While I'm loath to recommend it as your best option, I have a similar problem. I live a 30 min drive from my LGS and my weekends are pretty busy.
So I play online; I've heard good things about Cockatrice and to some extent Xmage, but the easiest interface I've used it untap.in. No downloads, just a website, a server and a free to register account, which will hold 10 decklists (without spending any further money).
That being said, it's not always a breeze to get in a good game online. Not sure if this is just untap, but there are a ton of people who leave a game at the drop of a hat, a lot more who will act like jerks, and some who will run a competitive build against the jankiest of jank even when asked not to. I guess it's just like the rest of the internet - take it with a grain of salt, try your best to be clear in what you want when you join or set up a game, and hope for the best.
It's not the same as LGS play by a long shot - you miss a lot of the banter, but it's ok for playtesting.
So I play online; I've heard good things about Cockatrice and to some extent Xmage, but the easiest interface I've used it untap.in. No downloads, just a website, a server and a free to register account, which will hold 10 decklists (without spending any further money).
That being said, it's not always a breeze to get in a good game online. Not sure if this is just untap, but there are a ton of people who leave a game at the drop of a hat, a lot more who will act like jerks, and some who will run a competitive build against the jankiest of jank even when asked not to. I guess it's just like the rest of the internet - take it with a grain of salt, try your best to be clear in what you want when you join or set up a game, and hope for the best.
It's not the same as LGS play by a long shot - you miss a lot of the banter, but it's ok for playtesting.