Playmats – Fun, Functional Magic: The Gathering Accessories
Look at this AMAZING playmat!
Aside from being able to showcase the fact that my wife is the best woman on the planet – for many reasons, one of which is getting me this playmat for our anniversary – I love showing off this playmat when I go to tournaments because it tells a lot about me.
Playmats as Expression
Playmats are a highly visible way of expressing yourself and can be great ice breakers. Many fellow Planeswalkers revere the Legend of Zelda games and seeing this playmat provides one more level we can connect on. By using this mat, it conveys to others the style of video games I like and also serves as an outward expression of my love for my wife by actually using what she gave me (easy to do since it is incredible).
Beyond all the mushy stuff, playmats are functional and protect your cards from rough and dirty surfaces. Their soft and smooth top allows you to pick up cards with ease and move cards around without scratching them. Other functions found on some mats are zones of the game and life trackers. Limited edition playmats serve as a status symbol showing you were in or won a certain event.
Playmats as a Club
I remember when I got back into Magic and saw people’s playmats, I felt like I was out of the loop. When I finally got one I felt like I was taking the game more seriously because I invested in caring for my cards. I felt like I had joined a club, and was proud of it. I know they are commonplace and don’t help you win the game but I think it shows that you care, and that’s why I’m a big fan of them. They show you care about your cards, you care about the game, and you care about your image as a gamer.
Summary
Bottom line, playmats play many roles and are different things to different people. Heck, they are different things to the same person like mine is to me. But whatever your reason, I feel playmats are a smart, fun addition to your Magic: The Gathering collection.
Share Yours
Share your playmat in the comments below and why you like it. Do you have a cool print or meaningful story? I’d love to hear it.
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