This is the grandfather of the collectible card game (or CCG) genre. Players build a deck of cards and duel against an opponent's deck. The first player to reduce his opponent to 0 life (or meet another set win condition) wins the game. There are over ten thousand different cards from which to build your deck.
Though traditionally a two-player duel, there are several casual and tournament formats to Magic that allow more players to play.
Magic: The Gathering was the first collectible card game, launching a new genre of hobby games in which each card could change the game rules in some way. Players are wizards attempting to reduce their opponent's life total to zero (or run them out of cards) by casting spells and attacking them with various creatures. Cards can be lands, which usually generate mana of various colors, or spells, which require a certain amount of mana to be used. Some cards (creatures, artifacts, and enchantments) stay on the board and continue to affect the game, while others have a one-time effect. An important part of the game is deck construction, which is done prior to the actual game by selecting what cards are included in a particular deck.
Cards are sold in randomized booster packs as well as preconstructed decks. Magic has a thriving tournament scene and has had a continuous stream of expansions since its initial release.
Print on 8.5 by 11 card. Consider laminating after you cut them out.
I use small colored/clear disks to mark the current life points but any marker will do.
Two sheets (one for each player). Enjoy!
This turn summary card may be helpful for new players, or for players returning to the game after being away for awhile. Pre-8th edition font (which I personally liked) is used for some style!
Sized to fit in M:tG sized card sleeve.
In hopes of getting my son interested in gaming I bought a MtG starter set. It came in a strange shaped box which is in no way suited to deck storage. This box fits the starter and advertisement cards.
NEW: Version 1.6 - with changes and improvements made by the Masked Man. In his words: "It has been `slimmed down' in the number of gold cards to make for better deck construction - there will be fewer dead cards in the draw this way." Current up to Rise of the Eldrazi.
updated spreadsheet listing creatures I deem cost-effective, cards for infinite loops (finally remembering Panoptic Mirror), and a searchable listing of Lorwyn and Morningtide cards