How To Make A Magic The Gathering Deck

So, you've decided to dive into the magical world of Magic: The Gathering, huh? Great choice! It's like playing a game of high fantasy chess, but with way more explosions and dragons. Let's chat about how to make your first deck, yeah?

First Things First: Know Your Colors

In MTG, there are five colors, each with its own personality and playstyle. White is all about creatures and life gain, Blue loves control and drawing cards, Black is sneaky and powerful, Red is all about burning stuff, and Green is big and beefy. Which one speaks to you?

Pro tip: Start with just two colors. It's easier to understand what's going on when you're not trying to juggle five different playstyles.

Cards, Cards, Cards

Now, let's talk cards. You've got two main types: creatures and spells. Creatures are your warriors, and spells are your magic tricks. You'll also need some lands to cast your spells, but we'll get to that later.

When you're starting out, it's best to focus on one type of creature. Want to smash your opponents with big beasts? Go Green! Prefer sneaky, devious tricks? Black might be your jam. The choice is yours!

Creatures: The Meat and Potatoes

Your deck should have around 20-25 creatures. They're the backbone of your strategy, so make sure they fit your theme. And don't worry, you don't have to spend a fortune on fancy cards. There are plenty of budget-friendly options out there.

Spells: The Magic Trick

Spells are your support crew. They can deal damage, draw cards, protect your creatures, or even mess with your opponent's plans. Aim for around 10-15 spells in your deck.

Magic Deck Builder at Mae Kimbrell blog

Remember, your spells need to work well with your creatures. No point having a spell that deals loads of damage if your creatures can't survive long enough to cast it.

Lands: The Building Blocks

Lands are where your magic comes from. Each color has its own type of land, and you'll need a mix to cast your spells. A good rule of thumb is to have around 24-26 lands in your deck.

But wait, you say, what if I want to cast a spell that needs three Red mana, but I only have one Red land? Well, that's where duals and fetches come in. They're lands that can produce any color of mana, but they're a bit more expensive. Don't worry, you can always upgrade later.

Putting It All Together

Now that you've got your cards, it's time to put them in a deck. Shuffle them up, and you're ready to go! But wait, there's more!

The Art of Magic the Gathering - Deck Building - YouTube

You'll also need a commander. This is a special creature that leads your deck. It's usually more powerful than your other creatures, and it gives your deck a unique identity. Don't worry, you can change your commander whenever you want.

Testing, Testing

So, you've built your deck, and you're ready to take on the world. But wait, it's always a good idea to test your deck first. Play some games against friends, or even against the AI on MTG Arena. See what works and what doesn't, and make changes as needed.

Remember, building a deck is a bit like cooking. You might not get it right the first time, but that's okay! Keep tweaking, keep testing, and eventually, you'll have a deck that's just right.

And that, my friend, is how you make a Magic: The Gathering deck. It's a fun, creative process, and there's always more to learn. So, grab your cards, and let's get magical!