So I've got this friend who seems interested in playing magic (woooo). But I'm kind of stuck on where to start. What format to go after, what cards to start with, and how to really go about it.
So I ask all of you. How would you teach mtg to someone who knows nothing of the game?
I would teach either Standard (if they like the game, packs can be had, Starter Decks, etc.) The other option is to use Duels Of The Planeswalkers, as it was designed to teach the game, as well.
Duels of the planeswalkers is definitely good for teaching new players. I also recommend that you stick to core sets when teaching a new player - they are specifically designed to be new-user-friendly and always contain reminder text and information on the cards to help players learn evergreen mechanics.
I hand them the little instructions booklet that comes with mtg product. Let them read to get the idea and then play to smooth out the bumps. I kinda hate explaining the nitty gritty steps when they have no clue what your talking about. I think I've just trained too many people at work over the years.
Instruction booklets are a good step, but it's important that they play with easy to understand cards. While those who have been playing for a bit may cringe at {zombie goliath}, vanilla cards are a necessary "first contact" for new players.
Start with the basics and the basics alone. Once they learn that then you can start adding things like first strike, etc. A little at a time. They need to grasp the basics before they can understand the complexity of the game.
Do what I did, hand them the instructions, let them read them, and throw them heafirst into the game. If they have questions, answer them. If they don't know what to do, give them a little help.
Duel of the plains walkers will help them understand responding to spells etc
Learning about the necessity of mana and the phases seem like the first two most important things you need to learn