Have you ever stared at your collection of Magic: The Gathering cards, feeling overwhelmed? Thousands of cards exist! Building a winning deck feels like a huge puzzle. Many players struggle to pick the perfect combination of creatures, spells, and lands. It’s frustrating when your carefully built deck doesn’t perform well in a game.
Choosing the right deck matters. A good deck lets you play your best game. A bad one leads to frustrating losses. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explore simple steps to build powerful and fun Magic decks.
Keep reading to learn easy strategies for selecting themes, balancing your card types, and making sure your next game is a success. Let’s turn that feeling of being overwhelmed into the thrill of victory!
Top Deck Magic The Gathering Recommendations
- TAP INTO TURTLE POWER—Magic gets a quadruple dose of mutagenic mayhem as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles make their debut on the battlefield!
- PARTNER WITH ALLIES AND BUFF YOUR TEAM—Unleash mutagenic mayhem and battle your friends in Commander, Magic’s most popular multiplayer format.
- INCLUDES 43 NEW CARDS—This 100-card ready-to-play Commander deck introduces 43 never-before-seen cards to Magic: The Gathering
- CONTENTS—100-card deck with 43 new cards, 1 deck box, 10 double-sided token cards, 1 strategy insert, 1 reference card
- READY-TO-PLAY COMMANDER DECK FOR NEWCOMERS AND FANS: Join friends in epic battles! This Magic: The Gathering Starter Commander Deck, First Flight (White-Blue), is ready to play straight out of the box
- INTRO TO MAGIC’S MOST POPULAR FORMAT: Commander is a multiplayer way to play Magic! Learn how to play with your own deck, easy-to-follow rules, strategy tips, and reference card
- 100 CARD WHITE-BLUE DECK: With the First Flight deck, take wing with the sphinx Isperia, Supreme Judge, and overwhelm foes with a squadron of flying friends
- FOIL-ETCHED LEGENDARY CREATURE CARD: Includes 1 legendary creature card with gorgeous art and a foil-etched treatment. This card serves as your "commander" with unique abilities that make plays even more powerful
- INCLUDES ACCESSORIES AND DECK BOX: Also comes with 10 two-sided tokens, a deck box for storage, and punchout counters to keep track of creature buffs
- TINY TAILS, BIG ADVENTURE—Put your best paw forward and enter the world of Bloomburrow. Battle your friends with armies of adorable critters and prove that bravery comes in all sizes!
- BRING THE TABLE TO LIFE—Make trash and smash all who stand in your way with the Racoon Bard, Bello, at your side. One critter’s trash is another one’s treasure.
- EPIC MULTIPLAYER BATTLES—Commander is a multiplayer way to play Magic, an epic, free-for-all battle full of strategic plays and social intrigue
- INTRODUCES 10 COMMANDER CARDS—This deck introduces 10 never-before-seen Commander cards to Magic: The Gathering, including 3 foil cards (one of which is Borderless!)
- CONTENTS—1 ready-to-play Animated Army Bloomburrow Commander Deck, a 2-card Collector Booster Sample Pack, 10 double-sided tokens, and 1 deck box
- FINAL FANTASY VII-THEMED DECK—Battle your friends with FINAL FANTASY VII’s iconic heroes, villains, and spells with the strategic gameplay of the Magic: The Gathering collectible card game
- LET’S MOSEY—Get into gear with Cloud, Ex-SOLDIER and fight for the planet’s future as you equip weapons and raise your creature stats to 7 power or higher to break past your limit
- 25 NEW CARDS plus ALL NEW ART—All 100 cards in this ready-to-play deck feature new FINAL FANTASY-themed art, including 25 Commander cards entirely new to Magic: The Gathering
- 2 FOIL LEGENDARY CARDS—Each deck includes 2 Legendary Creature cards with a shiny Traditional Foil treatment that can be played as your commander
- COLLECT SPECIAL ALT-BORDER CARDS—Each deck also comes with a 2-card Collector Booster Sample Pack containing 2 alternate-border cards of rarity Rare or higher
- EXPERIENCE FINAL FANTASY IN A WHOLE NEW WAY—Step into unforgettable stories from FINAL FANTASY games brought to your tabletop with the strategic gameplay of the Magic: The Gathering trading card game
- LEARN TO PLAY MAGIC—Everything you need to play your first games of Magic is here. Enter the fray with two pre-built 60-card decks and learn the essentials with the included guide booklet. You’ll be ready to play in no time.
