SpellTable has become a game changer for Magic: The Gathering (MTG) players, allowing you to play paper Magic from your own home. Developed by Wizards of the Coast, SpellTable was born out of the need for remote play during the COVID-19 pandemic. What started as VirtualEDH has now expanded to include multiple formats and players from all over the world.
What is SpellTable?
SpellTable is a free online platform to play MTG remotely. It uses webcams or smartphone cameras to create a virtual tabletop and lets you show off your physical cards in real time. It’s a hybrid experience that combines the feel of paper Magic with the convenience of online play.
Features:
- Card ID: Automatic card recognition. Click on a card in the video feed and SpellTable will identify it.
- Life & Damage Tracking: Built-in life totals, damage and counters.
- Custom Layouts: Choose from different video layouts.
- Turn Management: Turn indicator and clock.
- Easy Setup: Microphone, webcam (or phone), well lit play area.
What you Need to Use Spelltable
To play MTG on SpellTable, you’ll need the following:
- A Wizards Account: You’ll need an official Wizards of the Coast (WotC) account to access SpellTable.
- Good Lighting: Ensure your play area is well-lit so your cards are clearly visible to others.
- Video: A webcam or smartphone camera positioned over your playmat is essential.
- Audio: A microphone is necessary for communication during games.
- Cards to Play With: Physical MTG cards are required for SpellTable games.
- Friends (Optional): While you can join public lobbies, playing with friends often enhances the experience.
The Social Experience: What It’s Really Like
For many, SpellTable is a way to expand their MTG community beyond their Local Game Store (LGS) or immediate friend group. But user experiences vary and the social dynamics have been praised and panned.
The Good:
- New Decks and Strategies: You’ll see decks and strategies you wouldn’t see at your LGS. It broadens your understanding of the game.
- Convenience and Flexibility: Perfect for those who don’t have an LGS or prefer not to play in person due to social anxiety or geographical restrictions.
- Community: Discord hosts SpellTable lobbies where structured matchmaking puts you against others with similar powered decks.
- Casual and Competitive: SpellTable supports all playstyles from casual games to cEDH (competitive Elder Dragon Highlander) matches.
The Bad:
- Social Dynamics: Some users report verbal aggression or players not following pre-game discussions about power levels. Anonymity can lead to more toxic behavior than in person events.
- Cheating: While rare, there’s always the potential for cheating (proxies or not so transparent gameplay).
- Proxies: Proxies are a double edged sword. They let you play expensive cards but can lead to mismatched power levels. We think proxies should be allowed as long as the people you’re playing with are okay with it.
- Power Imbalance: “Casual” lobbies sometimes attract high powered decks and can be unbalanced.
Community Insights:
- Some players with social anxiety like SpellTable as a way to play without the pressure of in person play.
- Others complain about mismatched power levels or proxy heavy decks but acknowledge it can happen at LGSs too.
- Most players agree that most games are fun and the occasional bad game is not unique to online play.
Fixing the Downsides
Despite the occasional issues, the community agrees the positives outweigh the negatives. Players can take steps to minimize the bad and maximize the good.
- Leaving a Game: It’s generally okay to leave a game if it’s not fun. Many players recommend saying something polite before you go.
- Finding the Right Community: Join curated Discord servers like PlayEDH and you’ll get fairer matches. PlayEDH assigns power levels to decks so you won’t get mismatched.
- Track Your Opponents: Use the note feature to record good interactions and avoid players who ruined previous games for you.
Community Feedback
Player feedback is mixed. Some players use SpellTable as their main way to play MTG and like meeting new people and trying out different decks. Others warn against occasional bad experiences but say it’s not unique to online play.
Quotes from the Community:
- “I play on SpellTable several times a week and it’s been mostly good. I’ve seen so many cool decks I wouldn’t have seen otherwise.”
- “You’ll run into a salty player or mismatched deck but overall it’s been good to keep playing MTG during the week.”
- “If the vibe isn’t right, just leave the game. It’s not cool to prioritize your enjoyment.”
Wrapping Up
SpellTable is a way to connect MTG players globally and enhance the paper Magic experience with digital tools. The social experience may vary but SpellTable is a great resource to expand your MTG universe. With the right mindset, you can create lasting memories, build new communities and grow your love for the game.
