How much does FNM cost?

Standard or Modern FNM typically runs $5-10 for entry. Draft nights cost $15-25 because the entry fee includes three booster packs to draft from. Some shops also charge $5 for Commander nights.

Do I need my own deck to play FNM?

For Standard, Modern, Pioneer, or Commander FNM: yes, bring a tournament-legal deck. For Draft FNM: no, the entry fee covers the packs you draft a deck from on the spot. Draft is the recommended format for new players.

How do I find FNM near me?

Use Wizards’ official store locator at locator.wizards.com or browse our directory of FNM-hosting shops. Most WPN shops run FNM at least once a week, usually starting between 5-7 PM on Fridays.

Events & play

What is Friday Night Magic? A complete guide to FNM

Friday Night Magic explained. Formats, prizes, what to expect your first time, and how to find an FNM near you.

5 min read · Updated 2026

Friday Night Magic — universally called FNM — is the weekly Magic: The Gathering event run at almost every Wizards Play Network (WPN) store on the planet. It's been running since 2000. It is the single most reliable on-ramp into the Magic community.

What actually happens at FNM

You show up at the store between 5-7 PM on a Friday. You sign up, pay an entry fee (~$5-10 for Standard, $15-25 for Draft), and you're paired against other players for 3-4 rounds of 50-minute matches. You play best-of-three with the deck you brought or built that night.

Win or lose, you walk out with promo cards and (usually) a few packs depending on your finish. The store gets store credit and community.

The formats you'll see

Standard — Newest sets only (rotating ~2 years). Most-popular FNM format. Bring your own 60-card deck.
Modern — All cards from Eighth Edition (2003) onward. Powerful, complex, expensive decks.
Draft — Three packs each, you draft a 40-card deck on the spot. No deck-building required. Best beginner format.
Pioneer — All cards from Return to Ravnica (2012) forward. Middle ground between Standard and Modern.
Commander — 100-card singleton, multiplayer. Some stores run "Commander Night" instead of traditional FNM.

Different shops run different formats on different Fridays. Check the shop's schedule before going.

What you actually need to bring

A deck (60+ sideboard if Standard/Modern/Pioneer, or just yourself if it's Draft night)
Sleeves on your cards (most stores require it)
A way to track life totals — phone app, dice, or a pen and paper
Entry fee in cash or card
Patience for your first night

What to expect your first time

You'll lose most of your matches. Everyone does. The shop's regulars have been playing for years. The point isn't to win — it's to play games, meet people, and figure out what you like. After 3-4 FNMs you'll have a sense of which players are friendly, which formats you enjoy, and what your deck needs.

Promo cards

WPN sends shops free promo cards every quarter to give out at events. These are often the foil version of a popular Standard card, frequently worth $5-15 each. Even losing every match usually gets you a promo card just for showing up.

Find an FNM near you

Wizards' own store locator lists every WPN-affiliated store: locator.wizards.com. We also track which shops in our directory specifically run FNM:

Find FNM shops near me →

Frequently asked questions

What is Friday Night Magic?: Friday Night Magic (FNM) is a weekly Magic: The Gathering tournament run at WPN-affiliated game stores worldwide. Players bring (or build) decks and play 3-4 rounds of matches against other locals. Entry fees are $5-25 depending on format.
How much does FNM cost?: Standard or Modern FNM typically runs $5-10 for entry. Draft nights cost $15-25 because the entry fee includes three booster packs to draft from. Some shops also charge $5 for Commander nights.
Do I need my own deck to play FNM?: For Standard, Modern, Pioneer, or Commander FNM: yes, bring a tournament-legal deck. For Draft FNM: no, the entry fee covers the packs you draft a deck from on the spot. Draft is the recommended format for new players.
How do I find FNM near me?: Use Wizards’ official store locator at locator.wizards.com or browse our directory of FNM-hosting shops. Most WPN shops run FNM at least once a week, usually starting between 5-7 PM on Fridays.

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