If you’re reading this article and enjoy the shared company of your fellows, chances are you have dabbled in multiplayer MTG. The format was responsible for my being involved in Magic to begin with. (In this article I am referring to a free-for-all game type. While “Two-Headed Giant” and “Five-Pointed Star” are certainly fun, both basically represent ideas to make a four or five player game ‘one-on-one’.) Nowadays I still play multi as often as possible. However there lurks an elephant in that room: multiplayer magic has as much skill involved as 'pick which hand the marble is in'. Harsh words to be sure, but untrue?

Strategy is not just part of the multi-player game. It is the multiplayer game. Politics and alliances are something a person can be good at. It is a skill. A skill not all possess.

There are some basic principals that you need to remember here. There is nothing wrong with alliances, deal-making, and profiteering. This point is always controversial. “Unfair and most cowardly!” they will shout. To some maybe, but to me that is what makes multi-player Magic fun. Imagine playing Monopoly if there where no trading, selling, or immunity. Ugh, how boring.  Besides, there is simply no way one person can beat two, three or maybe six other decks straight up. It can’t be done. Simply put, tactics that work against one opponent (card advantage, spot removal, permission, etc) don’t work when faced with numerous foes. You need new strategies.

[caption id="attachment_116" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="not a staple of Standard decks, but great in multi"][/caption]

In addition to finding some new strategies for multi-player, you need to remember a few key points. First, threat recognition is much more important. Making your choices count is the key in an environment where you may be tapped out for three of four turns before your next upkeep. Second, the nail that sticks out is always the first to be hammered down. Keeping a low-profile always makes good sense, especially in the early game. Of course six cards in hand with enough mana to unload them all can make you as likely a target as somebody with a pair of Serra Angel’s on the board.  Third, depending on the competition, games can easily last twenty turns or more.  It is important to get used to a setting where high-mana cost cards are much more frequent and easier to play.  That's right, you won't need any Seething Songs to play Akroma Angel of Fury in multiplayer!

[caption id="attachment_115" align="alignright" width="191" caption="looks like a good time"][/caption]

Now the question becomes what deck to play. In some circles, alright my circle, making a deck specifically for multi-player is frowned upon. The argument being that to include cards which don’t work well in head to head in multiplayer is 'dirty pool'.  If a card is not good enough to make your regular deck, it’s not the sporting thing to do? Is it cheating to stuff a few Hexes in your deck before taking up arms? Of course not! The point is to win. If preparation is a step everyone at the table takes, the game will be quicker, more fair, and a lot more fun.

Like snowflakes, every game of multiplayer is different.  Even with the same players.  Thinking about who you are playing is a great idea, and so is analyzing table position.  Some players are emotional and reactionary, others try to keep the peace, while some hope nobody notices them until its too late.  Being able to identify each type of enemy is an important step to dealing with them.  Once you've Terrored the Wilt-Leaf Liege of a reactionary player, you'll get the brunt of their attacks for a while. Something to think about. Playing right before a counterspell deck?  You'll often be the victim of those two extra mana they left untapped.  Another factor to take into account.  The more you play in this format, the easier it becomes to spot these things.  Once spotted, nuances like these are the savvy player's best friend.

Multiplayer MTG is many things.  It is a great way to get to know your friends.  It can be the best way to see an ambitious deck idea to fruition.  And it's simply the most fun you can have with 60 cards, a flat surface and a roomful of people.  So if you've closed your mind to the idea of five people sitting in on the same game, you may be really missing out.

Special Note: Much credit for this column should go to The Ferrett.  A former writer on mtg.com and an inspiration to me.