magic the gathering

[Relaxo]

Let's say for the sake of argument I wanted to get back into Magic cards... I probably stopped and sold off my cards back in...oh... 1996 or 97 so it's been a while.

What's the best way in? Starter decks? should I seek out the current printings or can you use any cards from whenever?

THANKS!

[TheMetal1]

I'd go with playing on line, and building a virtual deck. That will give u a place to practice
And get back into the game with current rules and cards

[Breakdaddy]

^Word. The new online MTG games are supposed to be highly accessible and you can find opponents instantly online. I know there is nothing like a tangible deck to run against your opponent but sadly, those days are largely behind us.

[Relaxo]

Yeah, I saw the $10 MTG online dealie. What had me asking is there is a thriving paper deck community at my FLGS that I stumbled upon quite accidentally a couple of weeks ago. I had no idea there's "Friday night magic" and out on a date with my wife, we on a whim went to the store (it's also a used book store and she picks up lots of bargains there) and were like, "whoa, standing room only, WTH?"

But yeah, the online thing seems like a great option to get my feet wet again.

Thanks everyone!

[TheMetal1]

I somehow missed the whole MTG thing when it came out. I still have some buddies that run an open game every week at their house, sometimes with like 20 people there. They usually run a draft tournament so everyone starts out several packs of unopened boosters, then do the draft followed by the game. Other times, it's deck building. I end up having to be retaught the rules everytime (usually only see them once a year and that's the only time I play). It's a good game, but just a casual one for me.

As a side note, HeroClixs has gone virtual as well. http://hco.heroclix.com/

[Peter]

I had stopped playing around 2000, last cards I owned were from Alliances. Getting back in years later I ended up using this to play online http://gccg.sourceforge.net/ , since it is cross-platform and open source. Type 2 decks are a pain in the butt to build if you are used of playing older cards. The deck I play almost becomes legal, but than a new set pops up and phases a bunch of them out. You'll have to look out for newer rules like phasing, cycling and such. Some common abilities also have names slapped on them now. I'd say the easiest way back in, would be to rebuild your old decks (using newer printings of the cards when available), and find some players willing to play Type 1 or 1.5 games.

[Relaxo]

I'm so out of touch with MTG I don't even understand your post!
LOL

[Julian Grimm]

I still play some but haven't bought new cards in years. When I do buy cards I usually go on Ebay and look for lots. You can buy random card lots cheaper than you can buy a couple started decks in most cases (And you get more cards).

[CKDad]

^Word. The new online MTG games are supposed to be highly accessible and you can find opponents instantly online. I know there is nothing like a tangible deck to run against your opponent but sadly, those days are largely behind us.

Missed this thread while I was on vacation. I think BD meant to add on "around here" at the end of his statement. MtG is HUGE here in central Maryland, and the Friday Night Magic sessions at my FLGS see 60+ people. They have multiple MtG events through the week, and seems like there's never less than half-a-dozen Magic players actually throwing down cards. They actually have a Magic specialist who judges the matches on-staff.

BTW, did you know there's actually a professional league for Magic play?

That said, I haven't played since '97 or '98; I think I actually got rid of all my cards.