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Friday Night Magic (FNM) is a weekly tradition at game stores everywhere. If you've never been, here's everything you need to know before your first event.
March 16, 2026
Friday Night Magic is a weekly event sanctioned by Wizards of the Coast and hosted at local game stores around the world. It's been running since 2000 and is the most well-known recurring Magic event. FNM can feature different formats — Standard, Draft, Modern, Pioneer, or sometimes even Commander — depending on the store. Most FNMs start between 6 and 7 PM and run for 3–4 rounds of Swiss pairings. Entry fees typically range from $5 for constructed formats to $15–20 for Draft (which includes the booster packs you'll open). FNM is designed to be welcoming to all skill levels, from brand-new players to seasoned grinders.
Here's your FNM checklist: (1) A legal deck for the format being played — check with the store ahead of time which format it is. (2) Card sleeves — they protect your cards and make shuffling easier. (3) Life tracking — a phone app (like Mana Box) or pen and paper. (4) Dice — for counters, tokens, and rolling to see who goes first. (5) A playmat (optional but nice) — protects your cards from dirty table surfaces. (6) Tokens and counters relevant to your deck. (7) Sideboard — 15 cards for best-of-three matches. (8) Cash or card for entry fee and maybe some singles shopping after. For Draft events, you don't need to bring a deck — just show up with sleeves and basic lands (most stores provide basics).
Arrive 10–15 minutes early to register and pay the entry fee. The store will announce pairings for each round. You'll sit across from your opponent, shuffle up, and play a best-of-one or best-of-three match depending on the store's format. Between rounds, there's usually 5–10 minutes of downtime — great for chatting, browsing singles, or grabbing food. After the final round, prizes are distributed based on your record. Most stores give out store credit, promo cards, or booster packs. Don't stress about winning — FNM is meant to be fun, and most regulars are happy to chat about the game, help with deck building tips, or just hang out.
A few unwritten rules: always present your deck for your opponent to cut or shuffle. Announce your plays clearly. If you're unsure about a card interaction, call a judge (even at FNM — store staff can help). Don't touch your opponent's cards without asking. Be a gracious winner and a good sport when you lose. Clean up after yourself. And the golden rule — have fun. FNM is a community event first and a competition second.
Search on Scrypoint to find Friday Night Magic events at stores in your area. You can filter by format to find exactly the type of FNM you're looking for — Standard, Draft, Modern, or anything else. See event times, entry fees, and store details all in one place.
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