{"ops":[{"insert":"Hello again: Your local MtG new player "},{"attributes":{"color":"#facccc"},"insert":"TM."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"My local playgroup is going to be moving to colleges soon, and with the pandemic worsening locally: what are some free or cheep options for us to play digially?"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"I'm aware of Tabletop Simulator, but I'm the only one that owns that game. I know there's Commander on MtG:O, but don't you need to buy the decks again? I don't think any of us would want to do that. Are there any digital solutions, or perhaps some ways to use our paper cards? "},{"insert":"\n"}]}
0
{"ops":[{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.spelltable.com"},"insert":"Spelltable"},{"insert":" is a great way to play Commander via webcam.\n\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://untap.in"},"insert":"Untap.in"},{"insert":" is like a nicer version of Cockatrice or Apprentice from back in the day. It's essentially a browser-based Tabletop Simulator specifically for CCGs. None of the game rules are implemented so you'll have to move cards around and enact their effects manually.\n"}]}
4
{"ops":[{"insert":"I second the Spelltable suggestion. I've had a great time with it, I'm constantly amazed by how thorough it is. And the awesome thing is, you don't even need a webcam. You can simultaneously link your desktop and mobile device, using the camera on your mobile device (as long as you have some kind of way to mount it). \n"}]}
Edited 7/29/2020, 10:21:04 PM
1

{"ops":[{"insert":"Magic: The Gathering has long been more than just a card game - for many of you, it is an integral part of everyday life. Today, you have many digital options for playing and testing Magic and trying out new decks. But which platform suits your needs? Here is an overview of the most important options, regardless of whether you prefer to play against the AI, with friends or the whole world.\n\nMTG Arena\nThe official platform with modern graphics, automatic rules and a huge community. AI opponents are only available in the tutorials and drafts, after that you always play against real people.\n\nMTG Online (MTGO)\nAll formats, almost every map - MTGO is the platform for fans of variety. Technically old-fashioned, but unrivaled in terms of the card pool. There is no AI, you always play against others and you need digital cards.\n\nXMage\nFree, flexible and always up to date. You can play online against others or test your decks against the AI - with automatic rule implementation and over 30,000 cards.\n\nForge\nThe best choice for single players and AI fans. Forge offers almost all cards, special solo modes and plenty of opportunities to try out new ideas against the computer.\n\nMagarena\nSophisticated single-player experience with clever AI and simple controls. Multiplayer and the latest maps are missing, but you get focused solo gameplay.\n\nCockatrice\nFlexible, fast and completely designed for playing with other people. You set the rules yourself - ideal for experienced players and community rounds. No AI.\n\nUntap.in\nDirectly in the browser, without installation - Untap.in is suitable for quick matches with others, regardless of the card game. Here, too, you only play against people.\n\nSpellTable\nFor a real “paper magic” feeling online. You play against others via webcam with real cards - no AI, no automation, but maximum authenticity.\n\nConclusion:\nRegardless of whether you want to test against the AI or play with others - XMage and Forge are great for AI and solo. Magarena is purely geared towards solo. Cockatrice and Untap.in are made for multiplayer and community. The official platforms focus on PvP. SpellTable brings a real card game feeling to your screen.\n"}]}
0
{"ops":[{"insert":"Another option is Cockatrice. It is free and has a discord channel also. This is how my playgroup plays when we cannot get together.\n"}]}
0
{"ops":[{"insert":"You can join us at The Stack Shack. It's a server of people who want to play Magic the Gathering online without having to pay for all of the over-priced cards.\nWe primarily play over Tabletop Simulator, a cheap game usually found on sale on Steam and even cheaper if you go to G2A.\nYou can find all different types of different formats of Magic the Gathering played here and actually talk to people playing EDH over Discord, the best part of EDH.\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://discord.gg/cBfnr9WDJn"},"insert":"https://discord.gg/cBfnr9WDJn"},{"insert":"\n"}]}
0
{"ops":[{"attributes":{"link":"https://discord.gg/thestackshack"},"insert":"https://discord.gg/thestackshack"},{"insert":"\n:)\n"}]}
0
{"ops":[{"insert":"There are a couple of solutions. "},{"attributes":{"link":"http://xmage.de/"},"insert":"X-Mage"},{"insert":" takes a little bit to get used to, but it works like a free version of MTGO. The other option is to use webcams, which takes a little bit of setup to get it to record cleanly, and make it work well.\n\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.hipstersofthecoast.com/2020/03/getting-set-up-for-paper-magic-online/"},"insert":"These"},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"link":" https://infinite.tcgplayer.com/article/How-to-Play-Magic-The-Gathering-On-Skype/d69daf46-0ede-4279-9ac4-921400d255df/"},"insert":"two"},{"insert":" articles go into how to get setup to play fairly comfortably. I have not had a ton of luck with webcam games, as I cannot get my camera to focus properly, but if you can get it to work, that is the closest to normal magic. If you are playing with friends on X-mage I recommend having discord or another voice chat open, so that table talk is more convenient, as X-mage only has a text chat to the side of the game.\n\nI hope that helped with what you were looking for, and that your games stay fun, even through the pandemic!\n"}]}
0