Starting Magic: The Gathering as a beginner in 2024!

Magic: The Gathering can be an intimidating hobby to get into. There is a little bit of a learning curve and like me, you will no doubt make mistakes. However, watch on and I will hopefully help you avoid a few.
Starting Magic: The Gathering in 2024 is no worse than any other time, you are no better to have started this year than any other year. So head to your local friendly gaming store and ask when their next Magic night is.
They will be sure to welcome you in and help you get started.
The incredible creators I mentioned in this video:
‪@BillieTrixx‬ - BillieTrixx
‪@TolarianCommunityCollege‬ - Tolarian Community College
‪@RageDarling‬ - RageDarling (PlebCon host and organizer)
‪@DNDWizards‬ #magicthegathering #mtg

[@DM-MilkMan]

Hey folks. Please check out the other creators I have highlighted in this video. @BillieTrixx, @TolarianCommunityCollege and @RageDarling. 00:00 - Intro 00:13 - A brief history of MTG 00:40 - Styles of Play 02:16 - Buying your first deck 03:23 - Example of a Commander deck 05:20 - Types of Boosters 07:23 - Buying Singles 07:57 - Learn from my mistake 09:34 - Rarity 10:52 - Recommended Resources 12:22 - Little known facts about MTG 13:24 - Please like and subscribe!

[@sergez6172]

Oh shit a fellow Irish man who play mtg and is on KZbin (I'm considering opening a hobby/card shop out here in south Dublin (bordering on wick low) we already have a corner shop that also sell 40k but yeah sorry carried away thanks for the video.

[@deathspadewilliams2374]

they do have lore in the past if you look it up that will have some big series runs the first one that helped set off the whole game is called the brothers war its great and id recomend it to anyone who is wanting to also get into the lore side of things great vid man

[@DM-MilkMan]

​@@deathspadewilliams2374 Cheers, appreciate you saying so. I have looked a bit into the lore. So far, Liliana's story is becoming my fave. (must be why I love Zombie decks and using my graveyard as a hand so much. 😊

[@YelanMain31]

I woke up and decided to play MTG, even though I don't have any idea how to play it. I searched for a beginner guide and landed on this video.

[@DM-MilkMan]

I hope I helped in some way and made it a little easier and more enticing to join.

[@SpAceDrragon]

Same here , knew about the game growing up and had friends that played but never got into it myself

[@Jelle1880]

I've just gotten back into it after 20 years and this is so helpful. Times have definitely changed so much over 2 decades haha

[@DM-MilkMan]

Glad I could help. Yeah, there are more effects and all but they have gotten better at how things are worded so it is a little simpler. I hope you get back into it and enjoy. Those Bloomburrow sets are great.

[@Jelle1880]

@@DM-MilkMan They are what got me back into it, the art is amazing :) I just signed up for my first draft game haha, can't wait!

[@DM-MilkMan]

@@Jelle1880 That's great! Love to hear it. Best of luck in your games.

[@BillieTrixx]

Thank you for including me in this video it's really lovely what you said and great way of explaining what I do actually!

[@D1ana2009]

I played a bit in 2018, and "collected" some card in 2021 but couldn't play outside of the Arena app on my laptop. I really want to get back into it and play in small tournaments in my are.

[@DM-MilkMan]

Welcome back to the hobby. 😁 Well I hope you come back, the new decks are great and such good value. I have had more of a chance to play them recently and have to say, I know what I'm spending my next pay check on.

[@kaizen_unknown]

This video single-handedly pushed me to actually get into mtg! Thank you for such a wonderful video!

[@DM-MilkMan]

This means the world to hear. Thank you so much for letting me know and I hope you have such great fun with this game.

[@isabellaisanangle7575]

Very appreciated video, thank you lots 🙏🙏🙏

[@DM-MilkMan]

Glad you enjoyed it and hope it helped in some way.

[@llllllllIIIIIIIIIII]

Alternative title: How to get poor in 2024

[@DM-MilkMan]

@@llllllllIIIIIIIIIII You aren't wrong...

