How to Prep for Your First Magic: The Gathering Pre-Release Event

For most new Magic: The Gathering players, pre-release events can be good opportunities to get a first taste of competitive play. The competitive environment of MTG tournaments can be nerve-wracking for newbies, but pre-release events are meant to be smaller and more beginner-friendly.

Pre-release events are usually held at local game shops one week before a new MTG set is released. These events give players the chance to try out the new set before it’s actually released in stores.

At a pre-release event, all players receive a kit containing a special promo card, a 20-sided die, and more importantly, 6 packs to build a deck with. This is what makes the playing field more level—no one knows what cards they’ll get, and everyone has to build a deck on the spot. You will be given a few minutes to build your deck, then the tournament will begin. The prizes for tournament winners depends on the store, but they’re usually more packs of cards or even booster boxes (with 36 packs inside). 

The key to having a good pre-release experience is proper preparation, so here are some tips to get you ready for the upcoming pre-release for Throne of Eldraine!

1. Know the Set Before Jumping in

Before taking the plunge, it definitely helps to do some research about the set that the pre-release event is for. New sets mean new card mechanics and possible deck combinations, so familiarizing yourself with these ahead of time will definitely help you build a good pre-release deck.

It also helps to know the values of the cards beforehand, as many players will be looking to trade, buy, and sell cards at pre-release events. You don’t want to end up selling or trading a valuable card for cheap, or buying a card you want at an unfair price.

2. Don’t Forget Your BREAD

BREAD is a useful way to sort and filter your cards as you build your deck on the spot. As you open your packs, sort your cards by color, then consider the following:

• Bomb – These are the cards that are the biggest threat to your opponent. Look for cards that can deal huge damage to your opponent, can give you card advantage by making you draw cards or making your opponent discard cards, or have other “game breaking” effects that will put you at an advantage and ultimately win you the game.
• Removal – These are the cards that protect you against enemy Bombs. Look for cards that can destroy, deal damage, or exile your opponents’ cards.
• Evasion – Cards with Evasion are attackers that prevent your opponent from blocking with skills like Flying, Menace, and Trample. They’re difficult to get rid of without Removal cards.
• Ability – These are cards with abilities that amplify the effects of your Bombs or Removals, or help you get your Bombs out faster. Without proper support and synergy, your Bombs and Removals won’t be of much use.
• Dirt – These are the worst cards in your pool. Some players find it easier to identify these first and remove them from their pool before going on to identify Bombs.

Your deck should be composed of at least 40 cards, made up of 22 to 23 spells, with 17 to 18 basic lands. It’s recommended that these 22 to 23 spells include 15 to 16 creatures.

3. Remember to Choose the Best Overall Colors

Don’t just choose colors based on Bombs alone! Look at your card pool as a whole, and see which colors are the strongest overall. It’s very rare to get a card pool with ONE strong color, so see which two to three colors work together best. If you’re considering using three colors, be mindful of your mana—most of the time, you’ll need additional cards that can help fix your mana pool to make three-color decks work.

4. Bring Some Supplies (Water, Sleeves, Lands)

Pre-release tournaments can last for hours on end, depending on the number of players participating. It’s safe to assume that you’ll be playing for at least four hours at one pre-release tournament, so definitely bring water to stay hydrated. You should also consider bringing snacks, unless the shop where you’re playing is providing food.

Card sleeves are also a must-have if you’re concerned about preserving the quality of your cards. Make sure to bring at least 50 sleeves to make sure you have enough for your deck.

You may also consider bringing some basic land cards (10 of each color). Most game stores provide basic land cards that pre-release players can use, but it’s best to bring your own just in case they run out.

5. Just Relax and Have Fun!

It’s normal to feel nervous at a pre-release event, especially if it’s your first time playing against other players in a competitive setting. Just relax, and don’t dwell on your mistakes or losses too much. If you’re unsure of a rule or a mechanic, don’t panic! Just call one of the game shop’s judges over for assistance.

The more you play, the less nervous you’ll feel, especially if you’re entering pre-release with your friends. Remember that MTG is still a game, and games are supposed to be fun!
Are you participating in the upcoming pre-release event for Throne of Eldraine? Let us know in the comments below!