The Best MTG Formats for New Players (And How to Get Started)
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| The Best MTG Formats for New Players (And How to Get Started) |
1. Commander: Fun, Social, and Casual
Commander, also known as EDH (Elder Dragon Highlander), is one of the most popular formats in Magic: The Gathering, especially among casual players. This format is ideal for newcomers due to its emphasis on fun, social interactions, and the relaxed ruleset. In Commander, you build a 100-card deck, with each card being unique (except for basic lands). The deck is centered around a legendary creature, known as the Commander, which sets the theme for the deck.
Why it’s great for new players:
Casual Playstyle: Commander is all about fun and creativity. Winning isn’t the sole focus, and games are often long and interactive, allowing new players to learn at their own pace.
Social Experience: With multiplayer games typically consisting of four players, Commander is a great way to meet other people and form a community.
Low Barrier to Entry: While Commander decks can be expensive, they are often cheaper than competitive formats like Standard or Modern. You can also start by using pre-constructed Commander decks.
How to Get Started:
Start by picking a Commander that excites you. There are plenty of pre-built Commander decks available, which are perfect for beginners. Once you’ve chosen your deck, gather a group of friends or visit your local game store to find Commander nights. Learning the basics of the format is easy, and you’ll quickly improve as you play more.
2. Pauper: Affordable and Accessible
Pauper is a format where players can only use cards that have been printed at the common rarity in Magic: The Gathering. While it might sound restrictive, Pauper provides an incredibly fun and budget-friendly experience, making it perfect for new players who want to dive deeper into the game without spending a fortune.
Why it’s great for new players:
Affordable Decks: Since the deck-building pool is restricted to commons, Pauper decks are far more affordable than other formats. This allows you to build competitive decks for a fraction of the cost.
Focus on Skill: Pauper levels the playing field, ensuring that games are more focused on strategy and skill rather than powerful, expensive cards.
Wide Variety: There are many different archetypes and strategies to explore, so new players can experiment with different playstyles.
How to Get Started:
Start by purchasing a pre-constructed Pauper deck or by gathering cheap individual cards from online retailers. Many online platforms like Magic: The Gathering Arena and Magic Online offer Pauper as a playable format, which makes it easy to play from the comfort of your home.
3. Standard: The Evolving Meta
Standard is a format that uses the most recent sets of Magic: The Gathering, with cards rotating out every year. This format is popular in tournaments and competitive play, but it’s also a great option for new players because the evolving meta provides a constantly refreshing experience. By focusing on the latest sets, Standard ensures that players always have access to the most up-to-date strategies and mechanics.
Why it’s great for new players:
Constantly Changing: Standard rotates regularly, which means there’s always something new to explore. You’ll never get bored of the same cards and strategies.
Supported by Wizards of the Coast: As the most widely played competitive format, Standard has lots of support in terms of events, resources, and advice.
Accessible Decks: While some Standard decks can be expensive, there are affordable options that are competitive and fun to play.
How to Get Started:
To get started in Standard, begin by purchasing booster packs from recent sets or by buying a pre-built Standard deck. Many local game stores host weekly Standard events, so you can test your deck against other players and improve your skills.
4. Draft: The Ultimate Test of Skill and Strategy
Draft is a unique and highly engaging format where players build their decks on the spot by selecting cards from booster packs. While it might seem more advanced, Draft is an excellent way for new players to learn the mechanics of deck-building and develop a deeper understanding of Magic: The Gathering.
Why it’s great for new players:
Learn Deck-Building: Drafting helps new players become more familiar with Magic’s card pool and the importance of synergy in deck-building.
High Skill Ceiling: Drafting encourages players to think on their feet and adapt to the cards they open, offering an engaging challenge even for experienced players.
Affordable: Drafting only requires purchasing booster packs, so it’s a cost-effective way to play.
How to Get Started:
To start Drafting, find a local event or use an online platform like Magic: The Gathering Arena, which offers Draft events. You’ll need to bring your wits and an open mind, as you’ll be picking cards in real time and creating a deck that will face off against others.
Conclusion
Magic: The Gathering offers a variety of formats to suit players of all skill levels. Whether you’re drawn to the social and creative aspects of Commander, the budget-friendly nature of Pauper, the evolving challenge of Standard, or the strategic depth of Draft, there’s a format for everyone. As a new player, start by exploring a format that aligns with your interests and dive into the game. With time and practice, you’ll grow to appreciate the rich layers of strategy and fun that Magic: The Gathering has to offer.
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