This is a great starter set for anyone. I got it to have 2 decks to duel friends with, since both should be same power, and to teach anyone else how to play. Both decks are rather basic, but still can be used for a nice simple duel. The guide gives nice step-by-step instruction in an easy to read guide. The first duel follows the guide part of the way, after the first few turns it lets the players make their own moves. At the end it lists the order of the cards so you can reply the first duel. The advanced back had 8 new card for each deck that used some more advanced elements not in the deck original (artifacts, abilities, ect). I never got the CD on this one to load on my computer, so that is a disadvantage, but I may just need to try it differently. The premium card it came with for me, which I think is the same for everyone, is Serra Angel, which is worth more than the starter deck! The only bad part was that it is nearly exactly the same as the 8th edition starter, besides a few cards and bonuses. I made reviews for both, so check the other review to help you decide which is better.

  -- By Garret Castle from NJ, USA on December 30, 2009

I played magic back in '94 a little but forgot most of how to play but wanted to get back in so I picked up this 2 player starter set. The CD is a great way to get the hang of game basics and the walk through of a sample game was extremely helpful. You also get a MTG online account with the cards that came in the box (two 40 card decks). This starter is great for teaching n00bs and returning players. I would pick up all five 9th ed precons and boosters. 9th edition is relatively cheap as of Sept 2008 so they are a good value. From there you can expand your card pool with other precons and boosters. You can also grab the most up-to-date 10th Edition rules and errata in PDF form from the Wizards site. If this site is out of 9 edition 2-player starter you can still find it on other MTG sites.

  -- By Heath from Vancouver, BC Canada on September 07, 2008

Core sets are great for beginners and teaching people, I got this for the magic online activation and some extra cards. The playmats can be useful if everyday play or when your teaching someone after all I learned with the 7th edition box just like this. No one I knew played so me and some friends learned.

  -- By Rob from Baldwin, WI USA on January 28, 2008

Great for teaching people, but the cards are only so so.

  -- By jeff baker from Oregon on October 14, 2007

I thought this was a good product because I was able to teach my friends quickly and easily.being a magic guru here's some good deck ideas black/white bleeder deck (guildpact code of the orzhov) blue control red/green beatdown blue/red spell deck (guildpact izzet gizmotry)

  -- By PLANESWALKER KING from Dominaria on April 02, 2006