Magic: The Gathering

It's no small fact that Magic: The Gathering is easily the most expensive card game in the world. With decks varying from $200 to over $2000, and even single cards going for $2400 apiece, Magic: The Gathering is also known for being extremely daunting due to many complex rules and mechanics. This is actually far from the truth unless you decide to go pro. It is extremely cheap and easy to pick up the game and get going with some friends, and the basic rules are simple to understand, and can be built upon to give way to more complex terms such as "response" and how cards interact.
As well as this, much like any good TCG, there is a free simulator for it. Cockatrice is a download-online simulator which gives players access to any card. Registration is free, and recommended.
As for more seasoned players looking for a place to discuss, I myself play Standard, Legacy, and the most popular format on Smogon, EDH. EDH is short for Elder Dragon Highlander, and is commonly referred to by Wizards Of The Coast as Commander. The rules for this format are complicated at first, but it is the most casual format around, and is extremely fun once you get into it. For more details, see the official site.
Also for those of you IRC-bound, #mtg does indeed exist, and we welcome anybody openly who is interested in learning or playing! As said, our main play is EDH, and the current list of active players on the channel are thus;
- Zystral (Zy)
- bojangles (ibojangles)
- Vader
- Mr.E
- the angry scientist
- Phiddlesticks
- Wild Eep
- asim
- myozozoa
