Students play Magic: The Gathering daily; want more players

Students of varying ages at Airport High School come together in the school media center daily to play a twenty-five year old card game and end up a part of a small family. Rivalries blossom, friendships are formed, and students take some time to unwind from the hustle and bustle of AHS academics, sports, and clubs.

A small, select of students retreat to the safety of the library to play Magic: The Gathering, away from prying eyes of mean girls and school bullies who may not necessarily understand or appreciate the joy this game, which is actually extremely popular worldwide, brings to the bunch. Together, they play as much as possible, sharing decks of cards, giving advice, and mentoring students in not just the game. When asked, all the students agreed that a club run by a teacher would provide them a healthy extracurricular activity that doesn’t involve a uniform or an irritating coach screaming at them all day. Rumor has it that Mrs. Rasmussen, whose husband is a Magic aficionado, may be willing to recruit him as a sponsor.

The players share dice, decks, and many supplies common in the card playing world. Recommendations are made, and tournament rules don’t stop players from using age-old cards. Despite wins, losses, and game rage, friendships clearly remain strong, and new bonds are formed with each induction of a new player. The game begins with the first player playing a land card, and then the next player draws a card and then plays their land. This goes back and forth until one player has enough land to play a creature, artifact, or instant card, and then the real fun begins! The goal of the game is to get your opponent down to zero health through attacking and blocking, as well as playing various sorceries and instants to take them out. Naturally, like any game, most players are more than willing to throw out insults, enjoy friendly banter, and occasionally root for someone to win. It’s really no different than any other football game or otherwise.

By sharing decks, players gain a better understanding of what works for them. There are as many Magic cards as there are stars in the sky, and there’s something for everyone. It truly is a family behind these institutional walls of Airport High.

A newer player, Lilly O., reported that her fondest memory so far has been “winning her first game against the person who taught her.”

Jacob L. explained that “the more people, the more fun.” Clearly an invitation!

But above all, Lilly O. told me that “you need someone to teach you how to play,” as it can be difficult figuring out the rules on one’s own.

This tight knit group of players have a strong bond. Every deck built, every card drawn, every dice rolled continues to power a these lifelong relationships in an ever changing world. In the next twenty-five years, will you join too?

For more information, visit Ready To Play, located at 910 Knox Abbott Drive in Cayce, South Carolina, or come to the library at lunch time.