Magic Academy: Deck Building

Scheduling: Evergreen; available all season long and beyond; use the Magic Academy: Deck Building scheduling template
Format: New Player Event
Rules Enforcement Level: Casual
Pairing Method: Player List Only
Material Support:

  • Learn-to-Play Brochure and pocket reference card for participants
  • Sticker Sheets for participants

Gift-with-purchase promos should only be distributed during Magic Academy events. All promos are available while supplies last. For complete promo details, refer to the Promo Usage & Policies hub.

What is Magic Academy: Deck Building?

Magic Academy: Deck Building is a structured Magic demo experience that makes teaching new players the basics of deck construction easier. It uses 6 play Boosters (or equivalent), rules reference materials, and an instructional video to do most of the heavy lifting so your staff can focus on individual customer needs. It’s a great opportunity for existing players to bring interested friends to your store to embark on their Magic journey.

How to Run Magic Academy: Deck Building

Part two of Magic Academy is the Deck Building event where new players learn the basics of constructing a deck. We recommend running it like this:

  1. If they don't already have one, help players set up a Wizards Account and use it to register for the event; only players that register using a Wizards Account qualify to keep physical event materials. Recommend downloading the Magic Companion app and explain how they can sign up for events and track life totals right in the app.
  2. Play the Magic Academy: Deck Building introductory video on your play space display or direct players to watch it on their mobile devices. In conjunction with the other learn-to-play materials, players will have all the information they need to build their first 40-card deck.
  3. Identify and point out staff and experienced players that new players can come to with rules questions or advice. If you still have Community Tutor Badges from the Foundations season, provide them to these individuals to signify them as a friendly helper.
  4. Provide each participant with the following while supplies last:
    • 6 Play Boosters
    • Learn-to-Play brochure
    • Pocket reference card
    • Sticker sheet
  1. Instruct players to open their packs, review their cards, and build their first deck referencing the instructional video as needed.
  2. Once completed, have a staff member of experienced player review their deck build to provide tips and advice (and praise!).
  3. Pair players up for their first casual match. Encourage players to share their decks with one another before playing and to keep the conversation going throughout play. This experience is about learning and having fun, not competition.
  4. Help players find additional opponents for more casual matches.
  5. Share your event calendar and invite them back for their next event such as Friday Night Magic or Prerelease.

Players that register for the Learn to Play event using an Arena-connected Wizards Account will automatically receive the following digital reward:

  • 6 Magic: The Gathering Foundations packs on Magic: The Gathering Arena