The Making of an AI: Magic the Gathering

1
The Making of an AI Magic the Gathering

• Byron Barzabal

2
What is Magic The Gathering?

• Magic The Gathering (MTG) is a trading card game
  by Wizards of the Coast.
• More complicated than most card games.
• The game is not fully observable like Chess or
  Poker.

3
General Rules

• Two or more players required
• Each player starts with a deck of at least 60
  cards
• Players take turns making decisions until they
  achieve victory

4
MTG Golden Rule

• Whenever a card's text directly contradicts the
  rules, the card takes precedence.

5
Universal Rules

• Each player begins with
• 20 life points
• 7 cards
• Players take turns playing cards
• 7 total phases per turn
• 5 of which are mandatory

6
Game Phases
7
Untap Phase
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Draw and Main Phases

• Draw Players may only draw 1 card per turn.
• Main Players may play cards.
• Player has the decision to enter the Combat phase
  or skip and enter the End phase.
• If a player enters Combat phase, the player must
  also enter the Main phase before going to the End
  phase.

9
Types of Cards