How to Prepare to your 1st Magic: the Gathering Prerelease Event

I remember my first Magic: the Gathering Prerelease event where I just prepared a piece of paper, a ballpen, and a deck box containing some basic lands in it. At that time, internet access was limited and you’d only have the official MTG website posting the info on the complete spoiler list, and the strategy details were somewhat premium.

Preparing for your first Magic: the Gathering Prerelease event can be exciting, but also a bit daunting. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

Research the set: Familiarize yourself with the new set that is being released by reading articles or watching videos about the new mechanics, themes, and key cards.

Understand the rules: Make sure you are familiar with the basic rules of Magic: the Gathering, as well as any new rules or mechanics introduced in the new set.

Build a deck: Prerelease events are limited-format events, which means you will be building a deck from a limited pool of cards provided to you at the event. Familiarize yourself with the colors and mechanics of the set, and try to identify which cards and colors are likely to be strong.

Practice building decks: Before the event, try building some sample decks from your collection or using online deck builders to get a feel for building a limited deck.

Bring supplies: Make sure to bring any necessary supplies such as dice, sleeves, a playmat, and a pen and paper for tracking life totals. Also, snacks and bottled water to supplement your energy during the rounds of gameplay of the tournament.

Be on time: Arrive early to the event to ensure you have plenty of time to check in, register, and get settled.

Have fun: Remember that Prerelease events are a fun and casual way to play Magic: the Gathering and meet other players in your community. Don’t worry too much about winning or losing, and enjoy the experience of playing with new cards and meeting new people.

Overall, preparing for a Magic: the Gathering Prerelease event involves familiarizing yourself with the set, understanding the rules and mechanics, practicing building limited decks, and bringing necessary supplies. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy your first Prerelease event.