How To Be A Better Magic: The Gathering Player | Tips For Those New To The Game

[@TolarianCommunityCollege]

How To Build Better Magic: The Gathering Decks: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oauoYY2rrJh1opo

[@chancellorpalprotein2886]

Me: I’m gonna build this awesome deck and combo off every turn and win in turn 2 Me after putting the deck list together: this little maneuver is gonna cost me $300

[@mols556]

Me (having played Magic for 7 years): The Professor has a video about how to be a better magic player for newbies? Sweet! (proceed to watch entire video)

[@dariuszwawrzyniak3465]

Same.

[@jameshaga5400]

Every time

[@LordDuddy77]

Yup same

[@DPM666]

Same, but 19 years.

[@aegisgolem6817]

Same, however, I like using it as a refresher. Sometimes revisiting the basics can help seasoned players tighten up play(especially when trying to teach new players using shortcuts and slang that they don’t know yet...yes I am responsible for that one)

[@MrNoob_11]

One of the important things for me was realizing that Magic is not a race to widdle your opponents life to zero, but a race to create a board state where you cannot possibly lose. Any player can tell that cards like Ancestral Recall and Black Lotus are probably useful, but it becomes clear how broken they are once a player has this mindset.

[@hanburgundy4317]

@Sam Smith Them: Slow and steady wins the race. Chandra: Direct damage go brrrrr. It can't be prevented. I double it. Aaaand, that's your life total. GG lol

[@TheArborphiliac]

@@hanburgundy4317 the best kind of removal is player removal

[@danacoleman4007]

Great point! I have been playing almost since the beginning and I still fall into the wrong mindset in that regard.

[@liquiddddd]

there is no such thing like "...a board state where you cannot possibly lose". Saying something like that yells "noob" way more effectively than your username in youtube.

[@MrNoob_11]

@@liquiddddd oh no, I exaggerated my youtube comment by saying "can't lose" instead of "stabalized and have a clear path to victory" and sure need to be corrected. You must be fun to be around

[@GatheringTheMagicYT]

Me, an experienced MTG player: Still misplays every game ever 😅😭

[@Failsy1]

Everyone makes misplays. It's just par for the course. The best thing you can do is minimize them as best as you can.

[@GatheringTheMagicYT]

@@Failsy1 absolutely agree, everytime I tell myself I’ll learn 😂

[@GatheringtheMagic]

Tell me about it...

[@MetalWolfKaiju]

“Yeah this hand with two lands is fine, I’ll draw more lands and ramp later on”

[@magusofthebargain]

I'm down from 10 misplays per game to about 3. I think my game is improving.

[@Andrew_Venn]

I think the hardest part of learning magic, isn't the turn based phases, and basic mechanics. It's the rules, and differentiation of state based, and stack. Even those that know, don't always get it right.

[@mizzogames]

How To Be A Better Magic: The Gathering Player Watch Tolarian Community College

[@TolarianCommunityCollege]

Oh, you.

[@brandonnelson1441]

Many Magic: The Gathering Players agree

[@craigbagnall4503]

@@brandonnelson1441 including I

[@OGNoNameNobody]

STRONGLY AGREE

[@leaf_lorien679]

Yes!

[@tomascorreia3993]

Been playing for almost 20 years. Still watch this videos. Pure charisma!

[@ptodd5373]

Sequencing... the bane of my magic career. In the words of my commander pod "imagine if he stopped and thought before he did something, he'd win alot more"

[@12jacobmar]

Be humble during wins and during losses.

[@flyingchimp5012]

Agreed with a small caveat: If your opponent treats you like shit, bragging before the last card has been played, it's okay to be a little bit smug about your win.

[@bobby45825]

Depends: Did they win because they resolved Omniscience?

[@Thingymabob1000]

Honestly I love the inclusion of using second main phase more than first. Had a few friends get into the game a year or so ago and that was a thing I tried to hammer home. "If it won't affect combat then cast it later." They kept dumping in 1st main and then were upset when I would deal with what they did and were blown out.

[@NeoSlimey]

Playing for bout 10 years now, still gonna watch through because Prof says things in a consistent and pleasing manner, makes great background noise for stuff.

