Introduction
Created in 1993, MAGIC: THE GATHERING is the world's first trading card game. Players take turns battling one another by casting spells, summoning creatures and using artifacts depicted on individual cards drawn from their personalized decks. Highly strategic gameplay that is customizable to any individual's playstyle.
When you're playing Magic, you'll notice there are a few different formats (ways to play)! Formats include rules for the number of players, cards you're allowed to use, and how you build your decks. Each format is designed to let you enjoy Magic in different ways!
In this document, we'll explore some of the most popular ways to play the game to help you find the right format for you!
Constructed
The three most popular constructed formats in Magic: The Gathering are Standard, Modern, and Commander.
Standard
Standard is a rotating format that includes the most recent sets released by Wizards of the Coast.
- For 2 players (1v1)
- Players start at 20 life
- Minimum decksize of 60 cards
- Sideboard of 15 cards
Decks in Standard can only consist of cards from the current Standard-legal sets, typically the last two years' worth of sets.
The rotation of sets occurs regularly, usually with the release of a new expansion, causing older sets to rotate out of the format.
Modern
Modern is a non-rotating format that includes a larger card pool compared to Standard.
- For 2 players (1v1)
- Players start at 20 life
- Minimum decksize of 60 cards
- Sideboard of 15 cards
Decks in Modern can include cards from Eighth Edition (2003) onward, excluding a specific ban list of cards deemed too powerful for the format.
Modern provides a diverse and stable environment with a wide range of strategies and deck archetypes.
Commander (EDH - Elder Dragon Highlander)
Commander is a casual multiplayer format known for its social and political aspects.
- For 2+ players (free for all)
- Players start at 40 life
- Decks must contain 100 cards only (including the commander)
- No sideboard
Singleton rule: Except for basic lands, each card in the deck must have a different name, adding diversity and uniqueness to each deck.
The format encourages creativity and unique deck-building due to the singleton rule and the social nature of multiplayer games.
Limited
Limited is a category of Magic: The Gathering gameplay where participants build their decks on the spot from a limited pool of cards, often through booster packs. The two most popular Limited formats are Draft and Sealed.
Draft
- In a Draft, players sit in a circle and open booster packs one at a time.
- Each player selects a card from their pack and then passes the remaining cards to the next player.
- This process continues until all the cards are chosen, and players use the cards they selected to build their decks.
Players then build their decks with the following restrictions, then pair off to play 1 v 1 games.
- Decks must have a minimum of 40 cards
- Your sideboard is every drafted card in your card pool
- Players start with 20 life
Drafting requires strategic card selection, considering both the strength of the cards and the needs of the potential deck.
Sealed
- In a Sealed event, each player receives a specific number of booster packs (typically six) and constructs a deck using only those cards.
- Players do not pass cards around; instead, they use the entirety of their sealed pool to build a 40-card minimum deck.
- Sealed is often more straightforward than Draft and is a good introduction to Limited play for newer players.
- It emphasizes deck-building skills and adapting to the cards you open.
These formats are popular for various reasons, including the level playing field they create, the element of surprise, and the need for adaptability and strategic thinking during deck construction.
Limited formats often showcase players' skills in evaluating card choices, building effective decks with limited resources, and adapting to unknown situations, making them a favorite among many Magic players.
Ways To Play
There are many ways to enjoy playing Magic: The Gathering. Here are some of the most popular:
In Person (At Your or a Friend's House)
- Casual gatherings where friends meet to play Magic in a more relaxed and private setting.
- Offers flexibility in choosing formats, house rules, and the overall gaming experience based on the preferences of the players involved.
In Person (At a Local Game Store)
- Players gather at a local game store to participate in events, tournaments, or casual play.
- Provides a community-oriented atmosphere, access to organized play, and an opportunity to meet and play with fellow Magic enthusiasts.
Online (Magic: The Gathering Arena - MTGA)
- Wizards of the Coast's official digital platform for Magic.
- Offers a user-friendly interface with automated rules enforcement, making it accessible for both new and experienced players.
- Regularly updated with the latest card sets and features various play modes, events, and tournaments.
Online (Using Spelltable with Webcam)
- Utilizes Spelltable, a platform that facilitates webcam-based play for Magic with real cards.
- Players set up webcams to simulate an in-person play experience, allowing for face-to-face interaction.
- Popular for playing Magic remotely with friends or opponents around the world, maintaining the social aspect of the game.
Each of these ways to play Magic has its unique advantages, and the choice often depends on individual preferences, convenience, and the desired level of competitiveness or social interaction.
Learn More
Learn more about the rules of Magic: The Gathering and its various formats at Magic.Wizards.com