Magic: The Gathering
- Designer Richard Garfield
- Publisher Wizards of the Coast , Keyword Fights
- Illustration Victor Adame , Miao Aili , Randis Albion , Rob Alexander , James Allen (I) , Dave Allsop
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
You take the role of a planeswalker and duel opponents using a deck representing spells, creatures and permanents. Gameplay centers on drawing cards, playing spells, and managing your hand while permanents and one-time effects shape the board. The system includes a detailed reactions mechanism (the stack) and supports formats beyond two-player duels, from casual to tournament play.
Who Is This Game For?
Aimed at collectors and experienced card players: Magic is a connoisseur-level CCG with strong deck-building and collecting elements. Minimum age is 13 and individual games are short (~20 minutes), but building competitive decks and engaging with formats requires time and experience.
How It Works
Core mechanics include Deck Construction and Hand Management: players build decks before play and draw cards during the game. Income-like elements appear as mana generation, and Interrupts/stack-based reactions allow reactive play. Closed Drafting formats exist for limited play, and Betting and Bluffing can appear in some casual interactions. Permanents (creatures, artifacts, enchantments) remain on the battlefield while other spells have one-off effects.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Richard Garfield, Magic pioneered the collectible card game model and is listed in family entries as part of the unsere Datenbank Hall of Fame. It won multiple Origins Awards in 1993 and was a 1994 Mensa Select winner. Its combination of deck-building, a formal reaction system, and a large collectible pool set it apart.
Awards
1996
1994
- 1995 Deutscher Spiele Preis Special Prize — Winner
- 1995 Fairplay À la carte — Winner
- 1995 À-la-carte-Kartenspielpreis — Winner
- 1993 Origins Awards Best Graphic Presentation of a Boardgame — Winner
- 1993 Origins AwardsBest Fantasy or Science Fiction Boardgame — Winner
- 1993 Origins Award — Winner
Pro
- Historic influence as the first major CCG
- Deep deck-building (Deck Construction) and strategic variety
- Complex interactions via the stack (Interrupts)
- Multiple play formats from duels to multiplayer and tournaments
Contra
- Collectible nature requires time and potential investment
- Rule depth and interaction complexity can be daunting for newcomers
Setting & Atmosphäre
High fantasy setting: players are powerful wizards (planeswalkers) who summon creatures and cast spells to defeat opponents in magical duels.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Start with preconstructed decks or casual formats, focus on basic hand management and mana understanding before committing to collecting.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No. The players field specifies a minimum of 2 players.
How long does a game really take?
Listed duration is about 20 minutes; building decks and organized formats take additional time.
What prior experience do I need?
Basic card game experience and willingness to learn deck construction; the game sits at a connoisseur/expert level.
How does this compare to similar games?
Magic was the first major CCG and is distinguished by its formal reactions system (the stack) and extensive collectible ecosystem.
Is this suitable for families?
Minimum age is 13; due to collecting and complexity it is better suited to families with older children or experienced players.
What mechanic makes it special?
Deck Construction combined with the stack/Interrupts-driven interaction is central to Magic's gameplay.
Fazit
Magic: The Gathering is the reference point for collectible card games and suits players who enjoy deck construction and collecting. If you like short duels but plan to invest in collection and strategy, it fits well.
