First Magic: The Gathering Deck: What to Buy

For your first Magic: The Gathering deck, buy a preconstructed Commander deck (a “precon�) from a recent set—it’s playable out of the box, legal in the most popular casual format, and gives you a balanced starting point. If you prefer a simpler, one-on-one introduction, buy a two-player Starter Kit or Arena Starter Set instead. This article explains the options, how to choose, and what to avoid so your first purchase actually gets played.

Why the Format Matters First

Magic is played in several formats, each with its own card pool and deck-building rules. The format determines what you can put in your deck and who you can play against. The three most common entry points are:

• Commander (EDH): A 100-card singleton format (no duplicate cards except basic lands) built around a legendary “commander.â€� It’s the most popular casual format, usually played with 3–4 players. Preconstructed Commander decks are widely available.
• Standard: A rotating 60-card format using only cards from the last few years. It’s competitive and changes often, making it more expensive to keep up with.
• Limited (Draft/Sealed): You open booster packs and build a deck on the spot. No pre-buying needed, but it requires knowing how to evaluate cards quickly.

For a first deck, Commander precons are the safest bet because they’re self-contained, don’t rotate, and are accepted at most local game stores. Standard decks require constant updates, and Limited requires skill you haven’t built yet.

Preconstructed Decks: The Best Starting Point

Preconstructed decks (precons) are ready-to-play decks made by Wizards of the Coast. They come in two main types:

• Commander precons: Released with each major set, these 100-card decks include a commander, a full mana base, and a coherent strategy. They usually contain a few valuable cards that can be re-used later. Prices range from $40 to $60 USD for recent ones.
• Starter Kit / Arena Starter Set: A box with two 60-card decks designed for beginners, often with a code to unlock the same decks in the digital game Magic: The Gathering Arena. These are cheaper (around $15–$25) and perfect for learning with a friend.

For your first purchase, choose a Commander precon from a recent set (within the last two years) because they are better balanced and easier to find. Older precons may be out of print and overpriced.

How to Choose Which Precon to Buy

All Commander precons are playable, but they differ in complexity and play style. Look at the back of the box—it shows the deck’s color identity and a difficulty rating (usually 1–3). For a first deck, pick one rated 1 or 2. Also consider the theme:

• If you like creatures and attacking, choose a deck with green and red (e.g., “Gruulâ€� or “Nayaâ€� colors).
• If you prefer spells and control, blue and black (e.g., “Dimirâ€� or “Esperâ€�) are good.
• If you want a straightforward life-gain or tokens strategy, white is often the easiest.

You can also watch a quick gameplay video online to see if the deck’s style appeals to you. Avoid buying a deck just because it has a cool dragon on the cover—check the difficulty rating first.

What About Building a Deck from Scratch?

Building your own 60-card Standard deck from singles is possible but not recommended for your first deck. You need to know the current meta, understand mana curves, and have a collection of cards to draw from. A first-time builder often ends up with a deck that loses every game, which is discouraging.

If you really want to build, start with a “budget deck� list from a reputable website (like MTGGoldfish’s Budget Magic series). Buy the singles from an online retailer or your local game store. Expect to spend $30–$60 for a functional Standard deck, but know that it will rotate out of legality eventually.

Common Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make

• Buying booster packs to build a deck: Packs are for Limited or for fun, not for constructing a competitive deck. You’ll spend more and get fewer playable cards.
• Ignoring the format: A deck built for Commander won’t work in Standard, and vice versa. Always check the format before buying.
• Buying a “lotâ€� of random cards online: Those bulk lots are usually commons and uncommons that won’t form a coherent deck.
• Choosing a deck with a high difficulty rating: Some precons have complex interactions that overwhelm new players. Stick to 1 or 2.
• Forgetting sleeves and dice: You’ll need card sleeves (about $10 for 100) to protect your deck, and some dice to track life totals.

Costs: What to Expect

Your total first-purchase budget should be around $50–$80 USD. That covers:

• A Commander precon: $40–$60
• 100 card sleeves: $10–$15
• A pack of card dividers or a deck box: $5–$10 (optional but useful)

If you go the Starter Kit route, you’ll spend about $20–$25 total, but you’ll need to buy a Commander precon later if you want to join the most popular format. Avoid buying expensive singles or booster boxes until you know you enjoy the game.

Digital Alternatives: Try Before You Buy

Before spending money on paper cards, try Magic: The Gathering Arena—a free-to-play digital version. It teaches you the rules with a tutorial and gives you starter decks. You can play for hours without spending a cent. Many players use Arena to learn the game, then buy a paper precon once they know they like it.

Arena is also a good way to test a specific precon’s play style if you find a code for it online (some precons include a code to redeem the same deck in Arena).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a single deck and play with friends who have their own decks?

Yes, as long as you all play the same format. Commander precons are designed to be played against each other, and most casual groups use Commander. If your friends play Standard, you’ll need a Standard-legal deck instead.

How many cards are in a Commander deck?

A Commander deck has exactly 100 cards: 99 in the library plus your commander. No card may appear more than once except basic lands (like Plains or Island).

Are older precons better value?

Not usually. Older precons may contain cards that have spiked in value, but they are often out of print and cost more than their original price. For a first deck, a recent precon is better because it’s cheaper and has more modern card interactions.

What if I don’t like the deck I bought?

You can modify it later by swapping cards, but for your first deck, stick with the precon as-is. If you really dislike it, you can sell it or trade it at a local game store, but expect to get less than you paid.

Do I need to buy sleeves and a deck box?

Yes, sleeves are strongly recommended—they protect your cards from wear and make shuffling easier. A deck box keeps everything together. These cost about $10–$15 total and are worth it.

Can I use a Commander deck in Standard tournaments?

No. Commander decks are not Standard-legal because they contain cards from many sets. You need a 60-card deck with only cards currently in Standard rotation for that format.

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