Oct 29

MTG Core Sets

dastels @ 4:28 pm

I was listening to a recent episode of the Monday Night Magic podcast on the way to work this morning. They discussed the question of Core Sets… whether they should change, be gotten rid of, or what. I figured I’d recap their comments and add my own.

Ben from Michigan prompted the discussion with a phone in question. The ensuing discussion covered two points I want to comment on:

  1. Changes to core sets to include more advanced concepts/mechanics. Legends were added in Tenth Edition, why not add other things? Tom figured gold (multicolored) cards were fair game as did Gavin. Gavin really wants to see cycling in core sets.

    I disagree. I think the core sets should fill two roles: a gentle introduction for new players, and a general toolbox of basic staples for advanced players. To that end I like the fact that the cards are straightforward, have basic mechanics, and single color. I also don’t really agree with adding legends to the core, but I do see how they make for more interesting/fun starter packs.

    Speaking of starter packs… I really like the new style that was introduced with Shards of Alara: a partial precon and a booster. There’s enough in place that you can open it and start playing (with the 41 card deck), but also get a taste of the collectable aspect of the game due to the included booster.

  2. Getting rid of the core set. The general comment was that they shouldn’t get rid of them, but that they should be smaller (Gavin suggested 120 cards.. 1/3 of the current size). The core provides an easy way for new players to get basic cards.

    I agree that the core sets should not be stopped. They could be smaller but I don’t think they should be downsized so drastically… if at all? As I said it’s a general toolbox… it should provide a wide variety of utility cards.

    When I started playing (as Planar Chaos came out) I felt myself at a distinct disadvantage in not having that toolbox to dig into when designing decks. When 10th came out, we treated it like any other set.. and bought a bunch. It wasn’t very exciting, but it filled in a great many holes in my collection. I won’t do the same with subsequent core sets.. mostly because I probably already have the cards that will be added to it from my collection of subsequent blocks.