Getting started in Magic

#noided · February 08, 2012, 07:52:51 PM

Basically I started playing the Magic 2012 video game over the summer at the recommendation of a friend. Ever since I've been hooked on it and now I'm looking to start playing at the local game shop. My question for you guys is what are some good ways to start building a collection of cards? They sell just about everything when it comes to Magic most things will be readily available. All input is appreciated!

Mentonin · February 08, 2012, 08:07:35 PM

Buy a dark ascension variety pack and an innistrad booster box, and you should be alright. Then buy specifics to make decks, and exchange with friends. This combo is little pricey though... Oh, and as you make decks, keep making new ones, in new formats, new strategies. Keep more than one on at a time, but not all. The ones you retire are going to serve as good card collection

Rass · February 08, 2012, 08:22:36 PM

Get to know your local dealer and see how they can help you. My local guy takes care of me on some stuff. He also sells repacks for a buck. It's a good way to get some decent cards for building. Drafts are fun IMO and it evens the playing field( except for those mythic pulls ) and usually you can win packs and get a promo

But the best deals for cards are online but look around every so often you can find a steal

Appleguru56 · February 08, 2012, 08:37:38 PM

Easiest way to be good fastest is to look online for the top world deck, replicate it, and kick people's be-hinds. Play it until you eventually realize what makes it soo good, then you can make your own deck.

Pakamper · February 08, 2012, 09:27:08 PM

Srsly guys -.-, hes just starting. But a deck builders toolkit and maybe a premade deck that they sell at stores.

Pakamper · February 08, 2012, 09:27:09 PM

Srsly guys -.-, hes just starting. But a deck builders toolkit and maybe a premade deck that they sell at stores.

Prophylaxis · February 08, 2012, 09:40:02 PM

Quote from: Gummuh on February 08, 2012, 07:52:51 PM
Basically I started playing the Magic 2012 video game over the summer at the recommendation of a friend. Ever since I've been hooked on it and now I'm looking to start playing at the local game shop. My question for you guys is what are some good ways to start building a collection of cards? They sell just about everything when it comes to Magic most things will be readily available. All input is appreciated!

Deck Builder's Toolkit works like a charm.

Personally, I would buy a 2000/3000 junk card box from eBay or something. Dirt cheap considering the amount of cards you get, and as long you have enough lands, that can keep you entertained for a long time.

JakeyWakey · February 08, 2012, 11:39:14 PM

As someone who has lost and had to restart his collection several times, I'd say, buy a precon deck, maybe a deck builders toolkit, and get to know how things work together find a non pompous player at the shop and let him take you under his wing, being a strong, solid magic player takes time and practice just like everything else, and it's crazy how even novice decks do well in multiplayer and commander, so get some game play time in, and we'll help you as much as we can. PM me, I'll even send you some cards that catch your eye in the most latest sets, free of charge, keep in mind I can't let go of everything.

Appleguru56 · February 09, 2012, 12:48:28 AM

For a beginner, I would not waste my money on buying large boxed of cards for loads of cash. It simply isn't worth it. When you become more adept, you would soon realize that half of those cards are just trash in the first place. I would actually "study" more about the decks/cards and what makes it good before coming to any conclusion. By doing do, you not only are self improving, but you are also saving money on junk cards that you probably will find to be horrible. (believe me when I say it, grab boxes are usually full of crap)

BlackJester · February 09, 2012, 01:49:15 AM

As most have said, I'm with the Toolkit (not the app

). As for pre-cons, I'd say if you want to focus on winning games, get an Event Deck. If you want to learn about synergy and are interested in a new idea or theme (Zombies, Undying, etc) get a Theme deck. They're less competitive and more casual.

New Event Decks:
http://www.wizards.com/magic/magazine/article.aspx?x=mtg/daily/arcana/898

DKA Theme decks
http://www.wizards.com/magic/tcg/productarticle.aspx?x=mtg/tcg/darkascension/intropacks#deck5

cltrn81 · February 09, 2012, 08:51:03 AM

I have to disagree with Proph on buying those 5000 count sales on eBay and what not. The reason they are so cheap is because they have been picked apart for all the good cards and you will just be getting the nasty old afterbirth....so to speak. Goto eBay and search for " dark ascension common/ uncommon playset" this is 4 copies of every common and uncommon for DA and they sell around $30 last I checked. You can do the same for Innistrad and other sets. The longer a set is out the more expensive these playsets become so get em early and cheap. Then you can just trade ppl or buy single rares online. eBay is good for buying single rares cheap....playsets of rares tend to get driven higher...just have to watch for deals, set your highest price, and stick to what you want to pay.....DON'T overpay....check prices on this app and do the math!!!!

Alaskanice · February 09, 2012, 10:41:44 AM

Quote from: BlackJester on February 09, 2012, 01:49:15 AM
As most have said, I'm with the Toolkit (not the app ). As for pre-cons, I'd say if you want to focus on winning games, get an Event Deck. If you want to learn about synergy and are interested in a new idea or theme (Zombies, Undying, etc) get a Theme deck. They're less competitive and more casual.

New Event Decks:
http://www.wizards.com/magic/magazine/article.aspx?x=mtg/daily/arcana/898

DKA Theme decks
http://www.wizards.com/magic/tcg/productarticle.aspx?x=mtg/tcg/darkascension/intropacks#deck5

I agree with this, and recommend the hold the line event deck personally. That one has one of the easier strategies to learn (in my opinion) and has a good base to improve a white deck in.

Rass · February 09, 2012, 07:12:15 PM

Also see if you can get a hold of the deck inserts for event decks that tell you how to play the deck it try's to explain how it works and how to play it. Also it suggests what to add for your playing style.

#noided · February 09, 2012, 07:46:19 PM

Thanks for all the replies! Right now I'm leaning towards getting a Toolkit. Quite conveniently the next expansion comes out right as school ends so I will probably get a bunch of cards from that to get me going into the summer. If you have anything else to add, please do!
I'm looking for all the help I can get!

Thattallguy · February 09, 2012, 08:02:44 PM

I just got into magic this year. The best thing I found at the beginning was to buy something cheap like a deck builders tool kit to get started. That way if you aren't comfortable or it's not what you thought your not out a lot of money. Most importantly the best thing you can do is talk to people and ask questions......lots and lots of questions. The duels of the planeswalkers game doesn't explain everything to you. The game is so much more involved than that. So start cheap and find out how you like to play (aggressive, conservative etc..). Then start building and playtesting decks and asking more questions. Also since you are just starting out I would start with buying packs from innistrad set and dark ascension set as they will be in rotation the longest from this point on.