I know everyone here already knows how to play (although according to your playgroup...well, never mind...) but hopefully this can serve as a really good resource to help you teach friends and get them into the game. I have wanted to make this video for SO LONG. Magic always felt like this arduous, difficult task to try and teach, and I dreamed of about able to have a clear, focussed video tutorial that taught you how to play in (about) 15 minutes. Now, I can give this to the community and the game. This would never, EVER be possible without the talented people who worked with me on this project. My amazing script supervisor Kristen Gregory and our exceptionally talented editor Patrick Lickman. Love you all.
This type of video was missing from youtube. Sometimes we forget that every single year new players are interested in the game. I only know the very basics thanks to arena, would be interesting to see videos with some fringe insane rulings/interactions quizes of some sort and breaking them down. Or maybe doing videos of confusing keywords and mechanics throughour magics history and explaining their flavor of them and the tricky mechanics they have.
My husband is deployed right now and after 4 years of him begging me to learn Ive decided to learn while he’s gone. Then when he gets back I’m going to surprise him one random Friday night with a new play mat, some super nice dice and a bunch of packs to crack and play with. Super stoked for the help from this video to surprise him! Thanks!
@@Mikey-ym6ok I did learn! He is way too good and beats me every time. I’ve one once so far and it was pure luck and no skill. Lol. But I’m glad I was able to surprised him!
I started like that, and in one video the professor said to go to a store and ask for someone to teach me to play and that is what I did and have not stopped to play since
I played for a few years up until 2015 and the Professor has gotten me back into the game last year and my girlfriend as well! We play every weekend now 😁
From someone who makes the game: this is one of the best introductions to Magic I've ever seen! Great job, Professor - and if you're just learning Magic, know that you're in good hands.
i love the chemistry you guys bring to each others video's, it be great to have you back on a TCC project, or even better get the prof in a GMM video. i know it can be hard sense you're held to secrecy because of your job and that inevitably gets in your way as a content creator, but i would just love to see your guys getting along, you two are the most recognizable faces of magic for me
Me and friends: Playing for almost 20 years. Also me and friends: Still having to google about the rules of some crazy card combinations or effects almost every time we play :P
That is kinda my play style. "OOO If I use this card with that card I can make all these tokens. Wait a minute I didn't realize those four cards played together would exile your deck, hmm yes I did. Have fun shuffling up for the next game.?
Can you help me because even after the video I'm still lost and it's all my friends play anymore...what happened to sports and video games??! Harry Potter takin over I swear somebody send me to wizard school lmao
So as a college student studying to become a music educator, I can't help but notice the profs teaching background peaking through. How and when he introduces new ideas to build upon past ideas is sequenced really well. I've been teaching magic to my friends to practice teaching and gain a little experience, so I know how difficult it is to find just the right time to introduce new ideas to new players. So, I applaud the prof for still being a great teacher at his core.
I look at a production like this a think “gee, must be fun to pick out all the examples for tutorial shots”, and then I realize this probably took a hundred hours to animate.
As someone who is looking to get into MtG, I appreciate that this guide is very straightforward and helpful without trying to influence my personal playstyle before I even build my first deck. Thanks so much! This has been a nice little how-to series to stumble upon.
I just turned 48 and used to play magic not long after it's release. I was feeling nostalgic and picked up a gift edition of adventures in the forgotten realms. I already played a few games and had a blast. This video was very helpful and shaking off the cobwebs. Thanks for taking the time to make it!
@@ReiAyanami366 I was referring to what the Professor said at 0:38 But now that you mention it, why are almost all the wizards in magic summoners? why can't you play a wizard who isn't a summoner and still have an effective deck? (with few exceptions)
Me to wife: See I'm not the only one trying to convince their wife to play MTG! Wife: Rolls eyes Me to wife: so your saying there's a chance! Wife: oh geezzzzz Me to wife: What was all that one in a million talk......walks away to go sort some cards......one day, one day....
🤣🤣 Dude I feel you. After this video I may make another appeal, my dream has always been to do sealed constructed with the GF....without having to pull teeth....
One can always find another board game more suitable to the other's taste. @@chucknorrissaurus4398 Don't "sealed" and "constructed" contradict each other?
@@kherubim1 It is still fun. It entirely depends on the way you're playing and with who. It also helps to not follow the game's "news" in details and simply consume some new product when you feel like it.
Unfortunately I fear the current Pokemon surge will soon poke it's ugly head into the MTG camp when the Walking Dead finally hits, then arse wipes like Logan Paul will slime over the horizon.
Yugi player here. I was looking for a video to learn how does MTG works and how to play. It is a real nice video, easy to understand and it was a pleasure to watch. Have a nice day 😊
Although this video is not targeted at me, an experienced player, it was still an enjoyable watch. I had an idea for a document/video that you might enjoy doing. Similar to this it is a run down of how the game is played, but at every conceivable part you stop and say "unless a card says otherwise", and then present a card that says otherwise. It would be more of a joke than an actual tutorial for new players, but I think a lot of people would enjoy see how twisted the 'default game' can get if you play certain cards.
I started playing this game when I was invited to play Cube with some friends. Then we went to a local game store and I drafted my first cards at FNM. If it wasn't for the pandemic, I would totally recommend starting the hobby this way. Your more experienced friends can explain and reiterate the rules to you at home(Thank You, my patient teachers!), and Drafting won't overwhelm you with too many and complex game mechanics at once. And of course, you get the mandatory advice to go see The Professor.
