MTGO: A Discussion
Online Magic forum
Posted on July 7, 2014, 12:25 a.m. by Replayced
I am thinking about getting into MTGO, but I have some questions. First and foremost, what comes in the starter pack? Is it like a deckbuilders toolkit (a bunch of commons and uncommons)? Is there enough cards to build a decent/focussed deck?
Is it worth buying packs, or should I just buy singles to build decks? I figure singles are the best way just like paper mtg. Also are there ways to cheaply build a collection without dropping tons of cash (events like draft and sealed, or free bots)?
Is it worth it to switch from paper to digital? If I start MTGO I would sell most of my paper collection (my wife hates my cards and wants them gone). Extra cash in my pocket and a happy wife seem like good things. Saying goodbye to my duals is heartbreaking.
I have more questions, but we can get to them later. Thanks for reading and for commenting.
I think I have read that article. It's part of the reason I am hesitant to make the switch. But I'm not looking at MTGO as an investment. Just a a way to keep playing magic and having fun. Currently my cards are not fun as I don't have time to use them, and the constant bitching from my wife. And if she get pissed enough she will toss them out and I would be left with nothing.
July 7, 2014 1:03 a.m.
PasorofMuppets says... #4
Buying singles is definitely still better than buying packs. An important thing to be aware of us generally what you can sell/buy something for. Mtggoldfish is a good site for checking what cards are generally worth. As for bots I'm a fan of goatbots for buy/selling standard things and packs. I haven't found a go-to bot for other formats though.
If you're a really good drafter (really good) and want to build your collection you can try and chain 8-4 events but it's generally not very good EV unless you're amazing.
If you want to get into modo I would honestly just pick a deck you want to play and think you'll do well with in a format and flat out buy it. There are some modern decks that are pretty cheap (Mono U Tron is sub 100 tix last I checked, and merfolk is only like 200).
I would be a little careful as there is going to be a forced switch to their new client (which is pretty awful), so a lot of people might quit. People are guessing this will deflate prices and people aren't sure where it will go from there. I'm pretty optimistic about the client in the long term as most magic players are junkies, especially if they're playing modo.
July 7, 2014 2:27 a.m.
TheHorse Thank you for the link. I'm sure that will be very useful.
My plan was to start off with pauper , depending on what comes in the starter kit. From there I would work towards modern. Either with burn , rdw or some delver variant. I've never played tron, but it looks like it could be fun. After that I was hoping to get a commander deck built. Mostly I'm just looking to have fun without busting my wallet, but having the chance to play some competitive events would be great.
July 7, 2014 3:45 a.m.
PasorofMuppets says... #6
If you're looking to play in events, I wouldn't buy into pauper right now. I have been having trouble finding 8-mans that will fire, and they no longer have pauper dailies(which generally have the best EV)
Plus, as it stands winning a 2-man is a loss in value as you can usually only sell the pack you win for sub 2-tix.
Modern burn is an ok deck for modo, but you'll find yourself with a lot of free time between rounds, I usually finished my matches 7-12 minutes into a daily/8-man. I played a little bit of mono U tron, it's definitely a deck you have to commit time to play effectively. There is a person on mtgo named shocktroopa (or something to that effect) who plays a lot of mono u tron, I believe they post on mtgsalvation and may do streaming as well if you think that'd be useful.
July 7, 2014 4:29 a.m.
Thanks again. Saved me some time and cash with that info. I'll see if I can find the those posts/streams.
July 7, 2014 4:54 a.m.
The starter pack, the 10$ thing is simply this, 3 packs and 2 event tickets to get you into a draft. You will not get nearly enough for a deck this way.
They do sell the deck builders toolkits, intro decks, event decks (though for legacy, exiled is a cheap version to start off death and taxes for example), commander products (all fo them, including the original ones), planeschase stuff, and the last two duel decks. These all cost the msrp value for the equivalent paper products (e.g. the 30$ for the older commander products). You'll spend around 20-30 here. They also sell packs for the latest sets.
But this is like paper, the best way is to buy a deck, if you're planing on playing constructed queues. Though I would (and do) use this as a tool to improve my game in paper vs being all digital or all paper.
The best way to save money is to build your deck, don't care how you do it, but usually using gatherer, netdeck information and posting the list here, gets you your initial build then buy that both digitally and in paper, this way you learn that deck inside and out. The more comfortable with a single deck the better.
Don't worry about the collection, if you really plan to play., Worry more about what you are going to play and why/how/when/etc... you play it.
July 7, 2014 4:44 p.m.
Thanks for your reply gufymike. I will do as you and TheHorse suggested and focus on building and playing one deck well.
As for the 3 packs you get for starting an account, what would you do with them. I have read many different opinions. Use them for a draft, sell them, or open them? I personally am leaning towards using them in a draft, but I would like to hear the opinions of those who know more.
July 8, 2014 12:37 a.m.
PasorofMuppets says... #10
Personally I would rate the three options like this:
Selling>Drafting>Opening.
That said if you really like drafting and you're good at it, you very well may get more value out of just drafting them. If you have 3 of the relevant packs, then it only costs an additional 2 tickets to draft.
Definitely play in the new player events that you have access to when you make a new account.
July 8, 2014 12:43 a.m.
Thanks again for your comments. Your advice is greatly appreciated.
I have never done a draft (other than the sim here on TO). So I will most likely give it a try. Even if I don't get the value back I think it should be pretty fun.
If you have any other tips or advice for starting mtgo let me know. Thanks again for everything.
July 9, 2014 12:45 a.m.
PasorofMuppets says... #13
If you're interested in "going infinite" there are a number of articles around the 'net about the subject. If you just search "mtgo infinite" you should be able to find most of them.
July 9, 2014 1:46 a.m.
solkanarswampking says... #14
I got into mtgo during Onslaught. I don't know of anyone who has had their cards taken away from them but it's possible that it could happen if you were to try to cheat or use abusive language or for anything else that is not acceptable behavior. There really needs to be more legislation passed to protect digital property but in this case I wouldn't worry about it.
almerican says... #2
I dont know if is still the same way now, but there was an article written on starcitygames that explained that with MTGO you do not actually own the cards but are essentially leasing them.
You may want to look into that before switching because you could be left with nothing if they ever discontinue it.
July 7, 2014 12:35 a.m.