Magic: The Gathering – Duel Decks: Merfolk Vs. Goblins (2017) Board Game

Magic: The Gathering is a popular collectible card game that was first published in in 2017. Over the years, it has gained a large following and has spawned various expansions and spin-off products. The Duel Decks series was introduced as a way to provide players with pre-constructed decks that are ready for battle right out of the box. The Merfolk Vs. Goblins set pits two iconic fantasy races against each other in a head-to-head duel.

Game Components of Magic: The Gathering – Duel Decks: Merfolk Vs. Goblins

2 ready-to-play 60-card decks: One for Merfolk and one for Goblins.

2 premium cards: Special cards exclusive to this set.

2 deck boxes: For storing the decks.

1 strategy insert: A guide to help players understand the strategies behind each deck.

1 learn-to-play guide: For new players to learn the basics of Magic: The Gathering.

2 spin-down counters: Tokens used to keep track of life and other game elements.

How To Setup Magic: The Gathering – Duel Decks: Merfolk Vs. Goblins

To set up the game, each player chooses one of the pre-constructed decks (either Merfolk or Goblins) and shuffles it. Players start with 20 life and draw seven cards to begin their hand. The strategy insert and learn-to-play guide provide additional guidance for new players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Deck Building: Though the decks are pre-constructed, understanding the tribe-specific mechanics is key.

Combat: Engaging in battles between creatures to reduce the opponent’s life total.

Spell Casting: Using magical spells to influence the game state.

Life Management: Managing life totals and resources.

Objective: Reduce the opponent’s life total from 20 to 0.

Player Experience

Playing Magic: The Gathering – Duel Decks: Merfolk Vs. Goblins offers a unique introduction to the game’s rich strategy and diverse playstyles. The Merfolk deck focuses on swift, aquatic creatures and evasive tactics, while the Goblins deck emphasizes aggressive, chaotic play with numerous small creatures. This contrast allows players to experience different strategies and decide which playstyle they prefer.

Pros

Ease of Entry: Perfect for new players due to the pre-constructed decks and learn-to-play guide.

Strategic Depth: Introduces key concepts and strategies of Magic: The Gathering.

Ready to Play: No need to build decks from scratch.

Affordable: Generally priced between $15 to $25, making it an accessible entry point.

Cons

Limited Customization: The decks are pre-constructed, limiting immediate customization options.

Simplified Strategies: While educational, the decks may not showcase the full complexity of Magic: The Gathering.

Personal Thoughts on Magic: The Gathering – Duel Decks: Merfolk Vs. Goblins

This set is ideal for new players looking to dive into Magic: The Gathering or for casual players interested in exploring different tribe-specific strategies. It provides a balanced and educational experience, making it a great starting point or a fun addition to any Magic: The Gathering collection.

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