Here are the steps to play mtg 1. Play land "pass" 2. Your opponent plays land, Mana crypt, Mana vault, sol ring "pass" 3. Play a land and you hold up Mana for a scorching dragonfire "pass" 4. Your opponent plays land, dark ritual, mox opal, THEN BLIGHTSTEEL COLOSSUS "pass' 5. You concede
even better in casual vintage: enemy turn 1: mishra's workshop into triple sol ring, floating 6 colorless, playing a fourth sol ring to float 7 mana total, using this mana summon Kuldotha forgemaster and lightning greaves, search library for blightsteel colossus while sacking the forgemaster and 2 sol rings, attach lightning greaves to the blightsteel, giving it shroud and haste. attack with turn 1 12/12 infect-trample-indestructible-haste-shroud.
@@ExHyperion Put a 45 on the table and say 'Do you really want to attack this turn punk?'. Light the cigar, sip the single malt and sit back in your seat ... yeah, then fold turn two ...
I've now used this video on two separate occasions to teach family members how to play. It makes for such a smoother experience over me fumbling with my words for twenty minutes. I only had to answer a couple of questions during a game of Commander and by the end of it, they beat me with my own deck.
I used to play Yu-Gi-Oh! and then changed to MTG recently. I am in love with this game. Arts and mechanics are so much better and most importantly, free of those anime girls (ewwww).
I was never into trading card game such as yugioh and pokemon because the artwork was just so "cheesy" but mtg has gotten me interested. The drawing are just so beautiful. I buy bought a couple of packs for the art but never actually played a game because i dont know how or where to go play. Hopefully someday i'll be able to enjoy this game
If you have even youger siblings teach them aswell. I have learned it in my first grade barely able to read. But having an awesome brother is great. Guess it helped to have contact to words and numbers outside of school. :-D
this really just gives me a sense of nostalgia, back in the days when i used planeswalker decks and accidentally traded a fetchland for a bulk mythic. ah, memories.
Even as an experienced player, I've always enjoyed videos like these because I'm always honing my own ability to teach people how to play. Guiding people through that learning experience is super fun and rewarding!
This is a great video! I've worked at a summer camp for 6 years now with ages going up to 14 and I've taught magic to probably 100 kids and it can been pretty challenging but they normally get it once we start playing. this is an amazing video to be able to show kids or recommend to!
I really don't know if the prof knows how much impact he has on MTG. I have been playing solely yugioh since it came out about 20 years and behold since I started watching his videos this year I finally decided to start my mtg journey and bought a 2021 starter deck and a garruk planes walker deck and ordered my first draft booster box this week can't wait till it arrives! Thanks Prof! Much love from the country of Belize!
Personally, one of these day you need to make a Behind the Scenes video of how the episodes get done and to see the brains and brawls of the crew that make the Tolarian Community College. I think that would be an exciting video to see and view.
Thanks Professor, i'm 61 and trying to learn this game. Collect the cards from Throne of Eldraine, but not played so far. This was a big help. THANK YOU.
Magic 101 by the Prof: I would have believed it existed for years, but now it is here it will sure soon grow into one of the most seen videos of the channel. Great!
I'm trying to learn to play with my fiancé (he sent me this video 😂) & it's honestly SO great! I especially love the very clear language & excellent visual cues (bolding/text emphasis, color-coding). I am a research & reference librarian by day, so I really appreciate the level of detail & clear delineation here! 😍 (I can tell you have a teaching background! ❤)
I really want your intro jingle as an audio file so I can use it as a ringtone or notification alert. It just makes me feel happy whenever I hear it. So many nice memories from first learning how to play magic with friends in college
I've played this game from the mid 90s to early 2000s and was my favourite game. Even played a Grand Prix at some point in 2005 I think. For a while now I have been planning on doing a game night with some friends that would take us back in time. Thanks for explaining the rules so clearly. Planeswalkers and some card abilities are new to us so your channel will prove to be pretty helpful! Thanks for the great vibe, it really takes me back to those days :)
this was so clean my 8 year old sister could play every well after just watching this once, every easy to understand , simple terms that anyone can grasp and the step by step prosses is amazing
For all the ups and downs this game has, theres a reason its been around for so long. It is the best table top game in the world, and I hope that anyone watching this thats thinking about playing at least gives it a try. You can always download MTG Arena to try it our first!
I just want to take this chance to say thank you Prof. I was in a dark place at the start of the pandemic. Being furloughed at work, not being able to see friends or family, and having no sports on tv was taking a huge toll on me. You literally saved me from myself Prof. You opened my eyes to the greatest game ever created and it helped me dig myself out of the dark hole known as depression. I hope you see this and see how much of an impact you have on others 💙
I haven't played in several years and needed a refresher on the basic rules. My head was spinning after five minutes! But, it was a great refresher. Thank you!
As someone who is just getting back into Magic the Gathering I loved this video and how succinct and engaging it made learning the basics of the game I'm sure I'll be consistently learning as time goes on.
Awesome video. Played some casual games with my friend today, the thing that was a bit unclear to us was how Creature abilities that involve tapping/mana costs work with things like the stack/resolving speed (like: pay 1 mana to sacrifice target creature - can it target opponents? can you target a creature after it has taken lethal damage? can you sacrifice a creature after it has been declared as a blocker and if so will it still "block"? etc). Also some more basic things like how many Blockers you can use or how confusing the wording of Enchantment spells is.
Hey. I know it's been 3 months since you asked but maybe these are still open questions. :) 1. Creature abilities, regardless if they involve tapping or paying mana get on the stack like a spell you cast. For example if you have an creature with pay 1 sacrifice a creature and your opponent would cast something like "go for the throat" which says "destroy target creature" you could pay the mana and the ability gets on the stack. But bear on mind, you can only sacrifice your own creatures. But different effects than sacrifice could target your opponent if it didn't specify that it only can target creatures you control. 2. You can't target a creature after it got lethal damage. When they damage is dealt, the creature immediately moves to the graveyard. 3. Yes you can! Between declaring the blockers and damage being dealt there is a round of priority. You can for example sacrifice your blocker or buff it with abilities/instants.