[@cheezyatease5223]

I’ve been playing Magic on and off for 10 years, and I still love how helpful these videos are.

[@mfitkin]

You sir have ascended to highest level of magic instruction. Making a video that is so packed with vital fundamental strategy and nothing else, it was like watching poetry in motion. I would and will share this with anyone who plays magic, brand new or been playing forever. It’s easy to miss all the different lines available to you, especially in multiplayer, when you don’t consider the nuances of priority, phases, etc.

[@alanpep]

Thanks for the video Prof! Even though I'm an experienced player now, I really appreciate these videos as they help me learn how to better teach the game to people.

[@777CrimsonChaos]

Trust me, even after playing for almost three years I still sometimes sequence things in ways that aren’t optimal. Sometimes you have new developments, like a card you just drew or something your opponent was able to do, and it takes a lot of practice and experience to know how to make the most of what options you have at any given time

[@julesramsden5740]

Understanding the stack and sequencing is what helped me turn my Vito, Thorn of the Dusk Rose deck into the formidable beast that it is. Thanks, Prof!

[@regularlinuxuser251]

Decklist please

[@hanburgundy4317]

I always enjoy these videos - even if some facets don't apply. My friend and I play "House Rules": 1. Wild - All cards from any series are legal; all other rules apply. The game is too expensive to only play the new Core set and expansions every year, and our collections are too big to just sit there. Plus, the creativity and meta of the game is a lot better without "set" limitations. 2. No stack, no Priority - Instants are instant. If I cast a lightning bolt, only a Counter or Regeneration (other exceptions, of course) will save your creature. You'd have to cast Giant Growth _before_ I cast the Lightning Bolt. The same goes for Combat - if you attack me with a 1/1 and I block with a 2/2, you can't cast Giant Growth _after_ I've already blocked it; you'd have to cast it while declaring attackers. If I attack with my 2/2, however, you can cast Giant Growth on your 1/1 and then block with your now 4/4. It just makes more sense. 3. Defense Decides - The attacking player declares attackers; he can cast buff spells (Giant Growth) at this point, or spells to prevent the defending player from blocking. Then, he's done. The defending player declares blockers, AND who blocks whom. In the case of multiple creatures blocking a single source, however, if the combined total defense is higher than the attacker's power then the _attacker_ decides how the damage is spread among them. 4. Be Happy With Your Hand - If you don't like your hand, shuffle it back into your library and draw a new one; no loss of cards. With how long games can go, there's no point penalizing a player for drawing a bad hand, as even the most balanced and synergized deck will inevitably draw a poor or even unplayable hand and that's not the player's fault. That said, don't just sit and mulligan until you get a "perfect" hand; if your hand is playable (enough land and spells for the first three turns), then play it. I know a lot or even most of y'all will probably laugh at all this, but it makes the game better.

[@itsjacobj]

I’ve been playing again for about three years now after taking over a decade off, and this is helpful. I’d honestly love a more in-depth analysis of the stack (I didn’t see it in the Tolarian Tutor, but I may have just missed it), but no pressure to do so! Just suggesting

[@Daniel-be6cj]

I'm starting out and the tip about holding your instants until right when you use them was massive. I just had my first game where I'd say I really strategized right and plotted properly against my opponent

[@chuckransford3624]

I would LOVE to see a deep dive video on sequencing. As a new player, this is the thing that trips me up the most. Overall, this video was incredibly helpful.

[@clarkcommando1983]

I’m 56 and brand new player I love the art . The game play is deep thnx to my son for the new addiction. Appreciate your videos very helpful

[@shellfire6931]

I know this is unrelated, but I'm seeing the Death Gate Cycle on his bookshelves and that makes me happy.

[@Calamity22321]

Really helped me out to start playing magic, store gave me a deck (I chose it from the presented list, to be exact) to start playing with in Pioneer format. Its White and Blue focusing on middle and late game, relying on foretell mechanic and recovering health, setting up board wipes/counterspells beforehand to stall the opponent until I slowly gain control over the board. Games take longer than average (either cause I'm new or its the deck itself, maybe both) but I really like this deck, the only thing that bothers me now is the fact that some players keep talking about power-level, better cards, what I could change, etc. Yes, I could change my deck to fit their advice, but it wouldn't be my deck after that, it's like chasing "the meta" only to lose the whole identity of the deck while doing so. Cause of that, I prefer to slowly and carefully consider what cards to purchase before commiting to the change, sometimes I use proxy's (but always ask permission for it first from the store, to make sure they are okay with it) if a card is expensive and I'm unsure of the overall value that it brings to my deck and enjoyment of the game. Overall great advice can be found in this video, everytime I get better at the game I feel like I get a deeper understanding of the rules explained in such simple terms here. Also started reading some stories, right now arguing with friends if Urza is just a psychopath, love it!

