MTG Beginner Guide: Which Product to Buy First
For a first Magic: The Gathering purchase, choose according to how you want to play. A Beginner Box suits learning with a friend; a preconstructed Commander deck suits joining a Commander group. Play Boosters are for opening and Limited play, rather than a complete deck on their own.
Which MTG product should I buy first?
- I have never played: start with a guided learning product such as the Foundations Beginner Box.
- My friends play Commander: choose a ready-to-play Commander deck and ask about the group's preferred power level.
- I want to open packs or play Draft: look at Play Boosters, checking the set and format requirements.
- I already know which cards I need: look for those exact cards rather than relying on random packs.
Learning the basic rules with Foundations
The Foundations Beginner Box introduces the game with guided first games and decks designed for learning. It is a more direct starting point than trying to assemble a deck from unrelated boosters. Read the listing for its contents and delivery information. HobbiXchange's listed Beginner Box is supplier dispatched and is not available for Christchurch store pickup.
In a typical two-player game, each player starts with 20 life. Lands help produce mana, which pays for creatures and other spells. Creatures can attack and block; instants and sorceries create effects; artifacts, enchantments and planeswalkers offer other ways to influence the game. Follow the learning product's instructions or Wizards' official how-to-play guide as you practise.
Starting with Commander
Commander is a multiplayer format with a 100-card deck including its commander or commanders. With one commander, that means 99 other cards plus the commander. Multiplayer Commander starts at 40 life. It uses different deck-building rules from many other Magic formats. A preconstructed deck includes the cards needed to play, making it a practical entry point if your friends already play Commander.
Browse FINAL FANTASY Commander decks or Marvel Super Heroes Commander decks. Check the available deck variant and its description. Theme can help you choose a deck you enjoy, but ask your group what type of game they expect before buying. Multiplayer games involve more cards and interactions, so allow time to learn.
See the official Commander rules and HobbiXchange's Thursday MTG event details if you want to play in Christchurch.
Play Boosters versus Collector Boosters
Play Boosters are designed for opening and Limited formats such as Draft and Sealed. One pack is not a complete deck; organised Limited games require an appropriate number of packs and usually basic lands. Check the organiser's instructions.
A Reality Fracture Play Booster is one example in our range. Collector Boosters focus on collectible finishes and treatments; they are usually a less direct first purchase when your goal is simply to learn. Contents and odds vary, so use the set's official product guide rather than assuming every booster works the same way.
Jumpstart is a different type of booster: its themed packs include lands and are designed to combine into a playable deck. The predetermined Jumpstart packs inside the Foundations Beginner Box are designed for learning and differ from separately sold Foundations Jumpstart boosters. Follow the instructions for the specific product.
What else do I need?
A way to track life totals is useful. Sleeves and a deck box help protect cards you play regularly. Browse TCG accessories and check that sleeves fit standard-size MTG cards. For Commander, choose a box with enough capacity for your sleeved deck.
Before ordering your first deck
- Confirm the format your friends or local group play.
- Check the product is a full deck or learning kit rather than a single booster.
- Select an available variant and read any preorder information.
- Check delivery and pickup eligibility. Supplier-dispatched items are not available for pickup.
- Choose a budget that leaves room for any sleeves or storage you want.
Explore Magic: The Gathering at HobbiXchange, or visit Shop 8/121 Brighton Mall, New Brighton, entering via Beresford Street. For help reading your new cards, our MTG rarity guide explains symbol colours, rarity letters and special treatments.