- 2 FINAL FANTASY-THEMED DECKS—Cast powerful spells, meet iconic characters, and visit familiar locales; each deck contains 60 cards featuring FINAL FANTASY-themed art, including 10 cards entirely new to Magic (5 in each deck)
- ARE YOU A HERO OR A VILLAIN—Challenge a friend, choose your deck, and face off in epic 2-player battles; will you join Cloud, the beloved hero, or side with his nemesis, Sephiroth
- KICK OFF YOUR COLLECTION—Start your collection with Rare cards and shiny foils; each deck includes 5 Rare cards and 1 Mythic Rare Legendary Creature card with a shiny Traditional Foil treatment
- TINY TAILS, BIG ADVENTURE—Put your best paw forward and enter the world of Bloomburrow. Battle your friends with armies of adorable critters and prove that bravery comes in all sizes!
- KILL THEM WITH KINDNESS—Win friends and influence players with Ms. Bumbleflower, building up +1/+1 counters along the way, then watch the table crumble under your kindness!
- EPIC MULTIPLAYER BATTLES—Commander is a multiplayer way to play Magic, an epic, free-for-all battle full of strategic plays and social intrigue
- INTRODUCES 10 COMMANDER CARDS—This deck introduces 10 never-before-seen Commander cards to Magic: The Gathering, including 3 foil cards (one of which is Borderless!)
- CONTENTS—1 ready-to-play Peace Offering Bloomburrow Commander Deck, a 2-card Collector Booster Sample Pack, 10 double-sided tokens, and 1 deck box
- TERRAFORM AND TERRORIZE—Sacrifice lands and grow back stronger alongside the massive seedship, Hearthhull, and Szarel, director of terrasymbiosis
- 2 FOIL BORDERLESS COMMANDERS—Every Edge of Eternities Commander Deck includes 2 Traditional Foil Legendary Creature cards featuring Borderless art
- INTRODUCES 12 COMMANDER CARDS—Each deck introduces 12 never-before-seen Commander cards to Magic: The Gathering
- COLLECT SPECIAL TREATMENT CARDS—Each deck also comes with a 2-card Collector Booster Sample Pack containing 1 Traditional Foil card and 1 alt-border Rare or Mythic Rare (foil or nonfoil)
- THRILLING MULTIPLAYER BATTLES—Commander is a multiplayer way to play Magic, an epic, free-for-all battle full of strategic plays and social intrigue
- LEARN THE BASIC ELEMENTS OF MAGIC—Your Magic: The Gathering journey begins with a friend beside you! Play your first game in a guided battle of Aang versus Zuko. Choose your side and send your forces to your opponent while learning essential gameplay lessons
- GUIDED LEARN-TO-PLAY EXPERIENCE—Start by playing a tutorial game with two 20-card decks, each with a step-by-step guide booklet that will walk you through your first game
- CREATE THEMED DECKS—Once you’ve conquered the basics, master the remaining elements by combining any two of the eight 20-card half-decks into a full 40-card Avatar: The Last Airbender-themed deck; mix and match to try different combos!
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO PLAY—This Beginner Box includes everything you and a friend need to play, including 2 Playboards that will show you where to place your cards, 2 Spindowns to track your life totals, and 1 Rules Reference booklet to answer any questions you have along the way
- WELCOME TO THE GATHERING—Magic: The Gathering is a collectible card game that weaves deep strategy, gorgeous art, fantastical stories, and a thriving fan community all together into a card game experience like no other
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Crafting Your Winning Magic: The Gathering Deck
Building a great Magic: The Gathering (MTG) deck is like being a wizard yourself! You combine powerful spells and creatures to win games. This guide helps you choose the right cards and accessories for your next magical adventure.