[@ChemiKulveer]

Thanks for breaking it down...loved the video! Just getting into mtg and wemt to my first "how to play" session at my local shop yday! Videos like this really help! 👌🏽

[@DM-MilkMan]

Glad I could help and hope it wasn't too nerve wrecking for your first intro event. It's honestly such a fun game.

[@johntorres1041]

Really helpful !

[@DM-MilkMan]

Glad you think so! Hope you enjoy your games.

[@pearspeedruns]

Thank you, just started MtG and really had no idea how to get a deck made. After hearing your recommendations I think I’m just going to buy a couple of the preconstructed ones.

[@DM-MilkMan]

Glad to hear it. The latest decks from Bloomburrow are getting absolutely rave reviews from both ability and function. They are great starter decks, particularly the Bumbleflower deck has been used by so many in my local game shop and my constructed Miirym deck has real trouble against them, as in, I haven't beaten those damn decks yet. Haha.

[@Princeinna5.0]

I been more into yugioh for years but recently just stopped and got right into magic and although I’m just starting out I don’t regret it and wish I would’ve been playing magic over yugioh this seems more amazing more card and deck choices etc I wanna learn commander so bad but understand I need to learn the standard gameplay first Also what is your top 5 precon decks you’d recommend I’m looking into BLAME GAME GRAVEYARD OVERDRIVE VELOCIRAMPTOR ELDRAZI INCURSION QUICKDRAW

[@DM-MilkMan]

Oooh, I don't really have a top 5. Still feel like i'm too fresh in the game to claim what i'd recommend across the board. However, I have a couple I would recommend: Peace Offering - Currently the most played deck at my LGS. With a few upgrades its seriously strong. (See the BumblePower build on Moxfield) Grave Danger - I have this deck, I have upgraded it slightly and it can take on very powerful decks. Also, it's very fun to watch the board get wiped and you just pull stuff straight back from the Graveyard. Scrappy Survivors - From the Fallout Universes beyond. Just make Dogmeat the best boy in all the Wastelands. Straight out of the box this deck is great. And Hosts of Mordor - Just Orcs. All the Orcs!!!!

[@PetitePhillyLife]

I have a card that’s worth .80$ the holographic version of the same card is over $80 … it’s crazy

[@DM-MilkMan]

It is. But some folks just adore a specific card in a specific version. For instance, the Karlach etched foil is amazing to me. The base one is just meh....

[@sirhejsan3948]

I just happened to stumble across this and as an avid player of the game for over half of my life at this point i can say that you sir did it. You delivered the most a Relevant information and the starter point effectively. However you did make a fault which i find i should explain. In the video you state that set boosters are themed. And while that is true for some of them(mostly new ones) the "older" sets set boosters instead have the unique feature of providing 1-4 rare/mythic cards aswell as a ca 25% chance that the token/ad card be replace by a card from "the list". This isn't a critisim of your great video just a clarification for new players who happen to read the comments

[@DM-MilkMan]

Thank you for the commendation. Really appreciate the feedback and seriously, thanks for clarifying the older boosters. As I mentioned in the video, i'm still just getting into this so appreciate folks clearing stuff up. Thank you.

[@sirhejsan3948]

​@@DM-MilkMan welcome to the community. Still got a ways till we might face of considering that most players don't touch legacy😅

[@DanielSheffler]

Born 1983 I played in the old day's but I stop I can't figure it out anymore I buy some of these new decks I not opening them

[@DM-MilkMan]

It has gotten a lot more mechanics as far as I am aware, but still not beyond a little research. I would recommend hopping back in for a game or two, see if it ignites the passion again.

[@Itachi45481]

I do know now there are only 2 types of boosters now collectors and I believe it’s still called set boosters but yeah magic is a bit crazy right now I mean we’re getting a cowboy set and basically a red wall one in the summer😅

[@DM-MilkMan]

Yeah, I heard there is some crazy new types of boosters with only 7 cards too. Very odd.

