Tips on Starting a MTG Collection on a Budget

Summary

In this video, the creator shares tips on building a Magic: The Gathering collection on a budget, focusing on the Commander format. The key advice includes buying single cards, avoiding booster packs, sticking to 1-3 colors for a more efficient collection, and setting a monthly budget to prevent overspending. The importance of researching cards and considering long-term goals is emphasized, as well as the benefit of buying cards from bulk bins or larger sellers to minimize shipping fees. The creator also highlights the significance of having a functional deck before starting a collection.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on building a collection to play with, not just for collecting or investing.
• 😀 Stick to one to three colors in your collection to avoid spreading your resources too thin.
• 😀 Buying singles is a more cost-effective strategy than purchasing booster packs or boxes.
• 😀 Wait for card prices to drop after a new set releases before purchasing specific cards for your decks.
• 😀 Cards that can fit into any deck of a particular color, like *Lightning Bolt* for red or *Counterspell* for blue, are good investments.
• 😀 Set a monthly budget for purchasing cards to avoid overspending and to track progress over time.
• 😀 It’s important to have at least one functional deck before starting a collection, so you can actually play the game.
• 😀 Shop at local game stores for fun and to support businesses, but use online retailers like *TCGPlayer* and *Troll and Toad* for cheaper cards.
• 😀 When buying online, minimize shipping costs by purchasing in bulk from one seller to save money.
• 😀 Don’t buy cards just because they’re cheap—ensure they add value to your deck and collection over time.
• 😀 Take your time with your collection. Research cards, watch deck techs, and test cards to see what works best for your decks.

Q & A

What is the main goal of building a Magic: The Gathering collection, according to the script?

The main goal of building a Magic: The Gathering collection is to have a library of cards that can be used in various decks for playing the game, not just for collecting or investing. It's about creating decks with cards that help improve gameplay.

Why is Commander a recommended format for building a collection on a budget?

Commander is a great format for budget players because it allows the use of a wide variety of cards without needing to build competitive decks. Unlike formats like Standard or Modern, Commander decks are more flexible and less expensive to build.

What are some dos and don'ts for building a budget Magic: The Gathering collection?

Some dos include buying single cards that can fit into multiple decks and focusing on one to three colors to build your collection. Don't buy booster packs or boxes, as they tend to offer random cards that may not be useful for your decks.

What strategy should players use to set a budget for buying Magic cards?

Players should set a monthly budget that includes all costs, such as shipping and taxes. A typical recommendation is around $25 per month, but it's important to pace yourself to avoid overspending and feeling guilty about the purchases.

Why is it important to have at least one deck before starting a collection?

Having a deck allows you to actually play the game, which is the purpose of collecting cards. Without a functional deck, building a collection lacks direction, and players might end up buying cards that don't fit into any deck.

What is a recommended approach for shopping for Magic cards online?

When shopping for Magic cards online, players should aim to buy from a single seller to reduce shipping costs. Platforms like TCGPlayer and Troll and Toad are recommended, with the latter offering free shipping for orders above $25.

How does buying booster packs compare to purchasing individual cards for budget players?

Booster packs can be fun to open but are generally not a good choice for budget players. They often result in duplicates of unwanted cards, whereas buying individual cards ensures you get exactly what you need for your deck without wasting money.

What should players consider when setting a monthly budget for their Magic collection?

Players should consider how much they are comfortable spending each month and include additional costs like shipping. Setting a budget helps in managing spending and ensures the hobby remains fun without financial strain.

How can buying cards in bulk help reduce costs for players on a budget?

Buying cards in bulk from a single seller minimizes shipping fees. If players purchase several cards from the same seller, the shipping costs are spread out, making the overall cost per card cheaper.

What role does research play in building a Magic: The Gathering collection?

Research is crucial for building a Magic collection. Players should look at deck techs, watch videos, and learn from others' experiences to understand which cards to buy and how they will fit into their decks, ensuring smarter and more cost-effective purchases.