What is Magic the Gathering?

Series Summary

"Magic The Gathering" is a collectible card game invented by mathematician Richard Garfield and introduced to the RPG market in 1993 by Wizards of the Coast. Since then, MTG fan base has grown, boasting an astounding 6 million plus players worldwide. A typical game of "Magic The Gathering" is carried out by two or more players, each supplied with their own deck of cards (or library) with which to do battle. Play progresses as magic spells and enchantments are cast, artifacts forged and employed, and a sizeable phantasmagoria of monsters, animals, spirits and men are summoned. The game takes cues from classic role playing games like Dungeons and Dragons, but bears closer resemblances to bridge or poker in play. The complex rules and card instructions can challenge even the most avid cardplayer. In this free "Magic the Gathering" video series, certified DCI judge Tameron Josbeck teaches you how to play the ever-popular "Magic the Gathering" CCG. Tameron covers the different types of cards, tapping mana, setting up the zones, and the various phases of a turn in Magic. You will get an overview of Magic turn sequences, a grasp of basic gameplay and objectives, and one of the "Golden Rules of Magic."

Video Transcript

"Magic the Gathering is a collectible card game invented in 1993 by a man named Richard Garfield. Wizards of the Coast publishes it and every player takes the role of a wizard that duels with other wizards using spells represented by these cards. The backs of all the cards are the same to allow randomization during play. On the back you see the symbol of the game which is the five colors arranged in an order. Each color represents certain aspects of magical ability and has two ally colors and two enemy colors. White at the top represents purity, holiness. Green represents the life force, plants and animals. Red represents earth, fire, chaos and war. Black represents the evil, deception, and disease. Blue represents water, air, mind and illusion."