Key tips for Deck Building in MTG

Most players learn early on that building a deck is never as simple as tossing in your favorite cards. There’s a balance to maintain. And sometimes, even the coolest card might not fit. Here are a few thoughts on making a deck that works.

Start with a Strategy

Before you grab any cards, decide what you want to accomplish. Do you want an aggressive deck that wins fast, or do you prefer a more controlled approach? Some players love combo strategies, but those can be risky if you rely too heavily on one mechanic. Figure out your main goal, then pick cards that help you reach it.

Balance the Mana Curve

You’ve probably heard people talk about mana curve. It’s not just a fancy term. A well-constructed mana curve means you can actually play your cards at the right time. Too many high-cost spells can leave you stuck early on, and too many low-cost creatures might lose steam late in the game. Aim for a spread of spells that you can cast consistently across the match.

Choose Cards That Work Together

Synergy matters. For example, if half your deck focuses on life gain and the other half tries to sacrifice creatures, you may struggle to do either well. Look for cards that support a common theme or mechanic. Sometimes it’s tempting to throw in that random planeswalker that looks fun, but if it doesn’t mesh with your plan, it might hold you back.

Keep Card Draw and Removal

If you can’t draw into new cards, you’ll run out of options. So include ways to refill your hand. Removal spells are also key. Few things feel worse than watching your opponent build a scary board while you sit there doing nothing. Have answers to creatures, artifacts, enchantments—whatever is common in your playgroup.

Think About Land Count

Running too few lands is a classic mistake. You might get away with it one out of every ten games, but most of the time you’ll be mana-starved. On the other hand, flooding out on lands can also be frustrating. I’d say start with around 40% of your deck as lands for a typical 60-card format and adjust after testing a bit.

Test and Refine

Building a deck isn’t a one-time process. After a few matches, you’ll notice what’s clunky. Maybe your combo rarely comes together. Or maybe you have too many high-cost spells clogging your opening hand. Take notes, swap out cards, and try again. It’s part of the fun.

Closing Thoughts

There’s no perfect formula for every deck, which is what makes Magic so interesting. I believe experimenting with different strategies and learning from mistakes is all part of growing as a player. So don’t sweat it if your first build isn’t amazing. Keep adjusting, and you’ll eventually end up with a deck that feels right. And yes, you’ll probably still tweak it next week.