Sorting Magic: The Gathering (MTG) cards can be a daunting task, especially if you have a large collection. However, organizing your cards can make it easier to build decks, find specific cards, and even showcase your collection. This guide will walk you through the different methods of sorting your MTG cards, from basic sorting to more advanced methods. Whether you’re a casual player or a dedicated collector, this guide will help you keep your collection in order.

Why Sort Your MTG Cards?

Before diving into the methods, it’s essential to understand why sorting your MTG cards is beneficial:

  1. Ease of Deck Building: Sorting your MTG cards makes it much easier to find the specific cards you need when constructing decks. Whether you’re building a Standard, Modern, Commander, or any other format deck, having your cards sorted by color, type, and mana cost can streamline the process.
  2. Inventory Management: Knowing what cards you have and where they are helps you keep track of your collection. This is especially important if you’re a collector or if you trade/sell cards regularly.
  3. Gameplay Preparation: When preparing for tournaments or casual play, having your cards sorted allows you to quickly assemble decks or make last-minute adjustments based on the metagame.
  4. Value Assessment: Sorting your cards can also help you assess the value of your collection. By organizing them, you can easily identify valuable cards, duplicates, and cards that may need protection or special storage.

Basic Sorting Methods

Sorting by Color

One of the most common ways to sort MTG cards is by color. Magic: The Gathering cards are typically associated with five colors: white, blue, black, red, and green (often abbreviated as WUBRG). Sorting by color involves separating cards into these categories based on their card frame colors.

Steps to Sort by Color:

  1. Prepare Workspace: Clear a large, flat surface where you can spread out your cards comfortably.
  2. Sort into Piles: Start by creating five piles—one for each color. As you go through your collection, place each card into the appropriate color pile.
  3. Check for Multicolor and Colorless Cards: Some cards may have multiple colors (multicolor) or no color identity (colorless). Create additional piles for these cards as needed.
  4. Sort Within Each Color: Once sorted by color, you can further organize cards within each color by type (creature, sorcery, instant, enchantment, artifact, land).
  5. Label and Store: Label each color pile and consider using card storage boxes, folders, or binders to keep them organized and protected.

Sorting by Set

Sorting by set involves grouping cards by the specific MTG set they belong to. Magic: The Gathering releases new sets regularly, each with its own unique theme, mechanics, and card art.

Steps to Sort by Set:

  1. Identify Sets: Determine which sets you have cards from. Sets are typically identified by their set symbols, which are printed on the right side of the card under the artwork.
  2. Separate by Set: Create separate piles for cards from each set. Ensure you have identified and separated cards from promo sets, core sets, expansion sets, and special sets like Commander decks.
  3. Organize Within Sets: Within each set, you can further organize cards by rarity (common, uncommon, rare, mythic rare) and card type (creature, enchantment, artifact, etc.).
  4. Label and Store: Label each set pile accordingly. Consider using set binders or boxes designed to store cards from specific sets to keep them organized and easily accessible.

Sorting by Rarity

Sorting MTG cards by rarity helps you quickly identify valuable or powerful cards within your collection. Cards are categorized into four main rarities: common, uncommon, rare, and mythic rare.

Steps to Sort by Rarity:

  1. Separate by Rarity: Create separate piles or sections for each rarity level—common, uncommon, rare, and mythic rare.
  2. Sort Within Each Rarity: Within each rarity category, you can further organize cards by color, set, or type to suit your preferences.
  3. Value Assessment: Use resources such as online price guides or MTG trading platforms to assess the value of cards in each rarity category.
  4. Store Appropriately: Consider using protective sleeves or storage boxes to preserve the condition of valuable cards, especially those in mint or near-mint condition.

Sorting by Type

Sorting MTG cards by type involves categorizing them based on their card types, such as creatures, artifacts, enchantments, instants, sorceries, lands, and planeswalkers.

