Build a deck of at least 60 cards for most constructed formats
Choose a format to play, such as Standard, Modern, Commander, or Limited
Shuffle your deck and draw 7 cards
Decide who goes first, usually by die roll or coin flip
Start with 20 life in most formats, or 40 life in Commander
Take turns in order
Untap all your tapped cards at the start of your turn
Draw one card at the start of your turn
Play one land per turn
Use mana from lands and other sources to cast spells
Cast creatures, artifacts, enchantments, instants, sorceries, and planeswalkers
Attack with your creatures during the combat phase
Block attacking creatures with your creatures
Deal damage to players and creatures
Reduce a player’s life total to 0 to win
Follow card text when it differs from the basic rules
Use the stack to resolve spells and abilities in the correct order
Pass priority when you are done acting
Check state-based actions after spells and abilities resolve
Follow the specific rules of the format you are playing
Use the official comprehensive rules or a judge if a rule question comes up