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A few questions, with additional content

I suppose the preface to this thread should be this: I'm a newcomer to Magic, and as such will have many stupid questions regarding it. It's one of those things that I would love to drop on a bunch of people around the area where I live so I don't have to harass the people on the internet but alas, nobody to be found. I'm turning to you guys to hopefully get me up to speed.

First things first. I have a deck! Not a starter one either, but one that was built by a friend of mine in America. It's one that I've come to appreciate after playing it a couple of times, and it seemed to suit my mentality as a player so I'm hoping to use it. List is as follows:

4x Faerie Conclave
4x Sleep
4x Traumatize
4x Repulse
4x Steel Wall
4x Unsummon
4x Moonring Island
4x Keening Stone
4x Frantic Search
4x Wall of Air
4x Wall of Frost
4x Mana Vapors
4x Cancel
4x Quash
4x Disrupt
19x Island

Now with my rudimentary understanding of the game system, I assume that this deck is playable in at least one format, but obviously to begin with I'm looking for something that will cover me in a variety of situations. I don't know if this is suitable or if I should wait for the 2012 starter decks to come out and just add to one of those from the new boosters. I certainly enjoyed the SoM Metalcraft deck in terms of out of the box as a training tool. Seemed to do quite well, but the person that taught me might have been going easy on me (who am I kidding, chances are he was).

So yes, that's where I stand at present. I have that deck physically, despite learning to play online. I purchased it on a whim, as I do with many TCGs when I learn to play them. If it's usable then awesome, if not then whatever, I get something that is. That all said and done, I'll throw a couple of questions down before I go braindead and bore you all to death with a wall of text.

1. Thoughts on the deck. Is it usable in a general sense of the word? Tournament legal (I'm leaning heavily towards the side of not at the moment, but you never know)?

2a. If the answer to the above is yes, then can I improve on it in your opinion?

2b. If the answer to the above is no, then welp, what do? What are your suggestions on getting a deck together for playing on a mini tournament level considering that 2012 is literally days away. I'm not adverse to dropping some notes on a box of boosters if needs be either.

3. M:TG ruleset for Dummies, does it exist? If so, where? If not, can you give me a breakdown?

I appreciate that I'm asking a lot, and understand if you're hesitant to assist. I'll take what advice I can get.

Oh and apologies if this is in the wrong place. Forums are fickle things.

P.S.

Hi.
Posted 12 July 2011 at 22:35

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1 reply

I'm on my way out the door, so I will be a bit brief on my answers--which is okay, because I'm sure someone more knowledgable than me can follow up later.

1. It is Constructed tournament legal, depending on the Tournament.
-Standard (latest 2 blocks + latest core set): no.
-Extended (latest 4 blocks + 3 latest core sets): almost, but no.
-Vintage: yes
-Legacy: Yes.

While there are other tournament settings, these are the main ones you will run into, and can all be quite different.

2a. It's not awful, but there could be improvements. If you create the deck and submit the link, it's easier for people to see what would work better/ what to take out, because you can draw sample hands and look at mana curves.

2b. You have a few options. A box of boosters isn't a bad idea, especially if your just beginning your collection. The way to go these days, it seems, is to look at the cards available, test-build decks online, and then order the cards via Internet. In my opinion, it really depends on what you want to do. There are other options like Sealed Deck tournaments and booster drafts, which can be better explained here ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic:_The_Gathering#Tournament_structure). These will help you get a better understanding on deck-building, the general rules of the game, etc. Most people that host FNM will also host tournaments for newcomers to the game, as well.

3. As for general rules, when in doubt, google it. For basics, I find the wiki at MTGsalvation to be good. If you want the full-on in-depth adventure, it's here: http://www.wizards.com/Magic/TCG/Article.aspx?x=magic/rules

Hope that answers your questions, at least a little. I also hope you find some people around you who are into the game. A lot of people don't share my opinion, but this game is most fun (and sometimes, most brutal) when it's played in a casual setting with a bunch of friends. Welcome to the game!

P.S.

Hi back.
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Posted 12 July 2011 at 23:44

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