Steps to Sort by Type:

  1. Create Categories: Identify the main card types present in your collection—creatures, artifacts, enchantments, instants, sorceries, lands, planeswalkers, etc.
  2. Sort into Piles: Create separate piles for each card type. As you go through your collection, place each card into the appropriate category pile.
  3. Further Organize: Within each type category, you can sort cards by color, set, or rarity to enhance organization and accessibility.
  4. Label and Store: Label each type category pile and consider using storage solutions that accommodate different card types. For example, use sleeves for individual cards, deck boxes for playable decks, and binders or storage boxes for larger collections.

Advanced Sorting Methods

Sorting by Mana Cost

Sorting MTG cards by mana cost involves organizing them based on the amount and color of mana required to cast them. This method is particularly useful for deck building and mana curve management.

Steps to Sort by Mana Cost:

  1. Identify Mana Costs: Look at the mana symbols in the top right corner of each card. Sort cards into piles based on their converted mana cost (CMC), which is the total amount of mana required to cast the card.
  2. Sort by Color and CMC: Within each mana cost category, further sort cards by color to create a comprehensive view of your collection’s mana curve and casting options.
  3. Deck Building Assistance: Use sorted piles to facilitate deck building, ensuring you have a balanced distribution of mana costs and colors for optimal gameplay.

Sorting by Alphabetical Order

Sorting MTG cards alphabetically by their card names can help you quickly find specific cards within your collection, regardless of their color, type, or set.

Steps to Sort Alphabetically:

  1. Arrange Cards: Arrange cards in alphabetical order based on their card names. This method requires careful attention to detail and patience, especially with larger collections.
  2. Use Indexing: Consider creating an index or reference list to track where specific cards are located within your alphabetical sorting system.
  3. Storage Considerations: Store alphabetically sorted cards in storage solutions that allow for easy access and retrieval, such as card binders with alphabetical dividers or labeled boxes.

Sorting by Playability or Format

Sorting MTG cards by playability involves categorizing them based on their usefulness in specific formats (Standard, Modern, Commander, etc.) or their current relevance in the metagame.

Steps to Sort by Playability or Format:

  1. Understand Format Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the deck-building rules and restrictions of each format to determine which cards are legal and playable.
  2. Separate Playable Cards: Identify and separate cards that are commonly used or sought after in specific formats. These cards may include staples, format-specific powerhouses, or versatile options.
  3. Organize for Deck Construction: Arrange playable cards by color, type, mana cost, and other relevant criteria to streamline the deck-building process for different formats.
  4. Regular Updates: Periodically review and update your playable card categories to reflect changes in the metagame, new set releases, or personal preferences.

Tips for Maintaining Your Sorted Collection

  1. Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular sorting sessions to maintain the organization of your MTG card collection. This prevents clutter and ensures that new acquisitions are promptly integrated into your existing sorting system.
  2. Protection and Preservation: Use protective sleeves, storage boxes, or binders to safeguard valuable or sentimental cards from damage, dust, and wear.
  3. Labeling and Indexing: Label sorting categories and use indexing systems, dividers, or digital spreadsheets to keep track of card locations, especially in larger collections.
  4. Backup and Digital Cataloging: Consider creating a digital catalog or inventory of your collection using MTG card databases or collection management apps. This provides a backup reference and facilitates easy searching and sorting by various criteria.
  5. Customization: Tailor your sorting methods to suit your personal preferences, collection size, and usage patterns. Experiment with different organizational strategies until you find the one that best meets your needs.

Sorting Magic: The Gathering cards is a practical skill that enhances your gameplay experience, collection management, and deck-building capabilities. Whether you choose to sort by color, set, rarity, type, or another method, maintaining an organized collection allows you to quickly find cards, assess their value, and enjoy the strategic depth of the game. By implementing the methods and tips outlined in this guide, you can effectively manage your MTG card collection and optimize your enjoyment of Magic: The Gathering.