[@louliskoukledes8444]

Amazing video prof as always..we need more like this, that take a new player by the hand and leading him/her to intermediate level..please make more !!!

[@ajevans8814]

Love the video Prof. These lessons are truly the difference between good players and great players. Thanks for helping to explain the concepts to new players.

[@Quirky_QF]

I keep forgetting about Second Main Phase. Thanks!

[@Blunderful19]

As the one in my playgroup that read the entire rulebook, priority is by far the most important piece of the puzzle. Everything else naturally follows. I was glad to see it as a key component in this video.

[@valerieiglar-mobley4894]

Professor, this was awesome. I’ve been playing for 10 years now, and not only was this helpful to me, but I just played this for my 16-year-old son (who has been playing for at least 4 years) and it blew his mind! Thank you! And please keep these coming!

[@BasketOfPuppies642]

So glad you made this- a friend got into Magic around AFR and I just sent this to them!

[@MrFForger]

I find the hardest thing to explain to a new player is the concept of holding priority. It almost never comes up but when it does, it is the lynchpin of a combo.

[@jillkeating5566]

Thanks for the great info. I’m a new player who has been playing Arena. The upside is becoming familiar with the format and cards. The downside/upside is that Arena automatically highlights the cards that can be played. That is really helpful as a new player, but I think I would be unsure in a tabletop game.

[@GladysHamilton-ec3kz]

Some of the most important lessons to learn. Great job explaining them!

[@54m0h7]

I am not a new player and didn't learn anything new from this video, regardless it was entertaining and a joy to watch.

[@GannonM]

As a new player this helps so much! Thank you so much for making it!

[@FineReads]

Great video and great reminder too. Currently relearning MTG after a loooong break. So much has changed (the second main phase was not a thing when I started playing 20 years ago - at least I don’t remember it 🤣). Have to remind myself all the time to attack first and then cast my stuff.

[@jedstanaland2897]

I don't know if you have ever covered this but percentages of a point of anything does exist for purposes of calculations unless you are able to bring the percentages up to a whole number. For example if you had a city of ass and you tap it for mana by itself you will only take one damage and only get one mana from it but if you have a mana reflection in play you will be getting three total mana for one damage but if you have a furnace of wrath or something like that you would be taking three damage from the land and depending upon if you have the mana reflection in play you will get only one mana or three respectively. This rule change was made because of a certain snake that had firststrike and death touch people would give it a lure like effect and wipe out the entire creature base of the opponents and not lose anything and they would still have whatever other creatures that were attacking to go unblocked. After the rule was changed people would just start adding rampage to the creature and then doing it anyway but it did make it more difficult to win and as a whole it made the game better in my opinion. They made fun of it with the un-sets because someone won a world tournament with the combo and now they never will again. If they try to use percentages of points to do it.

[@billygibson9393]

That was a really good video straight to the point no sponsors no filler puns and word play just precise easy to understand and just really felt like it opens up the other side of the mind but the way you explained being able to control the order it goes on the stack is when multiple effects activate simultaneously then about sequencing and being able to use technical plays to maximize efficiency and overall effectiveness was eye opening like magic players need to watch this just because it won't do any wrong in doing so it can only help and even possibly improve thank you sincerely

[@shmoopy6909]

Just recently got into MTG through TESL, your channel has been a godsend! Thanks prof!

[@animeking1357]

I've only been playing Magic for about 6 or 7 months and was pleased to learn something in this video. The Stack works similarly to how Chains work in Yugioh but with one difference. Once a Chain in Yugioh starts to resolve no other cards can be played until the Chain has finished resolving. This is a difference that may have been able to win me games if I knew that cards could still be played while The Stack was resolving.

