format

The Multi-Player Format
     Magic was created as a one on one game.However imagination has brought us the multi player formats. Multi play can be done in a variety of ways including: teams, spell ranges, limitations on who each player can attack, and many others. The group I generally play with do not use any special rules. Just a free for all with each other. The following are some hints and tips on playing this way.

Deck Building
    I find that deck building for multi-play differs from building for a duel primarily in that, for a duelling deck, speed is the key. Decks need to be fast and single minded to some degree. After all your opponent is using a similar strategy so you won't have many turns to let your design come into play. In a multi-player setting however, you must be able to deal with multiple threats, just as your opponents must. Your deck ideas have more time to develop. The other main difference I have noticed between the two as far as deck building goes is that in a duelling deck 70 cards is an absolute maximum, while in multi play, I have succsefully used decks that were around 150 cards. The slower pace of the multi game allows for more time for your deck to devel\op.

Game Play
    Unless you are playing with very close friends, do yourself a favor. Decide which edition rules you're going to use BEFORE the game starts. Then be prepared to give a little bit. Magic was never meant for multi play. As a result many cards don't function exactly as they would normally. Also, decide what style decks are going to be allowed. The group I play with decided long ago that "We don't need no deck types!" and as a result, we don't recognize any banned or restricted list. We have all gotten used to (as we call them) Coat of Arms Rules. Basically, if you have four Black Lotus's, play them, PROUDLY!! Also during a rules dispute, if a dispute can't be settled, vote on it letting majority rule, and move on with no ruffled feathers.

Strategy
    Hmmmm, what can I say. Many reading this are probably better players then I am. I try to build decks that plan for every ability, and knowing the styles of my opponents helps alot. I can always rely on Jim to put a Coat of Arms into play when my squirrels desperately need it. Likewise, someone always has a Howling Mine or Prosperity in a deck, and we are all familiar with the loud groan that is heard every time Sean or Pat plays an Iron Maiden. Learn to play off your opponents cards. As far as who to attack? I usually try to spread the damage around. There is alot to be said however for going after one player (especially the guy with 4 Ivory Towers), and friendly vendettas happen constantly. Above all have fun, and remember, as Jeff said, long ago, "It's not about winning, it's about pissing people off." (NOTE: Jeff has a big cheesy moustache and a constant smile. It's almost impossible to imagine him a malicious, but then if you haven't played against him, you really don't know do you? This was said and adopted by the group I play with as sort of our motto.)