@@drago939393 take your time. Magic can be fairly complicated. If you're unsure about a rule or interaction while playing I always recommend googling the problem. There are a lot of great resources which explain the more complicated interaction for nearly each card! :) I also would recommend magic arena. It's free and can help understanding and remembering the rules. :) I sure hope that you have fun playing mtg! :)
Thank you for making this video! My dad is getting back into magic after being out of the game for several years and this makes explaining planeswalkers and certain effects to him so much easier!
I don’t comment on UA-cam videos that often. But I wanted to say thank you man. You explained the game of Magic so darn perfectly. Clear and understandable. I just recently fell in love with the game after sleeping on it for longer than I ever should have.
I've been playing since 2005, and I'm glad to see that this game is still bringing in many new players. There's a lot of cards, but the core gameplay is elegant and easy to grasp. It's never too late to dive in!
Haven't played MTG since my high-school days. When I began dating my fiance, I had no idea she was a collector of MTG cards. While she did not play, she had always wanted to learn. I was pretty sure I had a solid grasp of the game, but I had never encountered a "plainswalker" before. I decided to watch this video as a refresher and was happy to learn that I had indeed remembered how to play. I was also pleased to learn how "plainswalkers" work. Thank you for the well produced content. I thoroughly enjoyed and have subsequently subscribed. I look forward to much more.
Thank you prof! For making the first tutorial I've seen that explained generic mana costs correctly! And didn't call them colorless costs, or said that they could be payed with "any other color" and the like. *bows*
One of my friends got me a Frodo and Sam Commander Deck. He did this so that I can be more involved with our other friends when they have Magic nights and I won’t have to sit out anymore and have FOMO. A kind gesture that I can already tell will lead to a new addiction lol Super stoked and grateful.
Hey prof, I’ve been watching this video on and off for about 3 years and I finally caved this last week and bought a Kasla commander deck from Costco and was blown away by the contents and art, I then was tempted by a retail price squirreled away deck yesterday. Glad I can finally enjoy your videos with some purpose :) been a fan of your card sleeve videos for years
I wish I had access to this kind of content when I started playing, but the internet wasn't what it is today back in 1996 =P It's not that I used to misplay, I just misinterpreted a lot of rules, lol!!
This video is fantastic - It answers many many many questions beginners tend to ask, highlights the little things people skim over when first explaining the game, includes everything that's crucial to know, gives a meaningful short explanation about stack and priority, and the shortlisted keywords at the end are simply something to write down on a sheet of paper for the starting player. Having played for 2 decades and having thought many other people how to play, I am truly impressed by this summary. Great job.
having gotten sick of the massive negligence of hearthsthone I looked up guides as I am downlaoding mtg arena and boy did it take me an hour to find this guide. finally someone who simplified it enough for people like me to understand. thank you sir
great video!!! I think mentioning double blocking (attackers choose which creature to hit first), explaining planeswalkers a bit more (they can't attack, and if you attack a planeswalker and it dies excess damage/ unblocked creatures dont go to the player), and explaining how to kill an indestructible creature would be really helpful. Ever person that gets into magic ask me these questions, and i have asked them myself
Think of "land/mana" cards as being basically like energy cards from Pokémon, if you have any familiarity with that. Or just think of it as your spell casting meter in some fantasy video game. Except that you have different types of mana, because different creatures require different types of mana to use their moves. Once you wrap your head around that, it should be easier to gradually understand more.
Super excited when I saw this video!! I’ve been a longtime “lurker” of this channel. Always enjoyed the content very much, but was always a bit intimidated to go to my LGS. Once I finally had a break from med school, I was going to go an learn in store but COVID snatched all that away! Within the first 6 minutes of this video, I felt like I could follow so much more than before. It’s like having an amazing lecture that brings all the concepts together.
This is legitimately a brilliant produced video. I've played since about 1990 and never been able to teach people how to play. From now on I'll be showing them this prof.it amazing that you've never done something about the absolute basics until now and more amazing that you've made it a watchable video for experienced player. Amazing script, well delivered. Well done you old bugger!
My son (9) and i have started playing magic. I used to (try and) play it back in the day (1997) but i never really understood the rules and in those days there was no UA-cam to turn to for answers. Thank you so much for this video - its been super helpful 😃🙏
Dear lord, thank you!! This was so helpful...my brother in law had bought me a bulk pack of 1000 random MTG cards a few years ago. I knew enough of the basics to play, but some finer details escaped me. Thank you again from a complete noob :)
I've been playing this game for a decade now, yet I still watched this video from beginning to end. Even though I know all of the rules, I still found it interesting. Keep it up, Prof!
I dont play this game, I don't have anyone who even knows about this game, I don't even know how this video came out, but I still watched it to the end and enjoyed it.
I am getting back into Magic having been away for over ten years (life got in the way)! Really enjoying watching your videos, they are a great resource to someone in my position as they help me relearn the game and to see what has happened while I have been away. I'm watching your videos while going through my MtG cards. Thanks Prof 👍
Thanks for this video. I haven't played Magic the Gathering for years, and only a couple of tournaments, but I was invited to a birthday party where Magic the Gathering is the main focus. I feel a lot better going to the party now that I got an explanation to the rules.
My wife has been learning commander and I can’t wait to send her this! I started playing a year ago and I have been watching TCC for that whole time. I am so glad that I watched the video you did with JLK and you mentioned that you did these videos. So helpful
The best intro to the game yet. I'm excited for more players to find this and then stumble, eventually (muahahah), into the lovely non-rotating world of Commander!