[@kylarstern42]

This is FANTASTIC for new players. As well being an awesome reminder for some of us to use sequencing properly.

[@iniksbane]

I'm glad that I understood all of these. This was a good explanation. I do still struggle with threat assessment.

[@SxTheBo]

This is the best kind of video you make, REAL LESSON we can learn from. Keep up with this content Prof, looking forward for the next class.

[@slowmo56]

The most wholesome Magic content on the internet.

[@Tennethums1]

I remember the first time I played my younger step brother in MtG. He had a lot of cards and swore up and down he not only knew how to play, but was very good at it with an “unstoppable” deck. Things were going ok until He’d played some rather big creatures. On his next turn he immediately moved into the attack phase, tapped them all and then declared “BOOM! You’re dead!”. I told him he hadn’t given me a chance to use my Master Decoy’s (this was a long time ago, ha!) abilities before declaring attackers. He said I couldn’t tap his creatures before he attacked with them. I realized right then and there that he had NO idea how instants worked. Turns out, it was the last game we played as well as the first. 😇 So yeah, understanding the phases, the “stack” and timing is critical.

[@mattman8436]

These videos always make me want to play magic afterwards. Just to see if I can keep myself to these guidelines. It's a good practice to try these steps.

[@CyberBuster93]

I love your videos directed at new players! I still watched the entire thing however because I still misplay somehow in every game to this very day xD

[@atheon8367]

Lol, about the „life is a resource“. Yesterday i just had the situation that i had my beledros witherbloom use its activated ability to pay 10 life to untap my lands (3 at the time and yes it was time 3) just to use a putrefy and this play actually won the game for me

[@tkbirdyftw8419]

I’ve been playing for 5 years, but I needed this lol

[@okanut]

This is insanely useful. Especially with passing priority on the stack, that stuff boggles my mind.

[@lockecole3726]

My Phyrexian Praetor Secret Lair has finally shipped to me! It's been 300 years!!

[@noahcrow1897]

I think the thing the other players in my group always need to be reminded of is how it's a great idea to save creature tap abilities for the end step of the player right before them, so they can block with them and see the layout and doing it at instant speed if they need to

[@ibpositive757]

I'm not a new player, but this is an excellent video explaining many nuances new players miss. Great work!

[@SWNJim]

As a Mardu commander player “Life is a resource” is my mantra. It’s the only way to get on par with Green or Blue in terms of cards in hand and mana to use them. In fact, I have a whole deck centered around life swings that I need counters to keep track of life gained, lost, and how much was damage.

[@thedudeabides7737]

Prof doin the Magic Lord's work out here! Under appreciated content.

[@JUM-cw3ff]

I would add some basics about Combat too. Beside the trade/race concept with the 3/2 and 2/2, we should address that new players tend to not attack unless they are 110% sure their opponent won't block or straight up miss attack phase with a big creature or creatures with evasion like flyers or just the chunk bodies 1/1 or 2/2 that had their ETB done earlier and may attack if not needed for chunk block. Many time you can attack with those creatures even if you like it for some reasons because you know they won't block with their 2/2 commander or they won't block you 1/1 with a Gemhide sliver or wtv. You can make that gamble and 90% time win your bet and deal damage unblocked! Same things when you throw your endgame/last swings, attack also with your small buddies if not needed for blocks. Like people laugh when I ping them for 1 dmg turn 2-3 but by turn 6-7 it added up to like 8 dmg because of another 1/1 and 2/2 that ends up to be relevant. Also even if they block, it may be bad for you loosing a 2/2 wolf token or maybe something better even, but you make that gamble when you know they just lost something way more valuable so it's not likely to happen unless they misjudge the situation and prefer to make you lose that attacker or they just had a trick up their sleeve (which you can anticipate when you play in the same group and not every decks has combat tricks, like you know when you play against a deck like that) So yes this was a perfect lesson and reminder for many of us. The threat assessment is a constant thing to learn because of the new cards/mechanics that adds up and you have to learn to live with a few threat in play and how to politic in that manners so you don't have to always remove it to save yourself for a turn or two by making alliances or staying under the radar. Like you have to learn not to always be in the center of the threat management discussion because then everything comes your way when you become ahead after debating or using all your removals in a 1vs1 war in a 4 player setup.

