Sharing our Magic: the Gathering journey with each other is what makes this game more than just a game; it becomes a community. We create enjoyable moments with people who become friends and friends who become family. Here's a glimpse into someone's Magical life and how the game has influenced it.

I Play a Game Called Magic: The Gathering... No, It's a Card Game

Today we're meeting Alice, a Gem City Games employee and Commander enthusiast. Join me as Alice shares their Magic journey!

Help Me Welcome Our Next Contestant...

What's your name and how long have you played Magic: the Gathering?
My name is Alice and I've been playing from around 2011/2012; right around Zendikar.

Who initially shared Magic with you?
My father and some of my mother's co-workers back in Maryland.

That's a good distance away. Did your family move over here to Ohio?
No, just me, but I'm with my partner. My father doesn't play anymore, so I've been able to borrow some cards from him.

I see. Does your partner play as well?
Yes, we actually met each other through a Tumblr Magic role-playing group.

Cool. So, tell me about one of your first experiences playing Magic.
Sometime in 2010, my mother worked at a small company, different from the previous one. They had a game night for everyone, so my father brought his cards and we all had a fun, casual evening of tabletop Magic. One of my favorite cards from that time was my first foil mythic, a Novablast Wurm.

How long have you worked here at Gem City Games?
I'm pretty new. I've been here since last November. I enjoy it since it gives me more opportunities to assist others with their decks and appreciate what everyone is playing. Working here has also helped me make more friends in the area since moving from Maryland last June.

That's great. It's can be difficult when coming into a new area. Who do you normally play with?
Generally the people here at Gem City.

I know you're working currently, but will you be playing Commander tonight?
Yes, after I get done with my shift.

What deck or decks are you planning to run?
Now that's a question! I have about 14 or 15 different decks on me. Each one is based around a different concept.

That's quite a few. How do you decide on which one to play?
It depends. Sometimes I'll ask the table; sometimes I'll go with my mood. I like to mess around with new or odd mechanics. I try to shine some light onto cards that are overlooked or messing around with the rules of Magic; testing the limits.

If you would, give us a glimpse into the types of decks you have?
Well, I have a Breya, Etherium Shaper deck that focuses on Flowstone Thopters. I also have a deck called Prime Fractalization, that is, of course, Deekah, Fractal Theorist-based. The commander for it is Adrix and Nev, Twincasters. I've been able to create 2^{^70} amount of fractals each with 2^{^61} power worth of counters on them. I'm kind of a math nerd, so it's been great fun doubling to absurdity.

The decks I last played were my Zevlor, Elturel Exile and Tivit, Seller of Secrets decks. Zevlor can create a lot of mischief by itself and is a great enabler for different styles of play. Tivit, of course, is great with voting cards. I haven't been able to draw it so far, but I can see Expropriate being great. For me, that is.

Do you play other formats, or mainly Commander?
Yes, mainly Commander, but I have been looking to try out Pioneer. I've seen many people here enjoy it, So I figure I'll give it a run sometime.

What's one of your favorite Magic cards?
That's a tough one for me, because I do have more than one. Currently one of my favorites is Moonfolk Puzzlemaker. The art is so cute, with her smiling and having fun with the puzzle box.

Is there anyone else you try to mentor or assist with the game?
As I mentioned before, I love to interact with others about deck building; share my decks, check out new decks. I'm always happy to give and receive suggestions on new cards, interesting combinations. Whatever would help bring out the fun.

On a slightly humorous and fun note, I'm always ready to lend a hand and assist others with opening packs! Opening packs is great fun, but it helps me not spend my whole paycheck on cards.

As a final note, is there anything you'd like to share with our audience?
I do have to say, Gem City is a very open place. As a transgender person new to the area, I've felt very welcome here.

The Wrap-Up

I want to thank Alice for sharing their story and how Magic has been a part of it. I hope you enjoyed our discussion and look forward to the next installment. Do you have some interesting stories? Feel free to share in the comments or on Twitter.