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[ultron87]

I'm completely new to Magic and have no clue where to begin when purchasing a starter deck or just a deck in general. I want to buy two decks for my girlfriend and I to play. I read a few Amazon reviews saying that the starter decks aren't suggested, instead buy a theme deck. Can anyone help me out on what decks to buy to get my girlfriend and I started? I read the OP, but I'm looking for everyone's opinion.

You could buy one of the Duel Decks packs that come with two decks that are supposed to be balanced and play well against each other.

For beginners the intro decks are also generally fine. They just need a lot of work before they could become competitive.

 

[Keru_Shiri]

I'm completely new to Magic and have no clue where to begin when purchasing a starter deck or just a deck in general. I want to buy two decks for my girlfriend and I to play. I read a few Amazon reviews saying that the starter decks aren't suggested, instead buy a theme deck. Can anyone help me out on what decks to buy to get my girlfriend and I started? I read the OP, but I'm looking for everyone's opinion.

Download the new Duels of the Planeswalkers game. This will help you and your girlfriend learn the basics, and you can try out a variety of decks. Then, in a couple of weeks, Magic 2013 will be released and you'll have a better idea of what theme decks to pickup.

 

[VindictiveGnome]

Um. Well, yeah. I got a good starting point. You live in NA?

Yeah, US.

You could buy one of the Duel Decks packs that come with two decks that are supposed to be balanced and play well against each other.

For beginners the intro decks are also generally fine. They just need a lot of work before they could become competitive.

Like this deck or this one?

Download the new Duels of the Planeswalkers game. This will help you and your girlfriend learn the basics, and you can try out a variety of decks. Then, in a couple of weeks, Magic 2013 will be released and you'll have a better idea of what theme decks to pickup.

So, play the game to learn the basics and see if we like it, then buy the decks. Seems like it saves money. I like it.

 

[ultron87]

Like this deck or this one?

Yep, those are the ones. Though the second one you linked is actually just a box for cards that is themed after the Duel Deck. The actual product is http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007GMEHDG/?tag=neogaf0e-20

 

[The Technomancer]

So, play the game to learn the basics and see if we like it, then buy the decks. Seems like it saves money. I like it.

Just be warned that the AI is a bitch sometimes and the system behind card shuffling seems a bit wonky so (at least it seems to me and some others) you end up with too many or too few "land" cards more often then you would in the real game.

 

[WanderingWind]

Yeah, US.

Like this deck or this one?

So, play the game to learn the basics and see if we like it, then buy the decks. Seems like it saves money. I like it.

If you decide you like the game, let me know. I'll send you a starter kit of commons, uncommons, rares and cheap mythics to mess around with. You just paying the couple bucks shipping.

 

[Yeef]

I'm completely new to Magic and have no clue where to begin when purchasing a starter deck or just a deck in general. I want to buy two decks for my girlfriend and I to play. I read a few Amazon reviews saying that the starter decks aren't suggested, instead buy a theme deck. Can anyone help me out on what decks to buy to get my girlfriend and I started? I read the OP, but I'm looking for everyone's opinion.

Check out your local game store. Wizards just passed out the New Player starter kits about a month ago. Any store that participates gets a crapton of 30 card, mono-color decks for teaching new players. The stores are supposed to give you two of the decks, which you then shuffle together to make a 60 card deck. That deck is then yours to keep.

Barring that, any of the starter decks from the recent sets should be fine if you're just playing casually.

 

[Keru_Shiri]

So, play the game to learn the basics and see if we like it, then buy the decks. Seems like it saves money. I like it.

Yeah, the only problem is, you don't have the freedom to customize your decks fully like you would with the paper game, but as a tool to learn and discover which colors and play styles you like, its awesome. Plus it's available on huge variety of platforms. You can find the GAF thread here.

 

[VindictiveGnome]

Thanks everybody. I'll give the PC version a try and visit Heroes (local shop) to see what they have to offer. If it's okay with you, I think I'll go ahead and take that offer WanderingWind. I just learned my roommate started playing.

 

[Leunam]

Heroes eh? Where are you located?

 

[Keru_Shiri]

Thanks everybody. I'll give the PC version a try and visit Heroes (local shop) to see what they have to offer. If it's okay with you, I think I'll go ahead and take that offer WanderingWind. I just learned my roommate started playing.

No prob! Hope you enjoy playing! (and feel free to drop by if you have any rules questions)

 

[VindictiveGnome]

Heroes eh? Where are you located?

Newnan, Georgia. You heard of the place? I would think it would be a common name for a comic/game shop.

 

[WanderingWind]

Don't you hate it when you have 8000 cards but not the one stupid uncommon you're looking for? Trying to make a Frites deck and I have only 1 freaking Unburial Rites. Oh, but I got like, 20 Archangel's Light. Mythic my ass.

