Magic the Gathering is a fun collectible card game that has been around for many years. Every few months an expansion of cards come out for the CCG(collectible card game). Each new set you can buy individual packs or theme decks. A theme deck is a pre-constructed out-of-the-box deck that is ready to play. Theme decks make are good for both the seasoned and neophyte Magic player.

Players also can build their own decks with any legal MTG cards. If you are just playing against some friends, then banned cards or expansions that are illegal for tournament play is probably not a factor. When playing just for fun, those games where anything goes always seem to be the most fun and challenging.

Since Magic the Gathering has thousands of cards, it can be daunting to build your own deck. The casual card player probably hasn't even seen all of the cards that are in print, much less be able to recall that card's ability. Ask yourself some key questions about what kind of deck you want to build and then go from there.

Some theme decks might rely on spells like counterspells or lightning bolts to weaken their opponent. Other decks might force players to mill their deck of cards until they can't draw a card. (If you can't draw a card, then you forfeit the game) Some theme decks are all about big creatures who do massive damage or about small flying creatures that slowly nibble away at an opponent's life.

Sometimes players are drawn to certain cards and start building a deck around them. The minotaurs from early Magic sets were always a favorite of mine. Whichever direction you go, a good Magic the Gathering deck needs to have some balance. You can't stack a deck with big creatures that have a high casting cost not unless you have a plan to keep your opponent for whittling down your life. Big creatures are powerful but are really a late game tactic. You really need some small creatures and a good ratio of land in your deck as well.

Once you have put together your deck, play test it. Shuffle the deck and deal your hand. Go through the motions of each turn to see how fast you can lay down creatures and how much land you have out after a few rounds. Then begin to tweak your deck to get the right ratio for you.

Avoid building decks the center around just one card, even if you have four in a deck. Never sabotage your game by just relying on a single card or combo. Build a deck that you can work with any of the cards that you are dealt.

The beauty of Magic the Gathering is that players can add their own personality by building a custom deck. With a little help and a lot of patience, even those new to the game can build effective theme decks.