Key Features to Look For in MTG Products
When you buy MTG cards or related products, certain features really matter for your gameplay and collection.
1. Card Type and Rarity
- Card Type: Cards fall into different types like Creatures, Instants, Sorceries, Enchantments, and Lands. Know what types fit your strategy.
- Rarity: Cards have rarities: Common (C), Uncommon (U), Rare (R), and Mythic Rare (MR). Mythic Rares are usually the most powerful or sought-after.
2. Deck Format Suitability
Different ways to play MTG need different cards. Check if the cards suit your chosen format:
- Standard: Uses only the newest sets.
- Commander (EDH): A casual format using 100 unique cards, led by a legendary creature.
- Modern/Pioneer: Uses larger pools of older cards.
3. Card Condition (Sleeve Quality)
The physical state of the cards affects their value and how well they play. Look for cards described as Near Mint (NM) or Lightly Played (LP).
Important Materials and Components
MTG isn’t just about the cards; accessories help protect your investment and improve play.
Card Material
Almost all modern MTG cards use high-quality, coated card stock. This material keeps them sturdy during shuffling. Older cards might feel slightly different, but modern stock is durable.
Sleeves and Deck Boxes
- Sleeves: Always protect your cards! Look for sleeves made from archival-safe polypropylene. Avoid PVC sleeves, as they damage cards over time.
- Deck Boxes: Sturdy plastic or sometimes wooden boxes keep your deck safe when traveling to game night.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Card Quality
The quality of your deck directly impacts your success and enjoyment.
Factors That Improve Quality (Power and Playability)
- Synergy: Cards work well together. A deck with high synergy feels much stronger than a pile of random good cards.
- Consistency: Having enough lands and enough cheap spells makes the deck reliable.
- Foil vs. Non-Foil: Foil cards (shiny ones) are more collectible but play exactly the same as non-foil versions.
Factors That Reduce Quality (Damage and Value)
- Poor storage causes wear. Humidity can cause cards to bend or “curl.”
- Sleeve scuffs or scratches on the card face make them look bad and reduce their trade value.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your deck changes what you should buy.
Casual Play (Friends and Family)
For fun games, focus on cards that create exciting, big moments. Commander decks are perfect here. You might choose cards based on cool art or fun themes rather than pure winning power.
Competitive Play (Tournaments)
If you plan to compete, you must buy cards known to be the “best” in the current format. Competitive players prioritize efficiency—cards that do a lot for very little mana.
Collecting
Collectors focus on older sets, unique art versions (like borderless or showcase frames), and high-rarity cards. Condition is king for collectors!
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Deck Building
Q: How many cards should be in my deck?
A: For most formats (like Standard or Modern), the minimum is 60 cards. Commander decks must have exactly 100 cards.
Q: Do I need to buy booster packs to build a good deck?
A: Booster packs are fun for opening, but competitive decks are usually built by buying specific “singles” (individual cards) online or from a local store.
Q: What is “mana cost”?
A: Mana cost is the amount of colored and colorless energy (mana) you need to pay to cast a spell. It is shown in the top right corner of the card.
Q: Are older cards always better than new cards?
A: No. Older cards can be very powerful, but many new sets introduce new mechanics that challenge older strategies.
Q: What is the best color to start with?
A: Green is often recommended for beginners because it easily lets you play lots of big creatures and learn the basics of combat.
Q: Should I use sleeves immediately?
A: Yes! As soon as you get a card you like, put it in a sleeve to prevent scratches.
Q: What is a “Land” card, and how many do I need?
A: Land cards produce the mana you use to cast spells. Most 60-card decks run between 22 and 26 lands.
Q: How do I stop my opponent from casting spells?
A: You can use “counterspells” (usually Blue) or creature removal spells to deal with threats your opponent plays.
Q: What is the difference between an Instant and a Sorcery?
A: Sorceries can only be played during your main turn when nothing else is happening. Instants can be played almost anytime, even during your opponent’s turn.
Q: Where is the best place to buy MTG singles?
A: Large online marketplaces or trusted local game stores are usually the best places to find specific cards you need for your deck.