[@marcwilliams1942]

I love teaching this game! I will share this video with my pupils. Thanks Prof!

[@mollz3704]

I've only been playing for about 4 months or so, so this video is super helpful!

[@xplorindylan9655]

Thanks prof I’ll make sure to use this new knowledge to win some games hopefully 👍 instants are my favorite spells to use also lands that help you deal damage instantly to opponents are fun to use like ramunap ruins 🔥

[@michalsliwczak]

I will definitely share this video with some newbies in the future :)

[@obadijahparks]

Thanks professor, I have shared the video to newer players...

[@TheCoolmaster131]

I'm really going to take the "use lands after after phase" advice. Definitely will work with my deck

[@DeloiVarden]

I like all your content, but this type (how to be better) of videos are my favorite!

[@lanceuppercutt5081]

Even tough I have played for 20 years, You can always learn something new

[@sandwichboy1268]

I'm nowhere near a new player, but it's always good to go over the basics. I have too many friends that struggle with going from a mid tier player to an upper tier player. It's not all bad, though, it allows me to play stranger brews and still have a chance

[@cinnamonhenke2143]

Over the years I've learned so much from watching your channel. I appreciate you! :)

[@JohnnyIceage]

Fantastic video Prof. need more content like this!

[@shinjanaytor]

This was just the video I needed. Thank you!!

[@technole]

Midnight Hunt is a good 2nd main phase set, lots of cards trigger on summon when opponent is damaged kind of things.

[@wesleynicewanner5855]

Im really glad i subbed to you prof. Your videos are enjoyable and also very helpful. As someone who has only been playing the game for roughly 2-3 years and is helping others get into the game as well, videos like this make it easier to learn things about the game i may not understand all the way (like the stack) but it also helps me teach these to others as I'm showing them how to play the game. Keep up the great vids prof, you're awesome.

[@Normal_Nights]

Ahh this took many years and many losses to learn these advanced in and outs. Just play against a someone who runs a blue deck and you’ll start to see the big brain plays that can be made. Learning when I have priority and the Stack were very complicated to learn at first, but it eventually made sense.

[@jdonvance]

Perfect! This video is going directly into my syllabus!

[@cochise82]

Excellent video Professor, this will help many new players for years to come. Thank you for contributing such great MTG content...you are appreciated!

[@end-er_1023]

Great video. Needed this to show new players I’m teaching. I enjoy all your Tutor videos as well.

[@aaronoyster9627]

Thanks for the video professor, even after 25 years of MTG, I'm far from a veteran of the game. This should prove to be invaluable.

[@Phe0nix1986]

Played the game forever. Still loved the video. All useful. :)

[@mrpeachie]

I started playing fairly recently and am pretty rubbish at playing. Thanks for the video!

[@blakem000]

Great video, especially the part on threat assessment. I think this is one of the least well understood mechanic of a game. Would also say - in a commander game, just ask the players if you don't understand a threat on the board (AKA a combo piece you don't see coming)

[@pvtpain66k]

I've been playing since 9th Edition/ Ravnica: City of Guilds & had no one to teach me these things, and each one took me years to realize. I legitimately wish I had this video when I started and was too bad at the game to properly implement any of these concepts.

[@kelvinsantiago7061]

I remember a video he made where at first he was pouring coffee into a giant coffee cup but now I can't find it and I miss it also Greetings from Puerto Rico.

[@cassanthemum]

Hey! Really enjoying your vids. I'm al.ost 60 and just learning.

[@JaKrebs]

Thanks, Prof. Nice video, I really needed to have some of these concepts spelled out.

[@luizgagliardi6614]

Loved the editing for this video. Keep up the good work!

[@destrious8133]

Finally a video that even TOUCHES priority

[@uwtartarus]

Always handy new things to learn!

[@JustforKikX]

1: Buy all the expensive staples 2: Play combination with blue/black 3: ??????????? 4: Profit

[@mikegrazick1795]

When I can lightning bolt myself and redirect the damage to my opponents, you know you are having fun.

