Magic: The Gathering is the original trading card game, first released in 1993 and still one of the biggest TCGs in the world. Whether you want to play or collect, here is a simple guide to how Magic sets, boosters and singles work.
How Magic: The Gathering Works
Two or more players build decks and cast spells using mana from land cards, aiming to reduce their opponent’s life total to zero. Cards come in five colours (white, blue, black, red and green), each with its own style of play.
Popular Ways to Play
- Commander: the most popular casual format, built around a legendary creature with 100-card decks
- Standard: uses only recent sets, so it changes as new sets release
- Draft: open booster packs at the table and build a deck from what you pull
Booster Types Explained
Wizards of the Coast now sells Play Boosters, designed for drafting and casual play, and Collector Boosters, packed with foils, alternate art and special versions of cards. Collector Boosters cost more but are where most chase cards come from.
Singles vs Sealed Product
If you need specific cards for a deck, buying singles is the cheapest way to get them. Sealed boxes are great for opening with friends or holding long term. Older sealed product has historically become harder to find over time.
Grading Magic Cards
PSA, CGC and BGS all grade Magic cards. Graded copies of older cards, iconic rares and special foils are the most popular. Learn the scale in PSA 10 vs PSA 9 explained and compare graders in PSA vs BGS vs SGC vs CGC.
How to Protect Magic Cards
Players use perfect-fit sleeves inside standard deck sleeves. Collectors use penny sleeves and toploaders for valuable cards. See how to protect your cards and card savers vs toploaders.
Shop Magic: The Gathering Cards in Canada
Browse Magic: The Gathering cards and the rest of our TCG cards, shipped tracked across Canada from Vancouver, BC.
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