How to Start Playing Magic: The Gathering on a Budget

Enjoy MTG Without Breaking the Bank

Magic: The Gathering is one of the greatest card games ever made—but let’s be honest, it can get expensive fast. Between new booster sets, pricey singles, and premium accessories, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed if you’re just starting out.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need to spend hundreds to enjoy Magic. In fact, with the right strategy, you can get started with fun, competitive decks and solid accessories on a budget.

Here’s how to build a great foundation without emptying your wallet.

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1. Start with a Preconstructed Deck

The absolute best way to jump into Magic is by picking up a preconstructed deck. These are ready-to-play, professionally built, and surprisingly powerful for the price.

Best Budget Options:

- Commander Precons — Great value with 100 cards, legendary creature, and a complete strategy

- Starter Kits — Two decks in one box + a quick-start guide (perfect for new players or duos)

- Jumpstart Packs — Shuffle two themed 20-card packs together and play

Commander decks offer the most long-term value—you can upgrade them over time instead of starting from scratch.

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2. Learn to Play for Free (Before You Buy More)

Before you go wild buying singles or sealed product, try learning the ropes through free or low-cost options:

- Magic: The Gathering Arena (MTGA) – A free online platform to learn game mechanics and formats

- Print proxy decks – Use basic proxies at home to test strategies before investing

- Ask friends or local stores for bulk commons – Many stores give extras away to new players

MTGA also gives you multiple free decks as you progress through tutorials.

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3. Focus on Budget Formats

Magic has several formats, but not all are beginner- or budget-friendly. Here are three that are ideal for low-cost play:

Best Budget Formats:

- Commander (EDH) – Singleton format, tons of precon options, very social

- Pauper – Only commons allowed, surprisingly deep and cheap

- Jumpstart – Quick, themed gameplay with minimal deckbuilding

Avoid formats like Standard or Modern if you're cost-sensitive—they rotate or require pricey staples to stay competitive.

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4. Buy Bulk Lots & Staples

If you love brewing your own decks, look for bulk card lots, budget singles, or “mystery packs” that offer hundreds of commons and uncommons at a low price.

Great Picks:

- 100-card bulk rare boxes

- Color-specific bulk packs (ex: "Blue Control Cards" or "Green Creatures")

- Budget staples like:

• Sol Ring
• Command Tower
• Cultivate
• Murder
• Llanowar Elves

Trading with friends is another free way to build your collection.

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5. Protect Your Cards Affordably

Even budget decks deserve protection. You don’t need premium sleeves or leather-bound deck boxes when starting out—just the basics will do.

Budget Accessories Under $10:

- Penny sleeves or Ultra Pro standard sleeves

- Plastic snap deck boxes

- Mini binders for collecting or organizing extras

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6. Watch for Sales, Bundles & Events

Many online stores (including ours!) offer budget bundles, first-time buyer discounts, or event-exclusive deals.

Keep an eye out for:

- Buy one, get one offers on precons

- Deck box + sleeve bundles

- Flash sales on booster boxes or accessories

Bonus: Sign up for our newsletter and get an exclusive discount on your first MTG order.

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Final Tips for Budget MTG Players

- Stick to one format while you’re learning

- Start with a precon, then upgrade slowly

- Focus on fun, not just winning

- Avoid “chasing rares” in booster packs—buy singles instead

Magic is meant to be fun, flexible, and personal. You don’t need to spend like a pro to play like one.