1) Install MTGIE onto computer.

It is highly recommended that you do a full installation of MTGIE (allow about 1.1+ gigabyte worth of space for the program and for additional updates). A full installation means that both large and small jpg images will be installed onto your computer. Viewing of card pictures will be faster and easier.

2) Download all the official WotC patches.

The CD installation comes with sets Alpha to Mercadian Masque. You need the patches for the program improvements and newer sets. If the other player has cards that you don't have, your MTGIE won't be able to display them. Download from MTGIE updates/patches page at www.wizards.com (approx. 140MB total). I suggest installing the patches/updates in the order from the oldest to the newest.

3) Download MTGPlay.

Almost all MTGIE players enjoy using this program interface instead of MTGIE. It uses the same decks you make with MTGIE. MTGPlay allows up to 6 players to play. Up to 16 spectators can watch a game in progress. And lost connections can also be restored as long as the person hosting the game is still online. MTGPlay is considered easier to use and it uses less computer resources. You will need MTGPlay to install the unofficial updates. Learn more at MTGPlay's website and read more about it in the FAQ.

Download the 4.6+MB file for a first-time installation. The future versions of MTGPlay you use will generally only require downloading the exe file. During installation, the computer may ask to update or keep your file; answer in a way to have a newer version of the file on your computer.

If you get an ODBC error when trying to load a deck with MTGPlay, you will need an MDAC patch. As mentioned on the MTGPlay website, you will have to download an MDAC (Microsoft Data Access Components) update from the Microsoft website. Download one of the updates (2.7, 2.6, 2.5). Some players have reported that using 2.5 instead of 2.6 has allowed them to use MTGPlay. The MDAC update also seems to solve problems with those computers unable to execute MTGPlay in the first place. (If you install an MDAC, be sure to install the MDAC Security Patch also.)

4) Download the unofficial patches for Onslaught, Legions, Eighth, etc.

The unofficial patches can be found at the MTGPlay website. You will need MTGPlay already installed in order to install the unofficial patches of Onslaught and Legions.

5) Build a deck.

Playing one of the pre-made decks may be fine for playing against some willing players, but I'm sure they would rather play against a deck you built. Take some time and build a few of your favorite decks. Almost all players build decks according to WotC tournament standards. Read more about deck formats in the FAQ.

6) Learn to use the playtable interface.

If you want to quickly play online, I strongly recommend learning to use the MTGPlay interface first because almost all players online will be asking you to play with MTGPlay. (You can go back to use MTGIE later.) For a step-by-step guide to using MTGPlay, read this MTGPlay instructions article. Load a deck on the interface and practice moving cards to graveyard, library, table, etc. Click and drag cards to different locations. Right-click different locations for different options. Practice moving cards around as if you were really playing. See the MTGPlay website for tips on using its interface.

I highly recommend that you learn to use MTGPlay on your own before going online to play someone. It can be difficult and tiring for others to teach new players on how to use the MTGPlay interface. Here's a summary of MTGPlay commands. Load a deck and practice playing the deck. Remember that there is a step-by-step MTGPlay guide available.

7) Learn to start a game with MTGPlay.

a) One player will host a game and up to 5 other players may connect as clients.

b) Host clicks on 'Game' then 'Serve...' Host can just click 'OK' unless a specific port and password is wanted. Default port is 1001. Host provides IP address and port number to the client players.

c) Clients click on 'Game' then 'Connect...' IP address and port number from the host is entered and 'OK' is pressed. Clients will then be connected.

If you are disconnected as a client, you may reconnect as long as the host still has the game running. You will reconnect with cards, life, etc. still intact as if you just stepped away for a moment.

If playing 4+ player MTGPlay, more playtable space might be helpful. You can set the virtual resolution of your screen to 1152 x 864 or higher in the 'Options'. The 'View Card' window is displayed at it's optimum quality at 1152 x 864.

Within the "Deck Editor" window, modify and create new decks by right-clicking decks/cards.

For Sealed Deck game, first make sure all the players are connected. Then a player right-clicks his/her name and selects 'Sealed Deck.' That player selects the starters and boosters for the players to use. All the players will be asked to accept the sealed deck game. A deck editor window will open for each player to build his/her individual deck. Select the column title to sort by color, name, casting cost, etc. Double-click cards to move them to Deck or Available list. No additional lands can be added at this time. But players can load the sealed deck, save the deck, and then bring up the deck editor to add more lands to it (if players agree to this).

Access different options under 'Game'|'Options'. There are mouseover tooltips for the different options. You can select your favorite sounds for different events/phases of the game.

Please visit the MTGPlay website for more info.

*) Download SideStep.

If you insist on using the MTGIE interface, you will need to connect to another player's game. Sidestep is a program that will allow one player to host and the other player to connect. Download SideStep. (Note: DO NOT UNZIP. To use, rename the extension of the file to .exe) You can learn some MTGIE playtable interface tips.

Learn how to use SideStep.

Be sure to check out the FAQ to learn more about using MTGIE and MTGPlay.