Just started playing a month ago and I’m still trying to get the hang of things. This helps so much! Especially the combat parts, that’s where I was really getting confused. Thank you for such a thorough video!
As a newbie, and when I heard "easy", if I listen to 20 minutes of this in a classroom and got tested on it - I'd be like "I remember seeing a dog...." And fail all other questions. This is a very helpful video, but I feel that it could be broken into five or so segments. Aka, permanents vs. spells, types of mana, how combat works, terminologies, etc. But overall great job, it's a good thing that I can luckily pause and repeat on UA-cam.
Before this video I was confused with the game when seeing other people play it but I’ve been thinking of getting into mtg I love how different and the possibilities are almost endless for this game
My only issue with this video is that at 6:53 you say that when an instant/sorcery effect is resolved the card is discarded into the graveyard which could cause issues if a player has any discard synergy such as wastenot expecting to draw a card whenever your opponent plays an instant/sorcery. But otherwise this is a great introductory video for new players and that is really only a small nitpick
It was HARD. This game is HARD. Imagine a 15 minute clock and having to cover the entirety of how to play to someone who never has. It was HARD. But I think we got there! :)
Thank you so much. I'm just getting back into MTG since 2010, and I feel so far out of it. I miss the community and the friends. Now I need to find your video on Commander Rules 101! 😅😅😅
My boyfriend taught me how to play, and it seemed a bit complicated at first but it’s actually pretty simple to play. The player adds the complexity. Now I’m reviewing it quickly before our match tomorrow.
It's kinda funny but today I'm teaching a friend of mine how to play magic, and it was a pleasant surprise to see you post this! I was comparing my own teaching plan to yours and I'm glad to see that you had covered all the points I was going to in more or less the same order. I really hope my friend will pick up the game easily and continue to play with my playgroup for a long time.
I know everyone here already knows how to play (although according to your playgroup...well, never mind...) but hopefully this can serve as a really good resource to help you teach friends and get them into the game.
I have wanted to make this video for SO LONG. Magic always felt like this arduous, difficult task to try and teach, and I dreamed of about able to have a clear, focussed video tutorial that taught you how to play in (about) 15 minutes. Now, I can give this to the community and the game.
This would never, EVER be possible without the talented people who worked with me on this project. My amazing script supervisor Kristen Gregory and our exceptionally talented editor Patrick Lickman.
Love you all.
Great work and (once again) thank you so much!
Constructive feedback: You have a little typo in the second sentence of your second paragraph here! :0
Wow, amazing, I didn't know you could play with Magic cards, I only thought they were collectible items and investments only /s
This type of video was missing from youtube. Sometimes we forget that every single year new players are interested in the game. I only know the very basics thanks to arena, would be interesting to see videos with some fringe insane rulings/interactions quizes of some sort and breaking them down. Or maybe doing videos of confusing keywords and mechanics throughour magics history and explaining their flavor of them and the tricky mechanics they have.
No homo?
Thanks! now I can play with my dad! He always get confused with everything. He does not understand spells and always thinks I’m cheating
My husband is deployed right now and after 4 years of him begging me to learn Ive decided to learn while he’s gone. Then when he gets back I’m going to surprise him one random Friday night with a new play mat, some super nice dice and a bunch of packs to crack and play with. Super stoked for the help from this video to surprise him! Thanks!
You’re a good wife to do this. lucky man.
If you don't mind me asking where is he deployed?
@@Mikey-ym6ok I did learn! He is way too good and beats me every time. I’ve one once so far and it was pure luck and no skill. Lol. But I’m glad I was able to surprised him!
@@Mitchell_aguirre he was on a ship, so he was all over the pacific. :)
@@mjmsdcs that's pretty cool
I have been following the Professor for a while (years), but I don't even play the game. It's just fun to listen to what he has to say.
Same here, stopped playing a while ago, still follow the lore. Love it when the Prof. rants!
I started like that, and in one video the professor said to go to a store and ask for someone to teach me to play and that is what I did and have not stopped to play since
I played for a few years up until 2015 and the Professor has gotten me back into the game last year and my girlfriend as well! We play every weekend now 😁
your not alone.. love the concept community and of course the Professor.
Ill get my wife to reluctantly play one game every 8 months or so.. lol
Same
I really thought the prof was going to start this with "many magic the gathering players ask 'how do i play this game?'"
I kinda hoped for exact that.
when he didn't right away .. i was like oh cool! this is a tool video.
What would have been hilarious lol
Aren't we always asking ourselves that after each change of the meta?
money. lots and lots of money
From someone who makes the game: this is one of the best introductions to Magic I've ever seen! Great job, Professor - and if you're just learning Magic, know that you're in good hands.
I keep watching the video of the new commander legends etched foiling on your channel. Looks awesome.
i love the chemistry you guys bring to each others video's, it be great to have you back on a TCC project, or even better get the prof in a GMM video. i know it can be hard sense you're held to secrecy because of your job and that inevitably gets in your way as a content creator, but i would just love to see your guys getting along, you two are the most recognizable faces of magic for me
Do u like cheeseburgers
You should bring this game to the crypto gaming world( talk to Gala Games )... looks like it would be a winner !
@@evilmonkey2184come to yuhioh
Me: Playing magic for almost a decade
Prof: makes a video on how to play
Me: "This looks like a video for me!"
Love ya!
Same here
Lol
same here
Same
Me and friends: Playing for almost 20 years.
Also me and friends: Still having to google about the rules of some crazy card combinations or effects almost every time we play :P
May I suggest "Judges Corner" as a great recource to learn more about the rules of the game? :D
It just aint magic without those good old fashioned nested infinite combos.
