Magic: The Gathering is a trading card game in which players build decks, use lands to generate mana, and cast spells to defeat opponents. This article is about the Wizards of the Coast game—not stage magic or supernatural magic. To start, learn the basic turn, then choose a format that fits how you want to play: Commander for a multiplayer group, Standard for two-player constructed games, or Booster Draft for building a deck from packs.
How do you play Magic: The Gathering?
Players summon creatures and cast spells to reduce an opponent’s life total to zero. Each player shuffles a deck and draws an opening hand of seven cards in the beginner tutorial. Lands produce mana, which players spend to cast spells. A turn moves through beginning and main phases, combat, and an end step. In combat, the attacker declares attackers, the defender may assign blockers, and then combat damage is resolved. See Wizards’ How to Play Magic: The Gathering tutorial for the complete rules and examples.
The basic flow
- Draw and play: Take the turn’s draw, then play a land if you have one available to play that turn.
- Build mana: Lands provide the resources needed to cast spells. Different spells have different mana costs.
- Cast spells: Play creatures and other spells to develop your position or respond to your opponent.
- Attack and defend: Choose attackers; the defending player may block. Resolve combat damage according to the cards and rules.
- Finish the turn: Complete the end step and pass play to the next player.
Those steps describe a beginner-level game, not every rule interaction. Individual cards can modify the normal sequence, so use the official tutorial and card text as you learn.
Which Magic format should a beginner choose?
A format sets rules such as player count, deck construction, and which cards are allowed. The choice matters as much as the cards: some formats start with a prepared deck, while others have players build decks together from packs. Wizards’ formats guide is the reference for its format summaries.
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| Format | Typical play | Deck and card rules | Good fit if you want… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commander | Multiplayer, typically 3–5 players | 100-card deck | A social group game, often with a prebuilt deck |
| Standard | One-on-one | At least 60 cards in the main deck; up to 15 cards in a sideboard. Uses cards from recent sets and rotates annually under the current rules. | Two-player constructed play and a format whose legal card pool changes over time |
| Booster Draft | Players open packs and build decks from the cards they find | Limited format; deck is built during the event from drafted cards | An event where you do not bring a ready-made constructed deck |
Player counts and deck sizes are format specifications, not promises about how long a particular game will take. For Standard, check the official Standard page before building: its legal set list changes, so an old list may no longer be valid.
Commander
Commander is the clearest starting point if you already have a group that wants to play together. Wizards describes it as multiplayer, typically with three to five players, and uses a 100-card deck. A prebuilt Commander deck can avoid the first hurdle of designing a deck from a large card pool; check the current product and format details before buying.
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Standard
Choose Standard if you want a one-on-one constructed format and are willing to track legality. The main deck must contain at least 60 cards, with a sideboard of up to 15. Because sets rotate annually under the current rules, confirm the current legal cards on Wizards’ page rather than relying on a saved deck list or older guide.
Booster Draft
Draft suits players who prefer to build as part of the play session. Players open packs, select cards, and use what they find to make decks. It is a limited format, so you do not need to arrive with a preconstructed deck; look for a local event and ask the organizer what to bring.
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What is the best way to start playing Magic?
For a first physical product, Wizards identifies the Magic: The Gathering Starter Kit as best for learning and says it includes what is needed to play and teach the game. It is a practical choice for two people learning together. Product editions and contents can change, so confirm the exact listing, language, and included cards before purchasing. Wizards’ product guide also describes Foundations beginner activities with guided deck play, a reference booklet, playmats, and bonus decks; check current regional availability before treating it as an option to buy.
A simple first-session plan
- Choose the way you want to play: tabletop, Arena, webcam play, or a local event.
- For tabletop learning, use the Starter Kit’s included teaching materials and play with the other person it is designed to teach.
- Play through the basic turn sequence before worrying about advanced deck construction.
- After learning the fundamentals, pick a format with your play group and use that format’s current deck-building rules.
Sleeves and a deck box are optional accessories if you continue with physical cards. No single sleeve size or box capacity is universal for every product, so check compatibility with the cards and item you are considering.
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- ANYONE CAN BE A HERO—Your Magic: The Gathering journey begins with a friend beside you! Play your very first game in a guided battle of Captain America versus Iron Man. Choose your side and send your forces into the fight 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, realize your true potential by combining any two of the eight 20-card half-decks into a full 40-card Marvel Super Heroes-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
Can you play Magic online?
Yes. Wizards points players to MTG Arena, Magic Online, and SpellTable as digital or webcam-based ways to play. Platform features and availability can vary, so use Wizards’ ways-to-play page for current details. Arena is a digital option; SpellTable supports webcam play with physical cards; Magic Online is another official digital platform.
If you would rather learn in person, Wizards also recommends local game stores as places to meet players, find events, and get instruction. Its store and event resources can help you look for an event near you.
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Where to check current products and rules
Magic’s card pool, product lineup, and event schedule change. Check the official product guide before buying a beginner product and the format page before bringing a constructed deck to an event. Wizards’ product calendar is also time-sensitive: as of October 8, 2026, it lists Reality Fracture for October 2, 2026, and Magic: The Gathering | Star Trek for November 13, 2026. Release schedules can change; consult the official calendar for the latest listing.
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