Magic: The Gathering

About this board game

Magic: The Gathering is a collectible card game system for 2–6 players, with games listed at about 20 minutes and first released in 1993. Players take the role of planeswalkers—powerful wizards who battle for glory, knowledge, and conquest.

Each player builds a deck from their collection of cards. The deck represents a magical arsenal of spells and creatures, and its construction is an important part of the experience, with more than 25,000 different cards available from which to build.

During a duel, players draw cards and choose how to use what they have available. The usual objective is to reduce an opponent’s life total to zero, although other win conditions can apply.

• Lands usually generate mana in various colors.
• Spells require mana and can produce a variety of effects.
• Creatures, artifacts, and enchantments can remain in play and continue affecting the game.
• Other cards provide a one-time effect when played.

Random draws limit the choices available each turn, making the timing and selection of spells especially important. Magic: The Gathering also features a robust set of mechanics, including the intricate reactive card-play rules known as the stack.

Cards are categorized as common, uncommon, rare, and mythic rare, supporting the game’s collectible format. Although it is traditionally played as a two-player duel, casual and tournament formats allow additional players to join the battle.