[@izuzi165]

At 5:10 I feel the given explanation mixes different concepts in a potentially confusing way. It is of course correct that the turn player has priority at the beginning of a phase and that any player can hold priority after casting a spell or activating an ability, but this is not actually what the following example illustrates. When a Planeswalker spell resolves (or any other spell or ability (that uses the stack) for that matter), priority reverts to the turn player, so the turn player can then activate a loyality ability of the planeswalker that just resolved before the opponent receives priority again. This has nothing to do with being able to hold priority after casting a spell. (To expand upon this example: If the planeswalker spell resolving causes some ability to trigger, that ability would be put on the stack and the turn player would receive priority. At this point they cannot activate the loyality ability of the planeswalker because the stack is not empty. If they pass priority, the opponent then has an opportunity to cast Lightning bolt on the fresh planeswalker. If both players now pass priority, the Lightning Bolt will resolve and cause the Planeswalker to die before the turn player ever had the chance to activate its loyalty ability.)

[@loprince87]

Thanks Professor 😎🤹‍♀️

[@mazeus616]

Just started playing again, and this is so helpful!

[@SwamPassMagic]

So glad Prof reminded me there was a second Main phase because I forget about it, oh I don't know, EVERY GAME!!! 😂😂

[@square_hare]

always informative. thank you teach

[@Celticjumper]

Damn, when did Sean Bean start this channel? Love the info!

[@jasonwaller7321]

Great video for someone as green as me!

[@joltaikv2340]

Just watch Tolarian Community College, watching the deck building video helped me build an actual deck and not a bunch of random cards I thought were good

[@MotownCountry]

there are some creature cards that have an ability to destroy any opponents creature that was damaged that turn. so if you wait till your second phase to play that Creature, you instantly can destroy the opponents creature...that you couldn't destroy during combat.

[@onewholeegg]

Been getting back into Pokemon TCG as well, wondering if you had a basic strategy guide for new players on how to play better :)

[@gibbeldon]

TCC Exam question: Excerpt from the Comprehensive Rules (September 24, 2021): "104.3b If a player’s life total is 0 or less, that player loses the game the next time a player would receive priority. (This is a state-based action. See rule 704.)" Consider following scenario: You just got attacked by an opponent and the resulting combat damage brings your life total to 0. However, during the resolution of combat your Serrated Scorpion dies with the triggered ability: "When Serrated Scorpion dies, it deals 2 damage to each opponent and you gain 2 life." a) Do you lose the game? b) Why?

[@Summoningz]

You lose the game because unlike lifelink, the trigger is on the stack and we check life totals with priority, you lose the game before the scorpion’s trigger could salvage your game.

[@rambler209]

I like the unobtrusive "Like, Comment, Subscribe" tag in this. Very nice and out of the way, but still themed to MTG.

[@TaIathar]

Sorry, Prof. The example with Tezzeret is not entirely incorrect. You cast Tezzeret, you retain priority to respond to yourself casting Tezzeret. You choose not to use it and priority is passed. Your opponent chooses not to play a counterspell or otherwise respond to you casting Tezzeret. Now Tezzeret enters the battlefield and creates a stack where players can respond to Tezzeret entering the battlefield. The player who is playing Tezzeret has the opportunity to cast spells at instant speed or activate abilities during this time, but cannot cast a sorcery or creature spell (bar flash), or activate a loyalty ability. Then, if the Tezzeret player decides not to cast anything, priority is passed to the opponent who CAN then cast Lightning Bolt on Tezzeret before you have a chance to activate the loyalty ability. Alternatively, after your opponent chooses not to cast Lightning Bolt, then priority is returned to the Tezzeret player who can then activate Tezzeret's ability at sorcery speed. The counter is gained immediately and the ability is put onto the stack. Then any triggered abilities which would respond to Tezzeret gaining a counter are put onto the stack. Then Tezzeret's player retains priority to activate instant-speed spells and abilities. Otherwise, great video. Also, the homage to IHYD was beautiful.

[@BranGeddon]

Professor: "Life require management" Me: Ofc! Brilliant! Also me: I play Necropotence and exile 35 cards. Down to 5 life.

[@evosphere3368]

Better than playing Ad Nauseam down to 1 life in hopes of drawing a win con 🤣 you either win or lose at that point! I love Necro that card is so broken!

[@justinesagan178]

Lmao