@@slightlyOnion i miss judge’s corner so much :(
That is kinda my play style.
"OOO If I use this card with that card I can make all these tokens. Wait a minute I didn't realize those four cards played together would exile your deck, hmm yes I did. Have fun shuffling up for the next game.?
Can you help me because even after the video I'm still lost and it's all my friends play anymore...what happened to sports and video games??! Harry Potter takin over I swear somebody send me to wizard school lmao
So as a college student studying to become a music educator, I can't help but notice the profs teaching background peaking through. How and when he introduces new ideas to build upon past ideas is sequenced really well. I've been teaching magic to my friends to practice teaching and gain a little experience, so I know how difficult it is to find just the right time to introduce new ideas to new players. So, I applaud the prof for still being a great teacher at his core.
I look at a production like this a think “gee, must be fun to pick out all the examples for tutorial shots”, and then I realize this probably took a hundred hours to animate.
Not quite a hundred, but not too far off! That said, yes, it was pretty fun trying to decide which cards to show. -Editor Patrick
As someone who is looking to get into MtG, I appreciate that this guide is very straightforward and helpful without trying to influence my personal playstyle before I even build my first deck. Thanks so much! This has been a nice little how-to series to stumble upon.
Watching this in 2024 - great explanation of the game for someone (like me) with no previous MTG experience. Thanks, Professor! 👍
I just turned 48 and used to play magic not long after it's release. I was feeling nostalgic and picked up a gift edition of adventures in the forgotten realms. I already played a few games and had a blast. This video was very helpful and shaking off the cobwebs. Thanks for taking the time to make it!
0:38 Warning: Some people won't find the game's basic premise straight forward at all.
Edit: Added timestamp for reference.
The idea of wizards pumping out "energy" and casting spells at each other, turn-based ?
@@ReiAyanami366 I was referring to what the Professor said at 0:38
But now that you mention it, why are almost all the wizards in magic summoners? why can't you play a wizard who isn't a summoner and still have an effective deck? (with few exceptions)
I just started teaching my wife how to play (she caved finally after 5 years of constant asking) and this well help a lot! Thanks prof!
Magic couples for the win :-)
Me to wife: See I'm not the only one trying to convince their wife to play MTG!
Wife: Rolls eyes
Me to wife: so your saying there's a chance!
Wife: oh geezzzzz
Me to wife: What was all that one in a million talk......walks away to go sort some cards......one day, one day....
🤣🤣 Dude I feel you. After this video I may make another appeal, my dream has always been to do sealed constructed with the GF....without having to pull teeth....
@@chucknorrissaurus4398 believe ! I open boxes with my GF on my channel ... so if I can do so ... so can you
One can always find another board game more suitable to the other's taste.
@@chucknorrissaurus4398 Don't "sealed" and "constructed" contradict each other?
Never heard if this “magic” game. I’m only here for sleeve reviews
May I then present to you my channel were I only talk about playmate :p
Me:
*After watching the video*
*brain forgets everything*
*Watch video all over again*
When Magic seems to be getting out of hand with so many controversies, it's good to get back to basics.
My thoughts exactly. It reminds me when Magic was still fun.
@@kherubim1 It is still fun. It entirely depends on the way you're playing and with who. It also helps to not follow the game's "news" in details and simply consume some new product when you feel like it.
Unfortunately I fear the current Pokemon surge will soon poke it's ugly head into the MTG camp when the Walking Dead finally hits, then arse wipes like Logan Paul will slime over the horizon.
@@phoenixdundee LOL reading this in 2022 is something else entirely.
@@ReiAyanami366 Exactly. No game is fun if you get too obsessed with it.
Yugi player here. I was looking for a video to learn how does MTG works and how to play.
It is a real nice video, easy to understand and it was a pleasure to watch.
Have a nice day 😊
Although this video is not targeted at me, an experienced player, it was still an enjoyable watch.
I had an idea for a document/video that you might enjoy doing. Similar to this it is a run down of how the game is played, but at every conceivable part you stop and say "unless a card says otherwise", and then present a card that says otherwise. It would be more of a joke than an actual tutorial for new players, but I think a lot of people would enjoy see how twisted the 'default game' can get if you play certain cards.
You're Hexproof, it can't target you.
Hey prof, you forgot about banding, phasing, and horsemanship in your most common abilities section
Flanking, soulshift, amplify, provoke, rampage, frenzy.
Prowess, Hellbent, Mutate...
Not just "Banding" but "Bands with" now that's some good shit.
you know, the simple stuff. rudimentary really.
yeah what about eternalize or exert
I didn't think it was possible to improve on perfection, but you did it. Best and most thorough playguide to date. 👏🏻
Thanks! 😃
I started playing this game when I was invited to play Cube with some friends. Then we went to a local game store and I drafted my first cards at FNM. If it wasn't for the pandemic, I would totally recommend starting the hobby this way. Your more experienced friends can explain and reiterate the rules to you at home(Thank You, my patient teachers!), and Drafting won't overwhelm you with too many and complex game mechanics at once. And of course, you get the mandatory advice to go see The Professor.
Been playing this game for over 20 years, this was still worth my time. Nice video. Explaining this game in less than 20 minutes is honestly a feat.
