by Matt Hill

Created on: April 24, 2008

Spell slinging wizards duel for supremacy. That is the premise for Magic the Gathering,a collectible card game that's been around since the early 90's. It still has a large worldwide following today.Part of the appeal of the game is that in its base form it is fairly simple,but as you expand your card collection and understanding of game mechanics you can expand your decks creating an endless array of strategies.This allows for a great deal of replay value.

The object of the game is to reduce your opponent to reduce your opponents life total to 0.This is achieved by playing the cards which represent spells. The game starts with 2 or more players, each with there own deck, which generally ranges from 40 to 60 cards.There are several card types,lands creatures sorceries and instants to name a few.Each of these plays a specific role in your deck.

Lands are the most important as they provide mana, which is used to play the other cards in your deck.The lands each provide a different color mana which play different spells.

Plains give white mana, which is used to play healing and protection spells, and to call on good creatures like angels and soldiers.

Swamps provide black mana, which uses the power of death and decay, and to call on all manner of vile creatures,from insects and rats to ogres and demons.

Forests provide green mana, which harnesses the power of nature to heal and strengthen it's creatures which range from elves to gargantuan beasts.

Islands provide blue mana,the powers of knowledge and trickery,this color provides wizards as well as a variety of airborne and ocean creatures.

Mountains provide red mana,aggressive and quick hitting, it allows you to attack your opponent directly,and its creatures range from quick little goblins to towering elementals.

The game is turn based, and each turn is divided into phases.They are beginning, main, combat, a second main phase, then end of turn, Without going into to much detail most cards only play during your main phase(other than instants and some specific cards,which tell you on the text of the card when they can be played).

The best way to learn the game is to play,having an experienced player for a friend here is a plus,but there are other options.If you have interested friends but they aren't experienced, you can always purchase the basic game.It is relatively cheap and provides you with two decks, an instructional booklet,and a basic rule book.The most important thing to remember here is that the game is only as complicated as you choose to make it.Start slow and don't overwhelm yourself.You don't have to build every deck from scratch, there are plenty of premade decks available.Early on pick up one of these and see what you like.Then take out what you don't, and replace them with other cards and see what works.Then move on to building one from scratch. Just remember to have fun.

Try Magic as a casual player and who knows,you may enter some of the many tournaments around the world, and maybe win some cash and prizes.Overall the game can be fun no matter how far you take it.

Learn more about this author, Matt Hill.
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