Building a Magic deck is one of the most fun and creative ways to get into Magic: The Gathering . But for beginners, it can feel overwhelming – which cards to choose, how many lands are needed, and how do you make the deck work well?
In this guide for Magic the Gathering beginners, we show you how to build a deck from scratch, whether you play Constructed or Limited.
1. Choose a strategy for your game
To get started, you first need to think about what you want your deck to do. The most common deck types in Magic are:
Aggro – fast and aggressive, often with red or white cards
Control – slow game where you take control of the match
Midrange – balances between pressure and defense
Combo – focuses on specific card combinations that win the game
Tip: Feel free to try out ready-made Commander decks to explore different styles before building your own.
2. Stick to 1–2 colors
When you first build a deck, it's best to play with one or two colors. This makes the game smoother and reduces the risk of getting stuck without the right mana. Here's a quick overview:
Red – fast, direct damage
Green – large creatures and mana acceleration
White – lots of small creatures and buffs
Blue – control and manipulation
Black – sacrifice and recycling
3. The right balance between cards
A solid 60-card deck should contain:
24 countries
20–25 creatures
10–15 spells (such as removal, buffs, counters)
It's easy to get excited and push in favorite cards – but the most important thing is to have a clear game plan and a good curve.
4. Consider the mana curve
A good mana curve in Magic means you have playable cards throughout the game. As a beginner, you want more cards that cost 2-3 mana, fewer that cost 5+. Avoid having too many expensive cards, especially if your deck doesn't have much mana generation.
5. Test and adjust
Building a Magic deck is an ongoing process. Play with the deck, replace cards that don't work, and see how it develops. There are no perfect decks—only ones that suit certain playstyles better or worse.
Feel free to use cards from our Booster Packs to experiment and develop your ideas.
Quick Start: Ready-made games and products for beginners
If you want to start playing Magic right away, without building everything from scratch, there are several smart options:
Commander Decks - pre-built decks for epic matches
Bundles and Starter Kits – perfect for new players who want everything in one
Booster Boxes – great for collecting and building new ones
With products from Tcgstore, you get an easy way to start playing Magic – whether you're a collector, player, or just curious about the hobby.
Summary: Build your game – and your style
Building your first Magic deck is a chance to combine strategy with personality. Whether you like fast-paced matches, complex combos, or sleek design, there's something for you in Magic.
Ready to get started? Explore our range of Magic products online and find the cards that are right for you!
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