 

[siddx]

Don't you hate it when you have 8000 cards but not the one stupid uncommon you're looking for? Trying to make a Frites deck and I have only 1 freaking Unburial Rites. Oh, but I got like, 20 Archangel's Light. Mythic my ass.

Yes, I searched for fucking ever for some dispatches for a sideboard and only found one. I know I have more, I just have no freaking clue where.

 

[ultron87]

I can't even imagine dealing with that many cards. I have maybe 1000 and am lucky if the colors are sorted.

 

[WanderingWind]

Yes, I searched for fucking ever for some dispatches for a sideboard and only found one. I know I have more, I just have no freaking clue where.

Heh. My shit is sorted by color and STD and Legacy. I went through ALL the blacks - 1 freaking copy.

...aren't you in Saigon or some shit now.

 

[echoshifting]

Don't you hate it when you have 8000 cards but not the one stupid uncommon you're looking for? Trying to make a Frites deck and I have only 1 freaking Unburial Rites. Oh, but I got like, 20 Archangel's Light. Mythic my ass.

I did not crack my first Lingering Souls until something like two or three weeks ago.

 

[The Technomancer]

Its easy to tell which blocks I play a lot of Limited from based on how many cards I have from that set. I have probably 1000+ cards from Zendikar and Innistrad blocks, but only a few hundred from Scars or Alara or anything older then that...

 

[siddx]

Heh. My shit is sorted by color and STD and Legacy. I went through ALL the blacks - 1 freaking copy.

...aren't you in Saigon or some shit now.

Not till the end of the month, leave late July. I used to have my shit sorted, but I have too goddamn many cards. Thats actually one of my chores before I leave, sort out the good shit and sell off the bulk commons/uncommons.

 

[WanderingWind]

Not till the end of the month, leave late July. I used to have my shit sorted, but I have too goddamn many cards. Thats actually one of my chores before I leave, sort out the good shit and sell off the bulk commons/uncommons.

I may be interested in some of the stuff not in STD, if you're getting rid of stuff.

 

[Keru_Shiri]

It's especially maddening when it's a common. 3 boxes of AVR between my friends and I, and we can't even muster 2 full playsets of Pillar of Flame. Only bought 1 box of DKA and have I somehow have double digit Servant of Markovs.

 

[siddx]

I may be interested in some of the stuff not in STD, if you're getting rid of stuff.

I have quite a bit of Future sight, not playsets of stuff but lots of 2 or 3 ofs in commons. I have a smattering of stuff from urza and quite a lot from lowryn. Once i get my shit together I can send you some stuff.

 

[WanderingWind]

It's especially maddening when it's a common. 3 boxes of AVR between my friends and I, and we can't even muster 2 full playsets of Pillar of Flame. Only bought 1 box of DKA and have I somehow have double digit Servant of Markovs.

I'll trade you some Pillars for some Unburial. Heh.

I have quite a bit of Future sight, not playsets of stuff but lots of 2 or 3 ofs in commons. I have a smattering of stuff from urza and quite a lot from lowryn. Once i get my shit together I can send you some stuff.

Nice. Keep me in the loop and let me know what you want.

 

[Keru_Shiri]

I'll trade you some Pillars for some Unburial. Heh.

Don't know how many extra Unburials I have (I keep a shiny one in my binder), but I'll check when I get home, if you're serious. And are you sure I can't interest you in a Servant of Markov or 5?

 

[Leunam]

Newnan, Georgia. You heard of the place? I would think it would be a common name for a comic/game shop.

Nah you're right, it is a common name for a gaming shop. Welcome to the hobby.

 

[WanderingWind]

Don't know how many extra Unburials I have (I keep a shiny one in my binder), but I'll check when I get home, if you're serious. And are you sure I can't interest you in a Servant of Markov or 5?

ahahaha...to be honest man, we'd pay more in shipping. I have about 20 Servants I've been parsing out to new players.

(Don't worry guys, I'm sending out more than a box of islands and Demon's Horns.)

 

[y2dvd]

My card would be Tragic Slip. As often as I had draft or bought packs, I've only managed to pull 2 "common" Tragic Slips. ~_-

 

[Tizoc]

Flavor text, man. ^_^

Also found this.

...Mind
Blown....
Also I am loving Goblin deck in Magic 2013.

 

[Sinatar]

Just be warned that the AI is a bitch sometimes and the system behind card shuffling seems a bit wonky so (at least it seems to me and some others) you end up with too many or too few "land" cards more often then you would in the real game.

The AI is comically awful, even on the hardest setting. Great for newbies though.

 

[echoshifting]

My card would be Tragic Slip. As often as I had draft or bought packs, I've only managed to pull 2 "common" Tragic Slips. ~_-

heh, I bought three of em. Now I have about a dozen but there was a time there when it was worth it to pay about $1.50 for a set ;p

 

[The Technomancer]

The AI is comically awful, even on the hardest setting. Great for newbies though.

