Do You Draw First Turn in Magic?
When playing Magic: The Gathering, players often wonder whether they should draw first turn or play first turn. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of Magic and explore the pros and cons of drawing first turn.
What Happens on the First Turn
In Magic, a game typically begins with each player drawing a hand of seven cards. The player who goes first is usually at an advantage, as they get to make the first play and set the tempo of the game. The player who goes second, on the other hand, skips their first draw step to make up for the advantage of playing first.
Why You Might Want to Draw First Turn
Here are a few reasons why you might want to draw first turn:
- You get to make the first play: As mentioned earlier, being able to make the first play can give you a significant advantage. You get to set the tempo of the game and dictate what your opponent can do.
- You can get a better feel for your hand: Drawing first turn gives you a chance to get a better feel for your hand and see what kind of cards you’ve been dealt. This can help you make more informed decisions about how to play.
- You can establish a strong early game: Drawing first turn can allow you to establish a strong early game by playing multiple spells and creatures in your first few turns. This can put pressure on your opponent and make it harder for them to recover.
Why You Might Not Want to Draw First Turn
Here are a few reasons why you might not want to draw first turn:
- You don’t get to see what your opponent’s hand is like: By playing second, you get to see what your opponent’s hand is like before you play your own. This can give you valuable information and help you make more informed decisions.
- You can react to your opponent’s plays: Playing second allows you to react to your opponent’s plays and adjust your strategy accordingly. This can be especially important in games where your opponent is playing aggressively.
- You can conserve card advantage: Playing second can allow you to conserve card advantage by not having to play multiple spells and creatures in your first few turns. This can give you more cards in hand later in the game and make it harder for your opponent to recover.
When to Draw First Turn
Here are a few situations where you might want to draw first turn:
- You have a strong opening hand: If you have a strong opening hand with multiple spells and creatures, drawing first turn can be a good idea. This allows you to establish a strong early game and put pressure on your opponent.
- You’re playing against a more aggressive opponent: If you’re playing against a more aggressive opponent, drawing first turn can be a good idea. This allows you to establish a strong early game and make it harder for your opponent to attack you.
- You’re playing against a more controlling opponent: If you’re playing against a more controlling opponent, drawing first turn can be a good idea. This allows you to establish a strong early game and make it harder for your opponent to control the board.
When to Play Second
Here are a few situations where you might want to play second:
- You have a weaker opening hand: If you have a weaker opening hand, playing second can be a good idea. This allows you to see what your opponent’s hand is like and adjust your strategy accordingly.
- You’re playing against a more controlling opponent: If you’re playing against a more controlling opponent, playing second can be a good idea. This allows you to react to your opponent’s plays and adjust your strategy accordingly.
- You want to conserve card advantage: If you want to conserve card advantage, playing second can be a good idea. This allows you to play fewer spells and creatures in your early turns and conserve your cards for later in the game.
Conclusion
Drawing first turn in Magic can be a powerful strategy, but it’s not always the best option. There are times when playing second can be a better choice, such as when you have a weaker opening hand or want to conserve card advantage. Ultimately, the decision to draw first turn or play second depends on your starting hand and the type of game you’re playing. By understanding the pros and cons of each option, you can make more informed decisions and improve your gameplay.