Here are the steps to play mtg
1. Play land "pass"
2. Your opponent plays land, Mana crypt, Mana vault, sol ring "pass"
3. Play a land and you hold up Mana for a scorching dragonfire "pass"
4. Your opponent plays land, dark ritual, mox opal, THEN BLIGHTSTEEL COLOSSUS "pass'
5. You concede
Vintage in a nutshell
even better in casual vintage:
enemy turn 1: mishra's workshop into triple sol ring, floating 6 colorless, playing a fourth sol ring to float 7 mana total, using this mana summon Kuldotha forgemaster and lightning greaves, search library for blightsteel colossus while sacking the forgemaster and 2 sol rings, attach lightning greaves to the blightsteel, giving it shroud and haste. attack with turn 1 12/12 infect-trample-indestructible-haste-shroud.
@@ExHyperion Put a 45 on the table and say 'Do you really want to attack this turn punk?'. Light the cigar, sip the single malt and sit back in your seat ... yeah, then fold turn two ...
0:10 beautifully said! Working to develop a MTG-like card game and this is a valuable part of its thesis
I've now used this video on two separate occasions to teach family members how to play. It makes for such a smoother experience over me fumbling with my words for twenty minutes. I only had to answer a couple of questions during a game of Commander and by the end of it, they beat me with my own deck.
i just started to play,, oh boi i love this game.
Me too but this is a particularly difficult game to get into if you don't have anyone to guide you.
I used to play Yu-Gi-Oh! and then changed to MTG recently. I am in love with this game. Arts and mechanics are so much better and most importantly, free of those anime girls (ewwww).
Finding a partner is d most toughest part
I hope you all stick with it. Magic is a truly great game.
I was never into trading card game such as yugioh and pokemon because the artwork was just so "cheesy" but mtg has gotten me interested. The drawing are just so beautiful. I buy bought a couple of packs for the art but never actually played a game because i dont know how or where to go play. Hopefully someday i'll be able to enjoy this game
Gonna show this to my 12 year old brother so he can finally get into it.
good
Age restriction 13 +😁
@@crow99100 who says?
If you have even youger siblings teach them aswell. I have learned it in my first grade barely able to read. But having an awesome brother is great. Guess it helped to have contact to words and numbers outside of school. :-D
@@ComfyDents I tried my brother is just not bothered
this really just gives me a sense of nostalgia, back in the days when i used planeswalker decks and accidentally traded a fetchland for a bulk mythic. ah, memories.
Even as an experienced player, I've always enjoyed videos like these because I'm always honing my own ability to teach people how to play. Guiding people through that learning experience is super fun and rewarding!
This is a great video! I've worked at a summer camp for 6 years now with ages going up to 14 and I've taught magic to probably 100 kids and it can been pretty challenging but they normally get it once we start playing. this is an amazing video to be able to show kids or recommend to!
I really don't know if the prof knows how much impact he has on MTG. I have been playing solely yugioh since it came out about 20 years and behold since I started watching his videos this year I finally decided to start my mtg journey and bought a 2021 starter deck and a garruk planes walker deck and ordered my first draft booster box this week can't wait till it arrives! Thanks Prof! Much love from the country of Belize!
Personally, one of these day you need to make a Behind the Scenes video of how the episodes get done and to see the brains and brawls of the crew that make the Tolarian Community College. I think that would be an exciting video to see and view.
Thanks Professor, i'm 61 and trying to learn this game. Collect the cards from Throne of Eldraine, but not played so far. This was a big help. THANK YOU.
Instructions unclear: live savings spent on cardboard
Same xD
No, I think the instructions were followed to the letter
Magic 101 by the Prof: I would have believed it existed for years, but now it is here it will sure soon grow into one of the most seen videos of the channel. Great!
I'm trying to learn to play with my fiancé (he sent me this video 😂) & it's honestly SO great! I especially love the very clear language & excellent visual cues (bolding/text emphasis, color-coding). I am a research & reference librarian by day, so I really appreciate the level of detail & clear delineation here! 😍 (I can tell you have a teaching background! ❤)
I really want your intro jingle as an audio file so I can use it as a ringtone or notification alert. It just makes me feel happy whenever I hear it. So many nice memories from first learning how to play magic with friends in college
I've played this game from the mid 90s to early 2000s and was my favourite game. Even played a Grand Prix at some point in 2005 I think. For a while now I have been planning on doing a game night with some friends that would take us back in time. Thanks for explaining the rules so clearly. Planeswalkers and some card abilities are new to us so your channel will prove to be pretty helpful! Thanks for the great vibe, it really takes me back to those days :)
this was so clean my 8 year old sister could play every well after just watching this once, every easy to understand , simple terms that anyone can grasp and the step by step prosses is amazing
For all the ups and downs this game has, theres a reason its been around for so long. It is the best table top game in the world, and I hope that anyone watching this thats thinking about playing at least gives it a try. You can always download MTG Arena to try it our first!
I just want to take this chance to say thank you Prof. I was in a dark place at the start of the pandemic. Being furloughed at work, not being able to see friends or family, and having no sports on tv was taking a huge toll on me. You literally saved me from myself Prof. You opened my eyes to the greatest game ever created and it helped me dig myself out of the dark hole known as depression. I hope you see this and see how much of an impact you have on others 💙
I haven't played in several years and needed a refresher on the basic rules. My head was spinning after five minutes! But, it was a great refresher. Thank you!
The best video on explaining the rules I've seen. Thank you!
Used the video to tech rules to colleagues, got extremely positive feedback.
As someone who is just getting back into Magic the Gathering I loved this video and how succinct and engaging it made learning the basics of the game I'm sure I'll be consistently learning as time goes on.
Awesome video. Played some casual games with my friend today, the thing that was a bit unclear to us was how Creature abilities that involve tapping/mana costs work with things like the stack/resolving speed (like: pay 1 mana to sacrifice target creature - can it target opponents? can you target a creature after it has taken lethal damage? can you sacrifice a creature after it has been declared as a blocker and if so will it still "block"? etc).
