Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions regarding game mechanics, tournament rules, and deck building strategies.

What is the 'meta' or 'metagame'?

The metagame refers to the current landscape of popular strategies. If a particular aggressive deck is winning frequently, the 'meta' shifts as players build decks specifically to counter that aggressive strategy.

How many lands/resources should I play?

While it varies by game, a standard rule of thumb for a 60-card deck is between 22 and 26 resources, depending on how high your mana curve goes. Aggro decks lean toward 20-22, while control decks run 26+.

What happens if I miss a trigger in a tournament?

At competitive Rules Enforcement Levels (REL), missing your own beneficial trigger usually means it is skipped. However, you cannot intentionally miss mandatory triggers. Always call a judge if a mistake occurs.

Is buying booster boxes worth it for building a deck?

Mathematically, no. If your goal is to build a specific competitive deck, buying single cards on the secondary market is vastly more cost-effective than relying on random pack pulls.

What is 'Netdecking'?

Netdecking is finding a tournament-winning decklist online and copying it card-for-card. While some look down on it, it is a highly recommended way for new players to learn how a perfectly tuned deck operates.