The Duelist (magazine)
The Duelist was a magazine published by Wizards of the Coast, primarily focused on their collectible card game, Magic: The Gathering. It served as a key source of information and strategy for players from the game's early years until its discontinuation.
The magazine featured a variety of content, including:
- Strategy Articles: In-depth analysis of card combinations, deck archetypes, and gameplay tactics.
- Card Previews: Exclusive first looks at upcoming card sets, often accompanied by commentary from designers and developers.
- Tournament Coverage: Reports and analysis of major Magic: The Gathering tournaments, including decklists of winning players.
- Interviews: Conversations with prominent figures in the Magic community, such as designers, artists, and pro players.
- Decklists: Examples of successful decklists from various formats, providing inspiration and guidance for players building their own decks.
- Rules Questions and Answers: A section dedicated to clarifying rules ambiguities and addressing player inquiries.
- Fiction: Short stories set in the Magic: The Gathering multiverse, expanding on the game's lore and worldbuilding.
The Duelist played a significant role in fostering the Magic: The Gathering community by providing a central platform for information sharing and discussion. It helped shape the game's metagame and influenced the development of strategy over time. Its discontinuation left a void in the official Magic media landscape, with online resources eventually filling its role.