One of the new clubs at BHS this year is the Magic: The Gathering club, started by seniors Meir Bickert and Mayer Bergman.

The club meets every other Tuesday after school in math teacher Alexa Freyberger’s classroom. 

Senior Aaron Kahn shared his experiences with the game and the group. Kahn first got into the game when he was younger by watching the people around him play. 

“Friends and neighbors were playing it, so I joined,” he said. 

Kahn has been playing since 2019.

“I like that it is a fun strategy game you can play with your friends,” he said.

He also mentioned that the huge variety of cards and ways to play keeps the game exciting. 

“There are many formats and cards, so it doesn’t get boring,” he said. 

Magic: the Gathering, is a strategic card game where players take on the role of powerful wizards called “planewalkers.” Each player builds a deck of cards made up of creatures, spells, artifacts and lands. Lands produce magical energy called “mana,” which players spend to cast spells. 

The goal is usually to reduce your opponent’s life total from 20 to 0 using strategy, strong cards and combinations. Because there are tens of thousands of unique cards and many different formats from casual kitchen table games to competitive tournaments, the game stays fresh and creative for both new and experienced players. 

For many players, that variety is one of the biggest reasons Magic is still played worldwide after more than 30 years. 

Joining the school’s club was an easy choice for Kahn. 

“The game is fun, and I’m friends with people in [the club],” he said. 

Magic players enjoy finding card combinations that work well together. 

One combo Kahn mentioned was Hullbreaker Horror and Sol Ring. 

“[The pair is] a contender for the most common combo in precons,” he said. 

As with any new club, there are challenges. According to Kahn, the biggest issue is experience level. 

“[We need]  members who know how to play,” he said. “Until then, they have to be taught, which isn’t a bad thing; it just means we can’t do as much until then.” 

Earlier in the year, the club attracted members who had never played before, but many of them have fallen away.

“Magic is a complicated game,” Kahn said. 

Teaching new players takes time, but club members are willing to be patient and help everyone learn. 

In the long run the club is considering hosting a pre-release tournament, where players would receive sealed packs of brand-new cards they’ve never seen before and build a deck on the spot. 

One of the most memorable moments in the club so far came on the very first day. 

“My sister [Rebecca] got free legendary creatures,” Kahn said, which would be exciting for any Magic player. 

Kahn  also spoke about a stereotype in the Magic community: that the game is “mostly for men.” 

“MTG is stigmatized as a man thing… There are often no women at tournaments,” he said. 

But he’s proud that our school’s club strives to be more inclusive.

”Our MTG club is just getting started, and it’s already building a supportive, friendly space where students can learn, play and have fun together,” he said. 

The club is open and ready to welcome new members, whether experienced or those who have never touched a magic card.