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Magic: The Gathering

Magic: The Gathering card data imported from MTGJSON.

Recognition

Scan your Magic card and see its value.

How To Play

How to Play Magic: The Gathering

Magic: The Gathering is a strategy game where two players cast creatures, spells and lands to control the battlefield and reduce the opponent from 20 life to 0.

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Starting Life

20 per player

Deck Size

60 or more cards

Starting Hand

7 cards

Sideboard

Up to 15 cards

Objective

You normally win by reducing your opponent to 0 life. You can also win if they try to draw from an empty library, or through specific card effects that say you win the game.

Setup

Each player shuffles their deck and draws 7 cards. You begin at 20 life and usually use lands to generate mana, which lets you cast creatures and spells during the game.

Turn Structure

A turn includes untap, upkeep, draw, main phase, combat, a second main phase and ending steps. Lands are usually played during your main phase, while creatures attack during combat and many spells can be used at different moments.

Mana And Combat

Lands create mana, and mana pays for your spells. Creatures can attack opponents or planeswalkers, and the defending player may block with their own creatures. Learning when to attack, block and keep mana open is central to good play.

Beginner Tips

Begin with a straightforward deck and learn the card types one by one: lands, creatures, sorceries, instants and enchantments. Try to use your mana efficiently each turn and avoid attacking into bad blocks without a reason.