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My Journey into the Enchanting Realm of Magic: The Gathering 

  • fotaquest
  • 9 minutes ago
  • 3 min read

My Journey into the Enchanting Realm of Magic: The Gathering 

By Lars Guo 

Published: July 18, 2025


Opening Message: Hi folks! I hope you are doing well. This blog is about how I got into Magic: The Gathering. I hope you enjoy reading it!

This is taken by Unsplash
This is taken by Unsplash

Background: I actually tried getting into Magic a couple of times before it finally stuck as a hobby. Back in 2020, one of my friends really wanted to play, so I gave it a shot. Honestly, I was into Yu-Gi-Oh! at the time and only agreed because we usually played games that I chose. The second time I tried Magic was in 2022 with a different friend. It was confusing, and I couldn’t really immerse myself in the game. I remember thinking, Why does my friend enjoy this so much? It wasn't until March 2025 that everything clicked. A friend invited me to a card shop in Maynard, MA, and that moment changed everything.


Why March 2025? I was at the library chatting with my friend when he asked if I was free that evening to come watch him play Magic: The Gathering. I agreed—I needed to get out of the house anyway. At first, I just watched one match, but then I thought, Why did I come all this way just to be a spectator? So I asked if I could join them.

That night, I started learning the rules. I was, and still am, a novice. I didn’t really understand how to play effectively or get the most out of my deck. I was hoping for a team match, but instead, I ended up in a free-for-all. For a few weeks, I borrowed decks from other players since I didn’t have one of my own. Once I got my own deck, I began to understand the game better and even started winning a few matches on my own skill.


What Do I Like About Magic: The Gathering? I really appreciate how flexible the game is. You can play one-on-one or in larger groups, and the strategies change depending on the number of opponents. I enjoy how it brings people together—whether it’s close friends or new acquaintances. I also love exploring the different card combinations and figuring out which ones synergize well. Matches can get really exciting, and there’s always something new to discover.


What Do I Dislike About It? Some matches are so unbalanced that they drag on, especially when someone creates an infinite turn loop. It gets boring fast, and sometimes the best move is just to forfeit. I also admit I struggle with focus and attention span, so take that with a grain of salt. The game can be quite complex depending on your opponent’s skill level. And while online matches are an option, they don’t compare to the in-person experience with real people and community.


Would I Recommend the Game? Yes—especially if you're looking to spend time with a friend or meet new people. While most players I’ve met are men, I don’t see that as a downside. I've had only positive experiences with the local community (knock on wood!). This hobby isn’t connected to my Japanese studies or career path, which actually makes it feel even more refreshing. It’s just pure fun, and I’m always happy to have an excuse to get out of the house.


What Do I Think of Myself as a Player? I’ve improved a lot since I started, but I still consider myself a novice. I’m learning how to get the most out of the decks my friend gave me, and I know I still have a lot to learn. That’s part of the fun—discovering new strategies and building my skills over time.


Closing Message: Would you try Magic: The Gathering after hearing about my experience? I hope you enjoyed reading my journey into this amazing game. Looking forward to sharing my next blog with you all. Have a great day!





 
 
 

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