You don’t need to read every guide on this site before your first game, however it really helps to do a few things in the right order. That way you’re not buying a camera for a deck you won’t play, or joining a pod before you know what the table expects. Here’s that order.
Step 1: Pick a deck
Choose a commander and a list before you buy anything, and start from a proven list rather than your own first draft. The cEDH Decklist Database curates them, keeping its current competitive decks apart from a corner for newer commanders. When a server asks which bracket you play, it’s 5, and The ban list and brackets explains what that means. What you need at the table lists the dice, tokens and notepad you’ll want beside the deck.
Step 2: Get the cards, or playtest cards
A full cEDH deck is expensive, however the community plays with playtest cards, so that needn’t stop you! Before you order any, read Playtest cards online to see what a table will accept. Then read Proxies and playtest cards on camera, so the ones you make can be read on a webcam.
Step 3: Set up your camera and audio
You’ll want a camera pointing straight down at your play area, lighting that keeps glare off your cards, and a proper microphone or headset. The camera and audio guide takes you through all of it. A phone can stand in for the camera, however SpellTable still calls that feature experimental.
Step 4: Choose your platform and test it alone
Make an account on SpellTable or Convoke, or both, as it’s the game link that decides which one you’re playing on, and Webcam platforms compared goes through how they differ. Then, before anyone else joins, open a game on your own and click a few of your cards, playtest cards included, to check they can be read. It’s a quick way to catch a problem before three other people are waiting on you!
Step 5: Find your first pod
Join a community that plays during your evenings, and the directory lists the ones we’ve checked. Before you post in its LFG channel, read Your first online pod. It covers how to ask, what to settle before the game starts and what a competitive table expects of you. The glossary is super useful to keep open for your first few games too.
Step 6: Play your first online event
Once a few pods have gone smoothly, it’s time for your first event! Pick a tournament from the tournament calendar and read its rules page before you register. Rules differ between organisers, and some online events check your setup as well as your deck. Mox Masters, for example, wants some of your lap visible on camera, and a screenshot of your play space approved in advance.
Where to go next
If you’d like to stream or record your games along the way, Streaming with OBS and Discord shows you how to send a proper layout to your table.