In 1993 Richard Garfield designed Magic: The Gathering to fill in the 'down time' between games at gaming conventions. Now there are Magic conventions! I always find it amazing that although many, many collectable card games have been released since Magic, Richard Garfield's game has remained one of the most popular. You can start playing by buying one of the 'beginners' games' sets or any two of the theme decks to play against each other (although the theme decks don't include the rules), then add to your collection with any of the expansions. All expansions, new and old, are compatible with one another, and new ones are released approximately every four months! | 
