Magic Basics for Newbies Magic has captivated the minds and imagination of humans for centuries. From ancient times to modern entertainment, magic continues to enchant and fascinate people of all ages. If you are new to the world of magic, it can seem overwhelming and confusing at first. However, by understanding a few basic principles, you can begin your magical journey. **The Power of Intention** Magic begins with the power of intention. Your thoughts and desires are the driving force behind your magical abilities.
Also, note that sometimes, new cards get released directly into older formats or commander. These cards will be new, but they will not be automatically legal in Standard or Pioneer or what have you. Examples of this are new cards in Commander precons or special sets like Modern Horizons or Commander Legends.
However, you should be aware that A, you are very likely to get back a lot less of the value you spend on the pack, and B, you are by no means guaranteed to get the card s you want, and C, that money could have gone elsewhere. It seems like a game for enthusiasts and the cards themselves are so detailed it can be hard to wrap your head around the many elements of this game.
Your thoughts and desires are the driving force behind your magical abilities. Before attempting any magic, it is important to have a clear intention and a focused mind. Your belief in your own abilities and the power of your intention will greatly influence the success of your magical endeavors.
An Absolute Beginner’s Guide To Magic: The Gathering
Magic: The Gathering can be intimidating to people who have never played it before. It seems like a game for enthusiasts and the cards themselves are so detailed it can be hard to wrap your head around the many elements of this game. What is mana? Do the colours mean anything? What’s up with the confusing text at the bottom (it’s called flavour text, by the way)? But like most tabletop games, once you get the basic concepts, Magic becomes a lot easier and is extremely enjoyable. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Let’s me just clarify that Magic: The Gathering is a complex card game with a rich history and a detailed back story. Remember Pokémon cards back in the late ’90s? Well, Magic is similar, except more hardcore and rooting heavily in the fantasy genre.
We’re trying to make Magic more accessible here, even for the absolute newbies, so we’ll refrain from going too in-depth in terms of all the details. The best way to learn is to play the game with an experienced (and patient) opponent who can guide you through all the nitty gritty things you need to know, but a basic knowledge of Magic will make the process much easier.
Do bear in mind that Magic can become an expensive habit if you do want to take it more seriously. New cards are released regularly and, if you go by official rules, they’re only valid for a limited amount of time. But if you’re intending to just play casually, you’ll survive with a one deck of cards.
So let’s get started on some of the fundamentals and go through some of the most essential jargon and rules you will need to know:
- Points: Each player starts with 20 life points that can be depleted from an opponent’s spells and attacks.
- Hand: The cards in your hand. You start off by drawing seven cards.
- Turn: Each player can play their cards on their ‘turn’. There are a few phases and here’s the simplified version:
– If you have any cards that are ‘tapped’, untap them (we’ll get into what this means in a second).
– Check if any of your cards require you to do anything before you draw an extra card. Some cards, for example, gives you one life at the beginning of your turn.
– Lay down one Land card (if you have any) and if you have enough mana, you can ‘tap’ them and play a card.
– If you already have a card out on the table, and you can use it (see Summoning Sickness), then you can launch an attack. Or, if your opponent has launched an attack, you can block them with your active cards (more on that later). - Tap: Once you play a card, you ‘tap’ it to execute its powers. For example, if it’s a creature and you want to attack your opponent with it, you need to ‘tap’ it by flipping the card to a horizontal position. Same goes for some spells you cast.
- Graveyard and Exile: When your creature/minion dies or a spell is used, you put them in the graveyard pile. If a creature/minion dies and is ‘exiled’ by another player, then it goes into the exile pile. Cards in the Graveyard can be retrieved through the use of spells but for exiled ones, they’ll need to be back in the Graveyard before you can resurrect them.
- Summoning Sickness: For most creature/minion cards, unless otherwise specified, you can’t use it to attack on the same turn that you played it. Instant spells can be cast immediately, regardless of whose turn it is; summoning sickness doesn’t apply to them.
