Magic: The Gathering is a strategy card game in which players use a deck of cards to battle against each other. Each player's deck is made up of a variety of cards representing creatures, spells, and other magical abilities. The goal of the game is to reduce your opponent's life total from 20 to 0 through a combination of attacking with creatures and casting spells.
What Do You Need to Play Magic: The Gathering?
To play Magic: The Gathering, you will need the following:
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Two players: Magic: The Gathering can be played with just two players, but it can also be played with larger groups.
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A deck of Magic: The Gathering cards: Each player needs their own deck of cards, which can be purchased pre-made or built from individual cards.
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A game mat (optional): Some players like to use a game mat to help keep track of their life total and any special abilities their creatures may have.
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Dice (optional): Some cards in Magic: The Gathering require the use of dice, so it can be helpful to have a few on hand.
How to Play Magic: The Gathering
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Shuffle your deck and draw seven cards.
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Roll a die or flip a coin to determine who goes first.
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On your turn, you can do the following actions in any order:
- Draw a card
- Play a land card (if you have any in your hand)
- Cast spells or use abilities
- Attack with your creatures
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At the end of your turn, if you have more than seven cards in your hand, you must discard down to seven.
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Play continues back and forth until one player's life total is reduced to 0 or they are unable to draw a card, at which point they lose the game.
Common Magic: The Gathering Strategies
There are many different strategies that players can use in Magic: The Gathering, but some of the most common are:
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Control: A control deck aims to disrupt the opponent's strategy and keep them from playing their best cards. This can be achieved through the use of counter spells and removal spells that can neutralize the opponent's threats.
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Aggro: An aggro deck is focused on attacking the opponent's life total as quickly as possible through the use of cheap, efficient creatures.
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Combo: A combo deck is focused on setting up a specific combination of cards that can quickly end the game.
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Midrange: A midrange deck is a balanced strategy that combines elements of control and aggro, aiming to disrupt the opponent's strategy while also applying pressure with powerful creatures.
By understanding these different strategies and learning how to effectively use them, you can become a formidable Magic: The Gathering player.