[@Itachi45481]

@@DM-MilkMan yeah magic and crazy different packages are rampant just march of the machines aftermath do not purchase there should only be play booster and collector now as of this year

[@maxlees9686]

This was so well laid out and clear, I'm glad i picked your video to learn about the game! Take my like and subscription good sir!

[@DM-MilkMan]

Thank you Max. I appreciate and wish you all the best in starting Magic. It really is a great game and has hooked me. Hope you enjoy it too.

[@baseballfan172]

W bro! I’m so sorry, I’ve been traveling and did not realize you posted a few videos!

[@DM-MilkMan]

It's all good. Means you can binge them now if ya want. Haha.

[@nvcn86]

actual how to start playing as a newbie: find a MTG club nearby. go and tell people you want to learn to play. ask to borrow a deck. do that a few times until you get a feel for the game, which colours/type of decks you like. talk more to people. ask if anyone is selling a deck you like. DO NOT BUY ANY PREMADE DECKS OR PACKS. see if you still like playing that deck. start playing arena or online to test other colours and cards for free/cheaply while still talking and playing with people. DO NOT BUY PRECUSTRUCTED DECKS. lol. then BORROW meta decks on MTG ONLINE you think you might like, THEN you might buy decks you might like, still online to save money. then you should know enough to expand your collection on your own. only time i'd consider official premade decks is if it's only you and a few friends playing and you have no other options. buying decks/singles IS THE WAY TO GO. not spending money on hasbro bullshit. edit: ok, 8 min in he stars talking about buying/borrowing on MTG Online. but i also mean buying decks as singles from stores and people.

[@DM-MilkMan]

So just making sure, you wrote all of that, before finishing watching the video?

[@shambles4049]

This is legit the best guide I have come across.

[@DM-MilkMan]

Thank you for the kind words and glad I could help. Hope you enjoy the games.

[@TheHAMM14]

I love this video, i kinda get magic so mechanics aren't super important. Alot of the store suggestions n such are so helpful tho. Ive found it hard to decifer what sites i should use

[@DM-MilkMan]

I'm really really glad you enjoyed it.

[@WilliamRichardson-xe7ej]

I just started buying and collecting them cards though it would be fun to play with my kids i want to learn how to play

[@DM-MilkMan]

I can't recommend grabbing a starter kit enough. It has two basic decks and all the instructions you'll need. Great for spending time with the kids. Hope you enjoy.

[@7someone]

Want to start playing magic no problem they’ll just need your credit card number and are you thinking about getting that second mortgage.

[@DM-MilkMan]

I mean, recent decks have been kind of balanced, but it is like an addiction. Haha

[@tylernixon652]

I'm just starting out. I hope one day MTG has crossover with the Cosmere

[@DM-MilkMan]

That looks interesting. May your hands never need a mulligan!

[@KAR1492]

"there are two main ways to play magic" is uh.. in correct. i know you said there are other ways as well, but i don't think its close to accurate to say that formats like limited, pioneer, modern, etc. are less played than standard (unless you're speaking EXCLUSIVELY about on Arena, because I would argue all of those formats are plays more in paper than Standard, and even limited may be close on Arena as well).

[@DM-MilkMan]

And this is why I mentioned there are other ways as well. Might just be a regional thing as the only other "way" that's played in my county is Pauper. Then again, where I am is very limited to player numbers.

[@cesarebeltramello9808]

"Is uh... incorrect.." do you actually speak like that?

[@FireKnightGaming]

Idk if you still reply to this video but maybe someone will. I used to play Yugioh competitively. Went to nationals prolly 5+ times after topping several regionals. I quit the game because the power creep destroyed the game and it’s basically hope you win dice roll or watch your opponent play for 20 mins. Is competitive magic worth getting into in 2024? Think this would be a good video within itself. Thanks for any answers.

