Drafting is a popular format in Magic: The Gathering that combines strategy, deck building, and card selection. It involves building a deck on the spot from a limited pool of cards. This is recommended to be able to learn the synergies and interactions of the cards in a limited set scenario and also to be applied later on in constructed formats such as Standard. Several Grand Prix events in the past and the recent Pro Tour has held this as one of the major formats of MTG gameplay.

If you’re new to drafting, here’s a beginner’s guide to help you get started:

1. Understand the Format:

• In a typical draft, you and a group of players sit at a table with three booster packs each.
• Each player opens one pack, selects a card from it, and passes the remaining cards to the player next to them.
• This process continues until all cards from the first pack have been drafted.
• Repeat this process for the second and third packs, but alternate the direction of passing each time.

2. Know the Card Pool:

• Familiarize yourself with the set you’re drafting. Understand the mechanics, archetypes, and powerful cards within that set.
• Look for cards that synergize well together or support the strategies you want to employ.
• Pay attention to the mana curve (distribution of mana costs) to ensure a balanced deck.

3. Prioritize Card Evaluation:

• Consider the card’s power level, versatility, and how it fits into your overall strategy.
• Evaluate cards based on their impact in limited play, not just their constructed playability.
• Don’t underestimate the importance of mana-fixing and removal spells. These can greatly influence your deck’s performance.

4. Stay Open-Minded:

• During the draft, try to remain flexible with your color choices until you have a better idea of what cards are being passed to you.
• Be willing to switch colors or even change your deck’s overall strategy based on the signals you receive from the cards being passed to you.

5. Build a Solid Mana Base:

• Ensure your deck has a balanced and consistent mana base. Aim for approximately 17 lands in a 40-card deck.
• Include a mix of basic lands and non-basic lands that can help you fix your mana or provide additional utility.

6. Practice and Learn:

• Drafting is a skill that improves with practice. Participate in draft events, whether in-person or online, to gain experience and learn from other players.
• Reflect on your drafts, analyze your deck’s performance, and identify areas for improvement.

7. Have Fun:

• Drafting is meant to be an enjoyable experience, even if you don’t win every game. Embrace the randomness, experiment with different strategies, and appreciate the unique deck-building challenge it offers.

Remember, drafting is a dynamic and evolving format, with each set providing its own unique gameplay experience. With practice, you’ll become more proficient at evaluating cards, constructing decks, and adapting to the draft environment. Enjoy the process and the camaraderie of fellow players as you explore the world of Magic: The Gathering drafting.