Fencing in Games: Magic the Gathering

Fencing makes an appearance in the popular trading card game Magic: The Gathering as one of the cards in the new set is titled “Fencing Ace”. As a strategic card game, Magic has it’s similarities with the thought processes of fencing – you build a deck of cards to run against other decks that may be using a range of strategies to win the game.  During the games you set up situations where you hope to trap the opponent into working into your game plan instead of utilizing their own. What other games out there have a fencing feel or feature fencers somewhere in the game play?

In this card, the Fencing Ace acts as the rogue lone hero standing up for the people against oppression. The flavor text (text that has nothing to do with the rules or gameplay, but highlights the artwork) is: “His prowess gives the guildless hope that they can hold out against tyranny.” That makes the Fencing Ace akin to Zorro in being a lone fighter taking on the more organized armies or gangs that prey on those not trained in combat.

If you want to learn more about playing Magic, then check with some of your friends – chances are someone in your fencing club or team plays. (In fact, a pretty large number of high school and college fencers make up the player base at the local game store FCB Comics and Games which hosts regular events and tournaments.