Click here to see the current expansions/sets that are standard legal, Guilds of Ravnica being the latest, with Ixalan being the next one to rotate out.
There are a lot of variables that go into it. If you know already what deck you want to build then buying singles is always the most cost-effective way. Although you don't want to buy singles, it's still a great method to acquire the deck you want without gambling on packs.
The downside to buying singles is that you won't have much of a collection - I learned that when I played a while back but was on a budget. You could spend $200-300 on a top tier competitive deck (yes they cost that much and even more) then there's budget decks that are around... I'd say ~$100ish, but then that's all you really have. Just an expensive deck.
It all comes down to how much are you willing to spend? If you don't mind investing your money towards this hobby then buy a booster box. I buy two boxes every expansion/set. That's 72 packs, ~1,000 cards at a total of around ~$2.50 a pack. $180 - $200 every 3 months.
If you're budgeting, I think bundles are awesome for returning players because they get lands, a life counter, 10 packs and boom for around $30-45 you and your friend can start playing/trading and making your own decks right out the bundle! Bundles are also sturdy and durable enough to hold your cards inside!
I'm sure others have more valuable insight and experience than me. My advice? Grab a bundle of Guilds of Ravnica and have right at it! Comes with everything you'll need to start playing at a budget.
With Ravnica Allegiance coming out I'm curious what's the most effective way to build a collection for a new expantion? What do you plan to do when Allegiance comes out? My goal is to have at least 1 of every card from the expansion while aiming to eventually obtain a play-set (4) overtime.
I never had the intention of "upgrading" the intro into a top tier deck, but simply to see if it was at all possible to upgrade them into viability. Thank you both for the information provided.
This is the default list for the Golgari intro deck.
As a fun experiment I have decided to try out whether or not an intro deck can be upgraded for a competitive event such as your local Friday Night Magic.
A lot of the intro decks have bulk that you would get in any Guild of Ravnica booster draft/pack.
Say I'm a new player that has played the deck enough but wanted to upgrade the deck. What cards would you replace and need to covert this from a introductory deck to a formidable deck that can used at your local FNM with a budget in mind?
There are a lot of variables that go into it. If you know already what deck you want to build then buying singles is always the most cost-effective way. Although you don't want to buy singles, it's still a great method to acquire the deck you want without gambling on packs.
The downside to buying singles is that you won't have much of a collection - I learned that when I played a while back but was on a budget. You could spend $200-300 on a top tier competitive deck (yes they cost that much and even more) then there's budget decks that are around... I'd say ~$100ish, but then that's all you really have. Just an expensive deck.
It all comes down to how much are you willing to spend? If you don't mind investing your money towards this hobby then buy a booster box. I buy two boxes every expansion/set. That's 72 packs, ~1,000 cards at a total of around ~$2.50 a pack. $180 - $200 every 3 months.
If you're budgeting, I think bundles are awesome for returning players because they get lands, a life counter, 10 packs and boom for around $30-45 you and your friend can start playing/trading and making your own decks right out the bundle! Bundles are also sturdy and durable enough to hold your cards inside!
I'm sure others have more valuable insight and experience than me. My advice? Grab a bundle of Guilds of Ravnica and have right at it! Comes with everything you'll need to start playing at a budget.
Thoughts?
1 Vraska, Regal Gorgon
Creature (25)
1 Beast Whisperer
2 Bartizan Bats
1 Douser of Lights
4 Kraul Raider
1 Lotleth Giant
3 Spinal Centipede
1 Devkarin Dissident
2 Ironshell Beetle
1 Kraul Foragers
1 Wild Ceratok
3 Attendant of Vraska
2 Glowspore Shaman
2 Rhizome Lurcher
1 Swarm Guildmage
2 Prey Upon
2 Vraska's Stoneglare
Instant (1)
1 Bounty of Might
Enchantment (3)
3 Dead Weight
Land (26)
4 Golgari Guildgate
10 Forest
12 Swamp
This is the default list for the Golgari intro deck.
As a fun experiment I have decided to try out whether or not an intro deck can be upgraded for a competitive event such as your local Friday Night Magic.
A lot of the intro decks have bulk that you would get in any Guild of Ravnica booster draft/pack.
Say I'm a new player that has played the deck enough but wanted to upgrade the deck. What cards would you replace and need to covert this from a introductory deck to a formidable deck that can used at your local FNM with a budget in mind?
Thanks a lot for any assistance.
How do you preserve cards that won't see play whatsoever in pristine, gem mint condition? Do you all use Top-loaders? One Touch?
Any recommendations from any serious card collector that can shed light on the best way to preserve a MTG collection?
I need solid opinions before I spend money on good protection. Thanks a lot for your help on this matter.