Also some more basic things like how many Blockers you can use or how confusing the wording of Enchantment spells is.
Hey. I know it's been 3 months since you asked but maybe these are still open questions. :)
1. Creature abilities, regardless if they involve tapping or paying mana get on the stack like a spell you cast. For example if you have an creature with pay 1 sacrifice a creature and your opponent would cast something like "go for the throat" which says "destroy target creature" you could pay the mana and the ability gets on the stack. But bear on mind, you can only sacrifice your own creatures. But different effects than sacrifice could target your opponent if it didn't specify that it only can target creatures you control.
2. You can't target a creature after it got lethal damage. When they damage is dealt, the creature immediately moves to the graveyard.
3. Yes you can! Between declaring the blockers and damage being dealt there is a round of priority. You can for example sacrifice your blocker or buff it with abilities/instants.
@@d.h.8436 It does help a bit tho of course I'd still need to experience a few in actual play to really get a hand of it.
@@drago939393 take your time. Magic can be fairly complicated. If you're unsure about a rule or interaction while playing I always recommend googling the problem. There are a lot of great resources which explain the more complicated interaction for nearly each card! :) I also would recommend magic arena. It's free and can help understanding and remembering the rules. :)
I sure hope that you have fun playing mtg! :)
Thank you for making this video! My dad is getting back into magic after being out of the game for several years and this makes explaining planeswalkers and certain effects to him so much easier!
During my first time playing TCG I thought "destroy a card" means I have to rip the card in pieces.
You monster! XD
Yah it really is
Oh my. I hope you didn't actually do it 😱🙀
Opponent: *plays Meteor Golem*
"I will destroy your Urza, Lord High Artificer"
Me: *crying*
"I'm sorry little one..."
I actually did that once.
I don’t comment on UA-cam videos that often. But I wanted to say thank you man. You explained the game of Magic so darn perfectly. Clear and understandable. I just recently fell in love with the game after sleeping on it for longer than I ever should have.
I've been playing since 2005, and I'm glad to see that this game is still bringing in many new players. There's a lot of cards, but the core gameplay is elegant and easy to grasp. It's never too late to dive in!
i just got my magic the gathering cards . I got Valentine. I bought 15 card packs two of them
Haven't played MTG since my high-school days. When I began dating my fiance, I had no idea she was a collector of MTG cards. While she did not play, she had always wanted to learn. I was pretty sure I had a solid grasp of the game, but I had never encountered a "plainswalker" before. I decided to watch this video as a refresher and was happy to learn that I had indeed remembered how to play. I was also pleased to learn how "plainswalkers" work. Thank you for the well produced content. I thoroughly enjoyed and have subsequently subscribed. I look forward to much more.
I really like how the professor explained all the rules and steps of the turn. Really detailed. Well done Professor 👍
Thank you prof! For making the first tutorial I've seen that explained generic mana costs correctly! And didn't call them colorless costs, or said that they could be payed with "any other color" and the like. *bows*
Sometimes, we get carried away with all the exceptions in this game, it's cool to have a reminder of the basics
One of my friends got me a Frodo and Sam Commander Deck. He did this so that I can be more involved with our other friends when they have Magic nights and I won’t have to sit out anymore and have FOMO.
A kind gesture that I can already tell will lead to a new addiction lol Super stoked and grateful.
This is by far the best beginner's tutorial I've seen: fantastic. You do good job!
Hey prof, I’ve been watching this video on and off for about 3 years and I finally caved this last week and bought a Kasla commander deck from Costco and was blown away by the contents and art, I then was tempted by a retail price squirreled away deck yesterday. Glad I can finally enjoy your videos with some purpose :) been a fan of your card sleeve videos for years
I wish I had access to this kind of content when I started playing, but the internet wasn't what it is today back in 1996 =P
It's not that I used to misplay, I just misinterpreted a lot of rules, lol!!
This video is fantastic - It answers many many many questions beginners tend to ask, highlights the little things people skim over when first explaining the game, includes everything that's crucial to know, gives a meaningful short explanation about stack and priority, and the shortlisted keywords at the end are simply something to write down on a sheet of paper for the starting player.
Having played for 2 decades and having thought many other people how to play, I am truly impressed by this summary. Great job.
I was kinda curious of you were gonna approach this given how many abilities and keywords were in the game. Great vid!
having gotten sick of the massive negligence of hearthsthone I looked up guides as I am downlaoding mtg arena and boy did it take me an hour to find this guide. finally someone who simplified it enough for people like me to understand. thank you sir
great video!!! I think mentioning double blocking (attackers choose which creature to hit first), explaining planeswalkers a bit more (they can't attack, and if you attack a planeswalker and it dies excess damage/ unblocked creatures dont go to the player), and explaining how to kill an indestructible creature would be really helpful. Ever person that gets into magic ask me these questions, and i have asked them myself
that's a good idea for a follow up!
great now I can grab my friend Timmy and play some Wizard Cards down at my Friendly Local Game Store (or FLGS).
Really(explanation point)
I just bought my first packs of Magic cards yesterday. Here is to, what is now, a lifelong journey of gaming! 🍻
Say what? I am totally lost.
Me too. I could watch this for eternity and still have no idea what is going on. This is so obtuse.
@@guiseppeperceval4930really fam? Tbh play magic arena and learn as you go
So basically you play cards and read a lot and hope you’re strategy works
😄
Think of "land/mana" cards as being basically like energy cards from Pokémon, if you have any familiarity with that.
Or just think of it as your spell casting meter in some fantasy video game. Except that you have different types of mana, because different creatures require different types of mana to use their moves.
Once you wrap your head around that, it should be easier to gradually understand more.