[@DM-MilkMan]

Hey, yeah I try to respond to every comment. I feel like it is worth getting into, espceially competitive. Sure recently there has been a little hubub about "Nadu Bant" decks, basically 36% of decks ran at a competition in June ran this type of deck, though they didn't auto win. Many of those decks seemed to be a higher level but pulling off those combos weren't a given and as such didn't outright dominate, though the tournament winner did utilize such a deck. The landscape of MTG these days is changing every couple months with the rate they are releasing Universes beyond content and honestly, I feel like this is a good thing. A sure fire, well built deck will still hold up against any assumed "meta" build. Even some of the latest pre-cons give built decks a serious run for their money. Glad you took the time to watch the video and I hope you get into the game, it really is great, and that's from a former YGO player. TL;DR - Yes, it is worth getting into for competitive.

[@LonneLpp]

My buddy has been getting back into MTG and while looking for my cards from 2013 I unfortunately cannot find the 300+ 😔

[@LonneLpp]

I recall ZERO of the game or how to play; except I played Red & Green

[@DM-MilkMan]

@@LonneLpp eeeesh, that's heartbreaking. The fortunate thing is some of the commander decks are still pretty evenly priced, and the starter kits are still good to get into it again. But man, if I lost a commander deck now, I would be floored. Can't help but empathise with ya. Hope you folks do get back into it and enjoy it, might take the sting out of the loss a bit.

[@LonneLpp]

@@DM-MilkMan The couple commander decks I have recently looked & bought 1 of was: Hail Cesar (May buy today) and I put on order Mutant Menace [Mothman]. These two stuck out as fun to me and the boys are pumped!

[@DM-MilkMan]

@@LonneLpp Love to hear it! That's great. Wish you nothing but the best games.

[@Darkrocmon]

Arena isn't standard only, limited, brawl, alchemy, Explorer....

[@DM-MilkMan]

Hmmm... When i hopped on it had very few of those options.

[@misterduelog]

Don’t

[@DM-MilkMan]

@@misterduelog????

[@bioluminescentlyunfolding5716]

I love that the first time I search for Magic beginner videos I land on one by someone from here! This is not my first time with Magic, but I'm in need of a refresher. I'd started learning six years ago, but I am not a quick study, and then COVID hit, the tabletop gaming cafe I'd been going to closed for good, and the cards ended up in storage. But my new friend group is obsessed with Magic, and the moment I clapped eyes on the Bloomburrow cards I realised I really needed to try this again, so I'm exploring my starter kit now. Thanks for the tips!

[@DM-MilkMan]

From here? County or country? 😁 Either ways, these days it feels so easy to get into, especially if it's a refresher. Your local game shop will no doubt have MTG nights and will gladly run you through it again. The latest decks are killer and super easy to use.

[@danacoleman4007]

DON'T DO IT!!!!!!

[@DM-MilkMan]

I mean.... If people wanna, they should at least try it.

[@Ciaran1337]

Where are you from? I’m in Belfast near Lisburn. Happy to play with you!

[@DM-MilkMan]

If I am ever up that way I will see if I can. I'm in Donegal.

[@Ciaran1337]

@@DM-MilkMan I’m in Donegal in a few weeks! I’ll give you a shout 😃

[@itsyaboiherman]

Took a break from magic but after playing ygo for about 8 months....i HAD to come back home😭😭😭 i miss playing my turn lol

[@DM-MilkMan]

"it's time to d-d-d-d-d duel!!!" Yu-Gi-Oh was fun, but I played it back in like 2005, not sure what its like now. I just know that MTG hits a spot that YGO couldn't to keep me playing it. Glad to have you back.

[@itsyaboiherman]

@DM-MilkMan well turns are about 4 minutes and every tries to otk lol

[@sergez6172]

Northern Irish??

[@DM-MilkMan]

I'm Donegal so border county accent. 😁

[@sergez6172]

@@DM-MilkMan still roi ! Yeah Dublin too on the border of wicklow (front garden is Dublin back is Wicklow)

I’ve been wanting to get into magic and I went to a new thrift store in town and found an entire box of modern horizons 3 collectors box and only paid 6$ for it. Needless to say I am lost on where to begin with the cards that were in it 😅

[@DM-MilkMan]

That is completely understandable, and you should know, you got a hell of a deal. What I would recommend is you either speak to a friend who plays or reach out to your local LGS. The cards you got in there will be able to help build you a deck, but not a complete deck so you will not be able to play yet. Heck you got a great deal... I'm genuinely both jealous and happy for you. 😁 Just FYI, if you grab a precon deck now, with the cards in the collectors box, you will have a heck of a strong build. And you could sell some for a small fortune.

