Magic: The Gathering isn't a card game, it's a social experience. Playing at the local game store is wonderful, but there's a magic to sitting your friends around your own table. Hosting a card night game is a rite of passage for any dedicated player, but a little planning can get it from something of an impromptu party to a night to remember. Want to be the host your friends wish they could go to? Here are our top tips and ideas for hosting an MTG game night everyone will be talking about.

Organize Your Format: More Than Just Playing a Game Step one is figuring out how you're going to play. The correct format is everything, suiting your guests' skill level and collection size.

• Commander (EDH): It's the king of casual, multiplayer MTG. It's the perfect choice for a night in because it's designed for 3-5 players, encourages wacky and splashy plays, and allows all players to do their thing with special decks. It's the top pick for an established playgroup.
• Booster Draft: Needn't prep decks for all? No problem! A draft levels the playing field. Everyone contributes three booster packs each, and you construct decks right away from the cards you pick. It's an excellent opportunity to try a new set and test your deckbuilding skills.
• Jumpstart: For the lowest stress, highest fun experience possible, Jumpstart is ideal. Players take two themed 20-card packs, shuffle them together, and they're off and running. It's the quickest way to have a game up and running, particularly with new players or less skilled players.
• Cube Draft: It's a more advanced option for well-known groups. A "Cube" is a customized deck of cards (most likely put together by the host) used for drafting. It's like a greatest-hits MTG album where you can create an individual and reproducible draft environment. 

Pro-Tip: Let your guests know about the format beforehand so they will be able to bring the right decks or know what to expect.

2. Set the Stage, Comfort is Key: You don't need a pro gaming station, but a comfortable and working space is crucial to a good night.

• Table Space: All you need is some room on a table where everybody can have their playmat, deck, and a drink. A standard kitchen or dining room table usually gets the job done.
• Good Lighting: No one wants to squint to see their cards. Make sure the play area is well-lit to reduce eye strain and misplays.
• Seating: Chairs must be comfy, especially for games like Commander that last long. Your friends will thank you after a three-hour game!
• Ambiance: Play some soothing background music (instrumental fantasy or lo-fi beats should be fine) to set the mood without being distracting.

Snacks and Drinks for the Mages: Summoning monsters is hard work. Keep your players energized with some appropriately selected snacks and drinks.

• Low-Mess Preferred: Finger foods are best that do not leave greasy stains on sleeves or cards. Pretzels, chips, grapes, cheese and crackers, or bite-sized candies are ideal. Avoid messy foods like cheesy pizza or saucy wings.
• Provide Drinks: Provide a selection of drinks, such as water, soda, or juice. 
• Coasters Are Your BFFs: Place coasters on the table to protect your furniture and your friends' cards from condensation and spills run amok.

Set the Vibe: Every playgroup is different. Establish the vibe for the night so everyone can have fun.

• Discuss Power Levels (Especially for Commander): Briefly take a moment before the game starts to discuss the power level of the decks being played. The goal is for everyone to get to do something and enjoy doing it, not for one player to wreck everyone else with a hyper-competitive deck.
• Be a Class Host: It's your duty as a host to make sure all players are welcome. Gather players who may not know each other, facilitate the flow of the game, and keep a positive attitude.
• Know When to Call It: Pay attention to the mood of the room. If people are burning out, it is time to close the last game and just wind down. The goal is to have everyone wanting to return for more!

Having an MTG game night is certainly one of the most rewarding things about this hobby. With some forethought, you can create lasting memories and enhance the bonds of friendship with your fellow Planeswalkers.