couple times. They've got a very nice selection of cards that are priced a bit on the high end. If you need to pick up some things last minute it's a really good spot but I wouldn't go with a very long shopping list. They run a lot of events on most nights but they also have a bit of a reputation for having a bunch of Spikes and a very competitive tone to the place. Of course, if that's what you're looking for it's a fine place to go.
Nethervoid games: Munhall
It seems a bit out of the way until you actually find the place. It's a bit smaller than the other shops listed here but fits in the middle when it comes to card selection, it's also a good place to find Minis for things like Warhammer and what not. It's got a pretty friendly vibe and runs events regularly. Not too far from the Homestead waterfront so if you are in a part of the city near to there it's a fine spot.
NDC: Century III mall.
Yes, that Century III mall. This NDC is a great place to play games and buy comics of all kinds. Their selection of singles is pretty lacking but they make up for it in all kindsa ways. People are friendly and helpful, FNM events are full of regulars, several of which will bring several (many top tier) decks for others (like new folks or anyone really) to play.
The thing is with "casual" is it's only as "casual" as the kitchen table you're playing at. "Casual" for a group of friends in 8th grade might mean a bunch of assorted jank from the last couple years while "casual" games among others could be like Legacy without the ban-list. It takes a bit of care to get together a good kitchen table style group that fits your needs. If you're in the area I'd suggest checking out Century 3 NDC FNM. Even if you don't have a standard deck that you can use, someone will have one that you can play with so it won't eat up your budget and you can take it from there.
Mr. Nice Guy Games: Monroeville
Been here a couple times. They've got a very nice selection of cards that are priced a bit on the high end. If you need to pick up some things last minute it's a really good spot but I wouldn't go with a very long shopping list. They run a lot of events on most nights but they also have a bit of a reputation for having a bunch of Spikes and a very competitive tone to the place. Of course, if that's what you're looking for it's a fine place to go.
Nethervoid games: Munhall
It seems a bit out of the way until you actually find the place. It's a bit smaller than the other shops listed here but fits in the middle when it comes to card selection, it's also a good place to find Minis for things like Warhammer and what not. It's got a pretty friendly vibe and runs events regularly. Not too far from the Homestead waterfront so if you are in a part of the city near to there it's a fine spot.
NDC: Century III mall.
Yes, that Century III mall. This NDC is a great place to play games and buy comics of all kinds. Their selection of singles is pretty lacking but they make up for it in all kindsa ways. People are friendly and helpful, FNM events are full of regulars, several of which will bring several (many top tier) decks for others (like new folks or anyone really) to play.
The thing is with "casual" is it's only as "casual" as the kitchen table you're playing at. "Casual" for a group of friends in 8th grade might mean a bunch of assorted jank from the last couple years while "casual" games among others could be like Legacy without the ban-list. It takes a bit of care to get together a good kitchen table style group that fits your needs. If you're in the area I'd suggest checking out Century 3 NDC FNM. Even if you don't have a standard deck that you can use, someone will have one that you can play with so it won't eat up your budget and you can take it from there.
Modern: Goblins,Storm
Legacy: Burn
EDH: Simic Merfolk