Super excited when I saw this video!! I’ve been a longtime “lurker” of this channel. Always enjoyed the content very much, but was always a bit intimidated to go to my LGS.
Once I finally had a break from med school, I was going to go an learn in store but COVID snatched all that away!
Within the first 6 minutes of this video, I felt like I could follow so much more than before. It’s like having an amazing lecture that brings all the concepts together.
Finally my friends can be taught by somebody other than me! XD
This is legitimately a brilliant produced video. I've played since about 1990 and never been able to teach people how to play. From now on I'll be showing them this prof.it amazing that you've never done something about the absolute basics until now and more amazing that you've made it a watchable video for experienced player. Amazing script, well delivered. Well done you old bugger!
Prof you forgot one of the most important ststements on mtg: "unless you don't"
My son (9) and i have started playing magic. I used to (try and) play it back in the day (1997) but i never really understood the rules and in those days there was no UA-cam to turn to for answers.
Thank you so much for this video - its been super helpful 😃🙏
Swamp: produces black
Prof: uses purple text
Liliana's color of choice
White was written in yellow
Dear lord, thank you!! This was so helpful...my brother in law had bought me a bulk pack of 1000 random MTG cards a few years ago. I knew enough of the basics to play, but some finer details escaped me. Thank you again from a complete noob :)
As a complete beginner looking to start MTG - I am completely lost and confused.
😂😂😂 this comment made my day
I've been playing this game for a decade now, yet I still watched this video from beginning to end. Even though I know all of the rules, I still found it interesting. Keep it up, Prof!
i came to learn MTG i stayed for the suit.
I dont play this game, I don't have anyone who even knows about this game, I don't even know how this video came out, but I still watched it to the end and enjoyed it.
>no two games are truly the same
Unless I'm playing Charbelcher. Every game is the same.
I am getting back into Magic having been away for over ten years (life got in the way)! Really enjoying watching your videos, they are a great resource to someone in my position as they help me relearn the game and to see what has happened while I have been away. I'm watching your videos while going through my MtG cards. Thanks Prof 👍
"No two games will ever be the same" clearly this video isn't for people that play modern.... love the videos man, keep up the great work
Or for people playing any regulated format.
Thanks for this video. I haven't played Magic the Gathering for years, and only a couple of tournaments, but I was invited to a birthday party where Magic the Gathering is the main focus. I feel a lot better going to the party now that I got an explanation to the rules.
"Your goal is to reduce your opponent's life total go zero!"
Infect:am i a joke to you?
Dragon god
My wife has been learning commander and I can’t wait to send her this! I started playing a year ago and I have been watching TCC for that whole time. I am so glad that I watched the video you did with JLK and you mentioned that you did these videos. So helpful
My head hurts
The best intro to the game yet. I'm excited for more players to find this and then stumble, eventually (muahahah), into the lovely non-rotating world of Commander!
I know how to play , I been playing for years... Why did I watch this hahaha
Great video tho
Just started playing a month ago and I’m still trying to get the hang of things. This helps so much! Especially the combat parts, that’s where I was really getting confused. Thank you for such a thorough video!
I’m here just so I can understand my boyfriend
So lucky, I just tried to watch with my girl and she lasted 3 seconds before saying “i tried” and went back to reading :’(
omg sameeee😭
I’m here to understand your boyfriend also
I’ve just recently begun playing MTG. The professor makes it SO much easier to understand. And why is his style so full of swagger?
How to play Magic the Gathering:
Step 1: Download Legends of Runterra
ha! Eternal FTW
As a newbie, and when I heard "easy", if I listen to 20 minutes of this in a classroom and got tested on it - I'd be like "I remember seeing a dog...."
And fail all other questions.
This is a very helpful video, but I feel that it could be broken into five or so segments. Aka, permanents vs. spells, types of mana, how combat works, terminologies, etc. But overall great job, it's a good thing that I can luckily pause and repeat on UA-cam.
A lot of Magic is played at Instant speed.
Unless your opponent has Teferi, Time Raveler.
Before this video I was confused with the game when seeing other people play it but I’ve been thinking of getting into mtg I love how different and the possibilities are almost endless for this game
My only issue with this video is that at 6:53 you say that when an instant/sorcery effect is resolved the card is discarded into the graveyard which could cause issues if a player has any discard synergy such as wastenot expecting to draw a card whenever your opponent plays an instant/sorcery. But otherwise this is a great introductory video for new players and that is really only a small nitpick
trying to learn this game for my boyfriend and oh boy is it overwhelming at first 😭 but i feel like this well help a ton, thank you!!
I'm surprised such a video hasn't been made by you until now.
It was HARD. This game is HARD. Imagine a 15 minute clock and having to cover the entirety of how to play to someone who never has. It was HARD. But I think we got there! :)
@@TolarianCommunityCollege I know many players will thank you, including myself.
So yeah, thank you.
Thank you so much. I'm just getting back into MTG since 2010, and I feel so far out of it.
I miss the community and the friends. Now I need to find your video on Commander Rules 101! 😅😅😅
I always wanted to play magic but none of my friends play it.
Why not try MTG arena
My boyfriend taught me how to play, and it seemed a bit complicated at first but it’s actually pretty simple to play. The player adds the complexity. Now I’m reviewing it quickly before our match tomorrow.
"As you learn of magic you'll come to know that a lot of magic is played at instant speed"...3+player commander... 8hours later
It's kinda funny but today I'm teaching a friend of mine how to play magic, and it was a pleasant surprise to see you post this! I was comparing my own teaching plan to yours and I'm glad to see that you had covered all the points I was going to in more or less the same order. I really hope my friend will pick up the game easily and continue to play with my playgroup for a long time.