- Blocking: Creature/minion cards have an attack and defence value, indicated at the bottom of the card. If an opponent attacks with a creature/minion card, you can use another creature/minion card to block the damage. Here’s where you’ll have to do some basic math. If the attack power of the opponent’s card is greater than the defence value of your card, then your card ‘dies’ and goes into the Graveyard.
On a related note, some spells can cancel out or even reflect the damage. Damage to the player’s life points is negated through blocking, unless the attacking card has a mechanic that specifies damage will still go through to the player (i.e. Trample).
**The Energy of the Universe** Magic is the art of harnessing and manipulating the energy that surrounds us. This energy, often referred to as Universal or Cosmic Energy, exists in everything and everyone. By tapping into this energy, you can create the desired outcomes or effects you seek. To do this, you must learn to sense and connect with this energy, channeling it through various methods such as visualization, rituals, or spells. **Tools and Symbols** Many practitioners of magic use tools and symbols to help them focus their intentions and energies. These tools can range from simple items like candles, crystals, or herbs to more intricate items like wands or tarot cards. Each tool carries its own symbolic meaning and can aid in the manifestation of your magic. It is important to choose tools and symbols that resonate with you personally, as your connection and belief in their power are crucial for success. **Ethics and Responsibility** As you delve into the realm of magic, it is essential to consider ethics and responsibility. Magic is a powerful force, and it is important to use it wisely and responsibly. Always remember the principle of "do no harm" and consider the consequences of your actions. Magic should never be used to manipulate or harm others, but rather to bring about positive change and personal growth. **Study and Practice** Becoming proficient in magic requires dedication, study, and practice. There are countless resources available – books, online communities, and courses – that can help you deepen your understanding and develop your skills. It is important to approach magic with an open mind and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures. The more you practice, the more confident and skilled you will become. **Embrace the Wonder** The world of magic is vast and ever-changing. It is a realm of infinite possibilities and hidden mysteries. Embrace the wonder and joy that magic brings, and allow yourself to be amazed by its marvels. Remember, magic is not just about casting spells or performing tricks – it is a doorway to a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you. So, if you're a newbie to magic, start by cultivating a clear intention, tapping into the energy of the universe, and using tools and symbols that resonate with you. Remember the importance of ethics and responsibility, and dedicate yourself to study and practice. Finally, embrace the wonder and joy that magic brings. With these basics in mind, you are on your way to becoming a skilled magician..
Reviews for "Wards, Sigils, and Talismans: An Introduction for Newbies"
1. John - 2 stars - I found "Magic basics for newbies" to be quite disappointing. The book promised to provide a comprehensive guide for beginners, but it fell short in many areas. The explanations were convoluted and difficult to understand, making it hard for someone without any prior knowledge of magic to grasp the concepts. The exercises and examples provided were also lacking, leaving me feeling confused and frustrated. Overall, I would not recommend this book to newbies looking to learn about magic.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I was highly unsatisfied with "Magic basics for newbies". The content was extremely basic and lacked any depth or substance. I was expecting to learn some practical tips and tricks, but instead, I found myself reading vague and repetitive explanations. The book failed to capture my interest and left me feeling bored and unimpressed. I would not recommend wasting your time or money on this book if you are serious about learning magic.
3. Michael - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Magic basics for newbies", but it ended up being a letdown. The writing style was dry and monotonous, making it difficult to stay engaged. The author seemed to assume prior knowledge, leaving me confused and struggling to follow along. The lack of illustrations or visual aids further hindered my understanding. In my opinion, there are much better resources available for beginners interested in learning about magic.
4. Jessica - 2 stars - "Magic basics for newbies" failed to meet my expectations. The information provided was too basic, even for a complete beginner like myself. I was hoping for more in-depth explanations and practical exercises to help me get started, but I found the book to be lacking in both areas. Additionally, the writing style was uninspiring and failed to hold my attention. Overall, I found the book to be underwhelming and would not recommend it to others looking to learn magic.