2 ms·

The official rules are 250+ pages of legalese. For reference since you've been gone a while, the best casual format (by far) is Commander (EDH). Buy him a coup

by hajile 8y ago

The official rules are 250+ pages of legalese. For reference since you've been gone a while, the best casual format (by far) is Commander (EDH). Buy him a couple cheap duel decks to learn the basics (phases, stack, etc). Then buy one of the prebuilt Commander decks (the 4 color ones would be best) to get started All that together is around $60 ($100 if you want a second Commander deck to play with him). Not a bad deal for the tabletop experience. Commander is a Singleton format (only one of any card that isn't a basic land), so buying the occasional pack can mix things up a little. Cards that are unplayable in constructed are often great in Commander (and only having one isn't a disadvantage). A 4 color deck (if you have just one) or having all five colors across both decks increases the chances of being able to use whatever you open. Note: if you're going for raw power, buy singles from a dealer instead of packs, but packs are great for casual (or drafting of course). Edit: I didn't think about 9 year old hands, but you can play 60-70 card Commander so he can shuffle easier.

mcv 8y ago
An official format that allows only one of every card is a great idea. Back in university, some people also got tired of all the highly tuned decks with dozens of very similar cards, and decided to play with that rule, calling it "Highlander decks" (there can be only one!). I believe my son or nephew also insisted I shouldn't have more than one of each card in my deck, so maybe the guy who taught my nephew only played Commander. Although googling for it, it seems Commander comes with a lot of extra rules. I'm not sure that's what I'm looking for.
- hajile 8y ago
  Highlander became Commander. There are only a couple extra rules. In human speak: 1. cards in your deck (100 total including the commander) have to be the same colors as your commander. 2. you start at 40 life and a commander in your command zone. 3. if your commander goes to the graveyard or exile, put him back in the command zone, but he costs 2 more colorless to cast each time this happens. 4. if a commander personally deals 21 damage to someone, they lose. If they insisted on one card, they were playing commander or brawl (MTG's new "commander lite" using 60 cards, standard only with slightly different life rules).

by hajile 8y ago

mcv 8y ago

An official format that allows only one of every card is a great idea. Back in university, some people also got tired of all the highly tuned decks with dozens of very similar cards, and decided to play with that rule, calling it "Highlander decks" (there can be only one!). I believe my son or nephew also insisted I shouldn't have more than one of each card in my deck, so maybe the guy who taught my nephew only played Commander. Although googling for it, it seems Commander comes with a lot of extra rules. I'm not sure that's what I'm looking for.

hajile 8y ago
Highlander became Commander. There are only a couple extra rules. In human speak: 1. cards in your deck (100 total including the commander) have to be the same colors as your commander. 2. you start at 40 life and a commander in your command zone. 3. if your commander goes to the graveyard or exile, put him back in the command zone, but he costs 2 more colorless to cast each time this happens. 4. if a commander personally deals 21 damage to someone, they lose. If they insisted on one card, they were playing commander or brawl (MTG's new "commander lite" using 60 cards, standard only with slightly different life rules).