Magic 2010 - The Ever Feared Rules Change

"As humans we have this uncanny ability to adapt to situations and surroundings. Rules change isn't that bad. Also, we have thumbs."

I tweeted that a few weeks back after seeing all of the complaints about the rules changes that are coming along with the new MtG core set. The game of Magic may as well be a living being, with it's thousands of cards to choose from, and as such it is assumed that such a being will evolve. Every game evolves: hockey had a rules change after the NHL strike, golf, rugby, basketball-all of these sports have a new rulebook printed annually or biannually to account for evolving games.

I know the changes seem fairly drastic, but I think for the game to continue to thrive and grow they are necessary. So your Mogg Fanatic isn't quite as useful in combat as it once was? Find a new trick. In my opinion the rules change is going to affect strategic thinking, a lot of old tricks aren't quite as tricky as they once were. People are going to have to think of new moves, break the old routine. That's not such a bad thing really, it helps keep the game fresh.

The change also simplifies things like Deathtouch and Lifelink, making it easier for new players to learn the game. New players also aid in keeping things fresh, new faces on the scene, new opponents across the table from you at FNM or the next PTQ, or new friends in you casual group. Magic can be a very social thing, and I think the social experience plus simple rules is what will keep drawing in new players.

To those who keep saying you're done with the game because of the rules change see the first statement of this entry. In addition, if you really are done, great! That's one less player in between me and a shot at Worlds! Except for the whole thing of you being replaced by the new faces I spoke of. Most of which will probably beat me down when we sit at that table.