Its awful but it still topdecks far too many answers at the perfect time

 

[echoshifting]

I've been completely convinced that the toughest AI in DotP cheats since the first game, the topdecking is absurd.

 

[OnPoint]

I have a skeleton I put together for a Naya Pod deck. It's not unlike most Naya Pod decks out there, I guess, but I've never actually brewed one. Ideas on how to improve it?

Thought about adding in a Champion of Lambholt in there (her, plus Rancor turn three or four could spell doom if unanswered) but there's only so much room.

Creatures: 24
1x Sigarda, Host of Herons
2x Geist Honored Monk
2x Thragtusk
3x Restoration Angel
3x Blade Splicer
3x Strangleroot Geist
2x Thalia, Guardian of Thraben
3x Avacyn's Pilgrim
4x Birds of Paradise

Enchantments: 6
3x Oblivion Ring
3x Rancor

Artifact: 6
2x Birthing Pod
2x Sword of War & Peace
2x Phyrexian Metamorph

Lands: 24
7x Plains
6x Forest
3x Gavony Township
4x Razorverge Thicket
4x Sunpetal Grove

Sideboard: 15
2x Crushing Vines
3x Nihil Spellbomb
2x Ratchet Bomb
2x Sword of Feast & Famine
2x Sword of Body & Mind
2x Revoke Existence
2x Celestial Purge

 

[zethren]

I don't expect Thragtusk to go any higher than $10. I hope he doesn't, anyway. Gonna need at least 3.

Newnan, Georgia. You heard of the place? I would think it would be a common name for a comic/game shop.

Ah cool, I'm in the Kennesaw area. I usually go to Supergames, ever been up that way (Its in Roswell)? Its a bit of a ways away from Newnan. heh

 

[siddx]

I'll trade you some Pillars for some Unburial. Heh.



Nice. Keep me in the loop and let me know what you want.

I went and did a little bit more sorting, it looks like I would have three 5 row boxes of commons pre-scar block. One box with Black/Green. One box with Blue/Red/White. And one box with just Lowryn block mixed. Plus probably another smaller box of overflow and artifacts/multicolored. And another smaler one with uncommons.

In other words a lot of freaking cards.
I seem to have an oddly large amount of guildpact commons and uncommons, have no idea why.

 

[WanderingWind]

I went and did a little bit more sorting, it looks like I would have three 5 row boxes of commons pre-scar block. One box with Black/Green. One box with Blue/Red/White. And one box with just Lowryn block mixed. Plus probably another smaller box of overflow and artifacts/multicolored. And another smaler one with uncommons.

In other words a lot of freaking cards.
I seem to have an oddly large amount of guildpact commons and uncommons, have no idea why.

Well, if you'd like to part with the Lorwyn...or all, hey! I'm your guy. Let me know what you'd like.

 

[VindictiveGnome]

I don't expect Thragtusk to go any higher than $10. I hope he doesn't, anyway. Gonna need at least 3.



Ah cool, I'm in the Kennesaw area. I usually go to Supergames, ever been up that way (Its in Roswell)? Its a bit of a ways away from Newnan. heh

I have a friend who goes to school there. Never been there myself. When you said Supergames I thought you meant Super Gater Gamz here in Newnan. It's basically a better local Gamestop run by an awesome guy.

 

[Keru_Shiri]

I went and did a little bit more sorting, it looks like I would have three 5 row boxes of commons pre-scar block. One box with Black/Green. One box with Blue/Red/White. And one box with just Lowryn block mixed. Plus probably another smaller box of overflow and artifacts/multicolored. And another smaler one with uncommons.

In other words a lot of freaking cards.
I seem to have an oddly large amount of guildpact commons and uncommons, have no idea why.

Amazing how many incidental cards you just wind up owning. Buy a pack here and there, boom! A thousand cards, filling up row after row. I don't even play that much Limited.

 

[kirblar]

Just got in my Thragtusk preorder playset for about 7.25 each, shipped.

Trying to figure out if I should get a few of the Angel or Dragon, but I kinda want to see if I pull one at the prerelease, since I don't want a full playset of either.

 

[zethren]

I have a friend who goes to school there. Never been there myself. When you said Supergames I thought you meant Super Gater Gamz here in Newnan. It's basically a better local Gamestop run by an awesome guy.

Cool, just graduated from there myself.

But no, haha. Supergamesinc in Roswell, kind of a local SCG but without the more national notoriety. The shop itself is huge, and they have any single you could ever want really. Lots of stock. Their prices on singles are about the same as everywhere else, but they have the best prices for boxes that I've found: $89 before tax. Won't be getting one for M13 though

Anyway, welcome to Magic GAF man. Prepare for a surplus in fun, and a deficit in cash.

