Ever wonder what secrets our Card Kingdom employees are packing in their Magic bags? It’s more than just cards, it’s a treasure trove of strategy as well as a personal statement. We peeked inside the bags of two of our employees, Rachael and Kevin, to see what they pack for a day of spellslinging at their LGS or pod.
Rachael: The Prepared Planeswalker
Rachael approaches her Magic bag with a specific philosophy. “I pack my Magic bag like ‘what if’ luggage on a trip. But what if it rains, but what if someone is playing a Karlov deck and I need to shut it down real quick? I have to have options and while my back absolutely does not thank me for it my sense of adventure and whimsy does.”
This commitment to preparedness extends to her choice of gear. She has strong brand loyalty for items that can keep up. “I’m an absolute sucker for anything Ultimate Guard and Dragon Shield. I’m not necessarily kind to my decks boxes and sleeves and these two brands have always lived up to taking the abuse and staying intact for me. Solid construction all around plus the deck boxes allow for double sleeving which for me is always a must.”
And for her battlefield? It’s all about feline fun. “What can I say, I like cats. And I’m a person who is all about cats on my playmats! Plus it helps that the image doesn’t interfere with my ability to look at my board state and remind myself what I’m trying to do 18 rounds in. Cute without being distracting!”
Kevin: Ready for Anything
Kevin’s bag is a testament to being ready for any kind of game. “I’m ready for whatever Magic I can find!” His essentials are a mix of personal flair and tactical variety. “My custom Gustave Doré playmat never leaves the bag, nor does my trade binder. I’ve got extra Dragon Shield sleeves for draft, my From the Vault: Angels spindown to show off, and my selection of casual Battle Decks for quick games.”
But for Kevin, the true heart of his collection is his Commander deck lineup. “But the main feature is unsurprisingly my favorite Commander Decks. Currently I’m loving a new Toski, Bearer of Secrets deck I’ve been brewing and a classic old Animar, Soul of Elements.” He also has a not so secret weapon for when the game gets tough. “When worse comes to worse, ‘The Worst’ comes out with my Brago, King Eternal deck (featuring the CK ‘Hello My Commander Is…‘ sticker)!”
End Step
From Rachael’s ‘what if’ preparedness and cat themed battlefields to Kevin’s ever ready trade binder and formidable Commander roster, it’s clear that a Magic bag is a treasure trove of personality and fun in a different way for every player. They hold not just the tools for the game, but the personality and passion of the player. Next time you sit down across from an opponent, remember there’s a whole world of whimsy, strategy, and style hiding just inside their bag. Share yours with us on our social pages!
Haelee has been a dedicated Magic: The Gathering player since 2003, she enjoys Commander, and regularly plays with her friends. With 14 years of experience in marketing, creative writing, and a background in theater tech, she brings a unique perspective to both her gameplay and storytelling. Known for her creative mind and deep appreciation for Magic’s lore, Haelee resides in Washington state with her wife, and cats.