The best MTG resources: websites, YouTube, and illustrators

Updated and content-verified: September 22, 2026.

You are looking for a card for your Commander deck, want to know which sleeves play well, or have discovered an illustration you can't stop looking at. Excellent MTG content exists for every one of those questions. The trick is knowing which resource to use for what.

Here you will find my selection of useful MTG websites, tools, YouTube channels, communities, and illustrators. For each resource, you can read what it is best used for. Most external resources are in English; for explanations in Dutch, you can continue reading in the SpellArmory Academy.

You don't need to follow everything. Start with a card database, one deckbuilder, and a few creators that align with what you enjoy.

Which MTG resource do you need right now?

Websites and tools for cards, decks, and your collection

EDHREC provides inspiration, not a ready-made judgment

EDHREC analyzes decklists from other platforms. This allows you to discover which cards are often used together. The data does not automatically tell you how many games those decks win, how experienced the players are, or what feels good to play in your specific group.

Therefore, use it to find candidates. Then read the card text, look at your budget, and determine what function the card will serve in your list. A popular card is less useful if you rarely meet its conditions.

A bracket estimator doesn't know your playgroup

Archidekt can estimate a power bracket, but a tool cannot fully assess your intent and the expected play experience. Use the result alongside the official Commander brackets and a short conversation before the game. Specifically, discuss how fast your deck can win and what combos or restrictive effects it contains.

Three useful search queries for Scryfall

With a few keywords, you can find exactly what you need more efficiently. Click on an example to open the search query.

The Scryfall search syntax guide explains the filters. For Commander, the difference between color and color identity is particularly important: for example, a card might have a colored mana symbol in its ability.

YouTube channels and shows: choose by topic

Below are various types of content. A gameplay episode shows how cards interact; a deck analysis helps with choices, and a review helps in evaluating a product. Regarding rules, bans, and product advice, always pay attention to the publication date.

Learning Commander and improving decks

Reviews, decks, and the stories behind Magic

For price-related content, one practical question helps: which card printing, market, and date are being discussed? An enthusiastic prediction is not a fixed future price. Verify what a product actually costs you and whether you want to play with it or collect it.

Official rules and community questions

Start with the original source for rules

• Gatherer — the official card database from Wizards, containing card information and rulings where available.
• Magic rules — the basic rules and Comprehensive Rules. Use the extensive rulebook as a reference for specific questions.
• Banned & Restricted — check the correct format when you want to know if a card is allowed.

An old video or forum post might be outdated. If the printed card text differs from the current Oracle text, use the current game text. For understanding reactions and timing, our explanation of the stack and priority helps.

Where can you ask questions and join the discussion?

• r/magicTCG and r/mtg — general Magic discussions, news, and hobby questions.
• r/EDH — Commander decks, playgroups, and experiences at the table.
• r/mtgrules — help with rules questions. State the full card names and explain the situation step by step.
• r/mtgfinance — discussions about prices and the market. Verify concrete claims before using them as a basis for a purchase.
• r/RealOrNotTCG — discussions regarding card identification and potential counterfeits. Photos and comments can provide clues, but do not constitute a certificate of authenticity.

If you want to evaluate a valuable card, ask for sharp photos of the front and back, details, and different lighting angles. In case of persistent doubt, have the physical copy inspected by someone with relevant experience. A scanning app can recognize a card without being able to determine its authenticity.

Five MTG illustrators to discover

The small artist credit at the bottom of the card is a great starting point for a new collection. Below, you will see five different styles, each with a verified card example. The descriptions are a way to look at the work, not a complete summary of someone's body of work.

Rebecca Guay

Soft shapes, graceful figures, and a fairytale atmosphere. In this version of Bitterblossom from Morningtide, you see how a subtle illustration can still have a strong character.

See more via Rebecca Guay's own website or her card illustrations on Scryfall.

Magali Villeneuve

Charismatic figures, elaborate clothing, and clear attention to light and expression. The pictured Narset, Parter of Veils from War of the Spark is an example of her work.

View more cards with her illustrations. Always check the specific printing: a different version of the same card may have been created by a different illustrator.

John Avon

Landscapes where light, depth, and color define the atmosphere. His full-art Island from Unhinged shows just how much space a basic land can give to an illustration.

On John Avon Art, you can find items like prints and playmats. You can also search his card illustrations.

Dominik Mayer

Graphic shapes, clear contrasts, and striking compositions. His Time Warp from Strixhaven Mystical Archive is a recognizable example of that approach.

Check out Time Warp in his portfolio and more card illustrations by Dominik Mayer.

Seb McKinnon

Surreal figures and still, sometimes ominous scenes. Soulherder from Modern Horizons is a great starting point for discovering his work.

See his Magic card illustrations. On his own website, you can also find his film work.

Card images: Wizards of the Coast, via Scryfall. The illustrator, set, and collector number are listed with each example. Click on an image for a larger view.

If you want to support the creator directly, check their own sales channels. For instance, John Avon offers prints and playmats, and Rebecca Guay refers to prints and signing opportunities on her site. The offerings vary by illustrator.

Dutch-language explanations and Magic closer to home

International resources offer plenty of inspiration, but sometimes you just want a Dutch explanation or to find people nearby to play with.

• For card and deck explanations, visit the SpellArmory Academy, for example for building your first Commander deck and MTG deck archetypes explained.
• Looking for a place to play in the region? Check out where you can play MTG in Maastricht and Limburg. Always verify a gathering with the organizer before you head out.
• Search via the Wizards Store & Event Locator for shops and events in your area.

Are you missing a useful resource in this guide? Send me the link and tell me what you use it for. A concrete tip helps to refine this selection.

A simple method for your next deck

1. Choose a plan. What do you want your deck to do, and against which decks will you be playing?
2. Gather ideas. Use EDHREC and one or two relevant deck videos.
3. Read the cards. Check Scryfall to see what they actually do and whether they fit within your colors and format.
4. Create one organized list. Work in Moxfield or Archidekt and share it if you want feedback.
5. Test and adjust. Your own games will tell you which ideas work for your group.

Sources and verification

For functions and descriptions, the official websites and channel pages have been used. Among others, Scryfall's search documentation, the EDHREC FAQ, Archidekt's feature overview, and ManaBox’s scanner guide support the practical explanation. The artist credits have been verified for each depicted card print.

This is an editorial selection, not a ranking based on follower counts. Websites, features, and channel names can change. For current game rules and announcements, use the official Wizards sources linked above.