Magic: The Gathering – Strategy, magic, and endless collecting possibilities
Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is the pioneer of trading card games. Since its launch in 1993, Magic has grown into a global phenomenon, with millions of players, thousands of cards, and a deep strategic core that continues to challenge. Whether you're here to collect, play, or explore your favorite fantasy universe, Magic offers a unique blend of tactics, lore, and collectible value.
What Magic products are there?
Magic: The Gathering has a wide range of products, tailored to different play styles and skill levels.
- Booster packs are the heart of every set. They contain 15 cards: commons, uncommons, a rare or mythic rare, and often a foil card. Ideal for deckbuilding or drafting with friends.
- Set boosters are aimed at collectors and contain more variety, art cards and a higher chance of multiple rares.
- Draft boosters are intended for Limited formats such as Draft and Sealed.
- Collector boosters are guaranteed to contain multiple foil cards, alternate art variants, and showcase cards – perfect for the collector.
- Booster boxes typically contain 30–36 boosters (depending on the type), often with a box topper or promo.
- Commander decks are ready-made 100-card decks built around a legendary creature. Ideal for casual multiplayer.
- Starter kits , bundles , Jumpstart packs , and theme boosters offer additional options for both new and experienced players.
Magic works with standard rotation and several formats, so it's wise to pay attention to the set and format you're playing for with each purchase.
Getting Started with Magic: The Gathering
New to the MTG universe? Don't worry – Magic is accessible, but also offers depth for those who want to grow. Starter kits and Jumpstart packs are ideal for learning the game. They contain simple decks and clear explanations.
Want to play with friends right away? Then choose a Commander deck – these are fully playable out of the box, balanced, and suitable for 3 to 5 players. This way, you'll learn the rules and deck interaction in a fun, social setting.
You can later adjust or expand your decks with individual cards or boosters from recent sets.
How does the Magic game work?
Magic revolves around strategic thinking, deckbuilding, and clever use of mana. Players use lands (mana) to play creatures , spells , artifacts , or enchantments . The goal is usually to reduce the opponent to 0 health—but there are many variations depending on the format or deck type.
MTG has numerous formats such as:
- Standard (the most recent sets)
- Commander (100 cards, singleton, multiplayer)
- Modern , Legacy , Pioneer and Draft/Sealed
Each card has a color (or several) that influences your play style: white for order and protection, black for sacrifice, blue for control, red for aggression, and green for growth and strength. Combining colors creates countless strategies and deck types.
How do you recognize rare Magic cards?
Each Magic card has a rarity that you can recognize by its color symbol:
- Black : common
- Silver : uncommon
- Gold : rare
- Orange-red : mythic rare
Additionally, there are foil cards , borderless art , extended art , etched foils , and serialized cards – depending on the set. Collector boosters give you the highest chance of these special variants.
Some cards are competitively valuable, others for their art or nostalgia. Collecting Magic is therefore as versatile as the game itself.
The latest Magic: The Gathering sets
Wizards of the Coast releases several new sets each year, each with its own theme, mechanics, and art style. Recent and popular sets include:
- Modern Horizons 3 – Powerful cards for Eternal formats, reprints, and new mechanics
- Outlaws of Thunder Junction – a western/fantasy crossover with a bounty system
- The Lost Caverns of Ixalan – dinosaurs, caves, and adventure
- Wilds of Eldraine – Fairy tales and classic fantasy with a dark twist
In addition to the regular sets, there are also special editions such as Universes Beyond (collaborations with The Lord of the Rings, Fallout, and Assassin's Creed, among others), and Secret Lair Drops with limited-edition alternate-art cards.
Protect your cards with Ultra Pro accessories
A good collection deserves the right protection. Ultra Pro is the standard in Magic: The Gathering accessories, offering everything you need to keep your cards neat and safe—whether you're playing or collecting.
- Sleeves : Protect your cards from wear and tear during play. Available in many colors and themes, including official Magic art.
- Deckboxes : compact storage boxes to safely transport your decks, with space for sleeved cards.
- Binders and folders : for those who want to present their collection neatly and protect it from dust, light and damage.
- Playmats : soft playing surface with grip, so that your cards do not shift or get damaged during the game.
Good accessories not only provide comfort, but also help retain value – especially with rare or foil cards.
In short : whether you're just starting out or have been playing for years, Magic: The Gathering offers an endless world of possibilities. From booster packs to Commander decks, from collectibles to competitive builds – you'll find everything you need to start or expand your MTG journey here.
Collect wisely, play strategically and dive into the magic of Magic.