Spellgs guide
Your first prerelease
A prerelease is a casual event at your local game store where you play a new Magic set before it's in stores. You open packs, build a deck on the spot and play a few games. Nobody expects you to know the cards yet.
Last updated October 20, 2026
How six-pack Sealed works
Open your Prerelease Pack
A Star Trek Prerelease Pack has 6 Play Boosters (14 cards each), 1 traditional foil rare or mythic rare promo card and 1 Spindown life counter (per Wizards). Everyone opens the same kind of pack, so it's a level playing field.
Build a 40-card deck
Your deck must have at least 40 cards, made from the cards you opened plus basic lands, which stores usually provide. A common starting point is 17 lands and 23 spells in two colors. Everything else is your sideboard.
Play a few rounds
You'll play one-on-one matches against other players, usually over several rounds. The event is run at a casual level, and prizes are often extra booster packs.
Keep your cards
Every card you open is yours to keep, including the promo.
What to bring
- Your entry fee, or a preregistration if the store asks for one. Popular time slots fill up.
- Card sleeves (optional, but they protect new cards).
- A pen and paper or a phone to track life. The pack's life counter works too.
- Dice or tokens if you have them, and a bag or box to carry your cards home.
- The Magic: The Gathering Companion app, if your store uses it for pairings. Ask when you sign up.
What to expect
- Arrive a little early to check in and find a seat. The store gives everyone time to build their deck before the first round.
- It's a casual event. Ask your opponent or a store employee if a card confuses you; most players are happy to help.
- Plan for a few hours. Times vary by store, so check the listing.
What it costs
Across 6,689 Star Trek prerelease listings with a fee, the median is $40, and most fall between $35 and $50. Some stores don't list a fee, so ask.
From public Wizards event listings, checked 2026-10-19.