 

[Hero]

About a year ago my local Wal-Mart got a bunch of worldwake fat packs, this was before jace was banned as well. So of course I bought 4 of them for something like 40 bucks each. Only opened two stoneforges from them unfortunately.
Now I look at the prices for those fat packs and want to shank myself for opening them. Should have saved them.

The sad aftermath of the thrill of opening up booster packs.

Thanks for the advice guys. I know I'm running the risk of getting burned, but I'd rather pay $40 for 4 Thragtusks now than be tempted to buy boxes and hope to get them there. It's literally the only card I feel is a 'must have' for myself in this set. If it goes down, so be it.

I can't see Thragtusk going up past 10 dollars. Snapcaster Mage is an all-star in every single format and only recently dipped down to 16-ish dollars. Cavern of Souls, a land capable of producing specific colored mana while making tribal decks un-counterable is going for 20. Restoration Angel is the new standard MVP and is at 10 dollars. That's the closest comparison you're going to get since Thragtusk won't have any kind of profound effect on the Legacy meta. Like I said earlier the only decks that will run him right now are Pod and possibly R/G aggro. They're both good but no where near as popular or prominent as Delver is.

I'm completely new to Magic and have no clue where to begin when purchasing a starter deck or just a deck in general. I want to buy two decks for my girlfriend and I to play. I read a few Amazon reviews saying that the starter decks aren't suggested, instead buy a theme deck. Can anyone help me out on what decks to buy to get my girlfriend and I started? I read the OP, but I'm looking for everyone's opinion.

I honestly would recommend getting the Duel of the Planeswalker 2012 video game. It is a great tool to learn the mechanics and being able to play with reasonably constructed decks with different themes is a huge benefit. A mistake I often see in new players is they don't get the ratio of lands:creatures:spells right and because of that they don't do well and have less fun with the game. In DotP you don't have to worry about it. Not to mention in the worst case scenario if you wind up not liking it you're only down 10 bucks which is the price of lunch or something. Best case scenario is if you do like it then it's a perfect opportunity to transition over to paper Magic with m13, the new set coming out in about two weeks.

 

[zethren]

The sad aftermath of the thrill of opening up booster packs.

Magic the Gathering emotional rollercoaster of opening packs:

"Oh boy! New packs! There could be anything in here!"

"Oh okay, Battle of Wits. Well that's kinda cool. The other packs will surely have something better!"

"Oh...okay."

Opening packs is so much addictive fun, and the joy and excitement that you have pre-opening is intoxicating. But afterwards that feeling is almost always replaced with regret and realizing you could have spent that money on singles of what you actually wanted.

Spoiler

But it's oh so good.

 

[divisionbyzorro]

That's why I like playing limited. You get the joy of opening packs, but you get to play a game too.

 

[Ashodin]

Magic the Gathering emotional rollercoaster of opening packs:

"Oh boy! New packs! There could be anything in here!"

"Oh okay, Battle of Wits. Well that's kinda cool. The other packs will surely have something better!"

"Oh...okay."

Opening packs is so much addictive fun, and the joy and excitement that you have pre-opening is intoxicating. But afterwards that feeling is almost always replaced with regret and realizing you could have spent that money on singles of what you actually wanted.

Spoiler

But it's oh so good.

Meh new box of a set you want - that good feeling that you're building a playset of commons and uncommons.

 

[Keru_Shiri]

Ah, but the feeling of getting Tamiyo in your first pack during the prerelease, or scoring a Bonfire from a random pack right before FNM makes it all worth it.

 

[Ashodin]

Ah, but the feeling of getting Tamiyo in your first pack during the prerelease, or scoring a Bonfire from a random pack right before FNM makes it all worth it.

That's why I am going to attend FNM again soon. I used to go down to a store every Friday back in my college days.

 

[zethren]

Ah, but the feeling of getting Tamiyo in your first pack during the prerelease, or scoring a Bonfire from a random pack right before FNM makes it all worth it.

Oh I know. The last 2 packs of DKA that I bought before AVR came out both had Huntmasters in them. And I bought them each 1 week apart from each other, so both packs were from different boxes at my local shop.

If that isn't all time luck, I don't know what is.

 

[Ashodin]

Oh I know. The last 2 packs of DKA that I bought before AVR came out both had Huntmasters in them. And I bought them each 1 week apart from each other, so both packs were from different boxes at my local shop.

If that isn't all time luck, I don't know what is.

That's awesome luck, man!

 

[fifasnipe2224]

So I will be going to my local Card store and competing to to pre release seal tournament this Saturday. Anyone here have any tips about this set? I havnt been to a MTG event in about a year.

 

[kirblar]

So I will be going to my local Card store and competing to to pre release seal tournament this Saturday. Anyone here have any tips about this set? I havnt been to a MTG event in about a year.

Exalted + Evasion = very good. (Haven't played yet, but it was godly in Alara block)