@@DM-MilkMan I’ll definitely be back there, on Saturday everything is 6$ and Sunday is 4$. I looked it up to see how much it cost originally and was amazed. Do you have any suggestions for a newbie budget friendly Precon deck?

[@DM-MilkMan]

The latest released decks, Bloomburrow, are great. They really pack a punch. One of the best decks IMO of the past few years has been the scrappy survivors deck from the Fallout Universes Beyond, but it can be a bit pricey in some stores. Personally, I have been looking at Legends Legacy from the Dominaria United range. A little bit of an older deck but simple mechanics with multiple simple win conditions. For me, they would be the best new player friendly decks, and at a good price too.

@@DM-MilkMan awesome I’ll go check those out. I appreciate it and will keep looking at your videos for some more tips and help.

[@benjaminthiele7474]

Thank You from a new Magic player. I appreciate the info.

[@DM-MilkMan]

@@benjaminthiele7474 Glad I could be of some kind of help and I really hope you enjoy the game. It's a really great hobby to get into

[@benjaminthiele7474]

@@DM-MilkMan I'm loving Arena so far.

[@kevinmacdonald3088]

Great video, thank you!

[@DM-MilkMan]

Just glad you enjoyed it.

[@Lornext]

Standard is not the second most popular format... Get the hell out with that. :D

[@DM-MilkMan]

According to folks at my local game shop it is. But then again, that might be unique to my area. 😅

[@Matti_Mattsen]

As someone who has been playing Magic since 1996 and still occasionally does: Honestly, don't even bother. The gameplay of Magic isn't what it used to be, many formats get powercrept like crazy and the business was redesigned in a way to milk as much money out of the consumer as possible. Hence the overwhelming amount of product you see on offer. They even recently ditched one form of boosters that were going for cheaper so they would force players that liked limited (a form of magic using only sealed product) to pay more money. My best advice (and i nearly puked even saying this) is: Try Magic Arena. If just to take a look at how it plays. At least it costs nothing except your time.

[@DM-MilkMan]

Trying Arena is fair, i still think the best way to try it out is JumpStart, but the only requirement being time for Arena is a perfect option.

[@furiousfellow1583]

Agree, I started in arena less that a year ago and each standard set its just more ridiculous, at least brawl (kind of commander) doesn't feel that much bloated and you can still draft

[@hashtastic3537]

Can you pull serialized cards from normal boosters?

[@DM-MilkMan]

Unfortunately they can only be pulled from collectors packs, those tend to be more expensive due to the higher percent of a rare pull.

[@DM-MilkMan]

I didn't know this until a week or so ago....

[@hashtastic3537]

​@@DM-MilkManthx, I'm maaaaybe gonna get into it😂

[@phantomask]

I search up online about magic tcg and it's collectibility. and so far, this and an april's fools guide for beginners is what i have encountered. I might pass on magic for now. I'll stick to pokemon for now.

[@DM-MilkMan]

Hey, thanks for the engagement guess?

[@MattKilleen798]

What a weird comment

[@danacoleman4007]

good move

[@Solitario9475]

Yeah I can already tell imma be trash if I try this. My ADHD brain barely remembers what I had for breakfast if I even had breakfast to begin with xD 🥲

[@DM-MilkMan]

You won't know till you give it a go. Could be worth it for the laugh? Either ways, cheers for watching, I really appreciate you taking the time.

[@Solitario9475]

@@DM-MilkMan If I were to make a deck it’d be all about spamming rat tokens and I’d call it the rat king deck haha.

[@pearspeedruns]

@@Solitario9475I love that idea. You should totally do it.