Game play is simple enough: Two players square off in one-on-one combat, each armed with a custom deck of at least 60 cards, the construction of which is considered the key. Each starts the game with a random selection of cards, which is where the skill of mastering a game that's mostly random comes into play. While taking turns, each player dispatches a variety of threats and defenses to thwart their opponent's plans. The cards are designed with rich storylines and a classic fantasy element in mind, but it doesn't matter. "Hell, I'd bash with Justin Bieber cards if that's what was in the arsenal. I just love playing Magic," says one of my friends.