i want to start playing im 19 with a job that can afford cards it looks really fun. but i have no clue how to play is there a game online that i can play? or is it even worth getting in to? i want to but idk theres no one around me who would play ya know i guess i would have to find people lol

imho , this game is at a point where a "rookie" can no longer pick it up and just play without knowing someone/or an entire IRL community.
Unless you are willing to spend a mad ammount of time and money into it , you will not get much enjoyment out of this game , especially the IRL version.
You can always try getting a MTGO pack ($10) and figure out the game by yourself, but i would at least get someone knowledgeable to assist/help you trough the first steps.

was there ever a point where a rookie could just pick it up? What has really changed?

You can play pauper or standard pauper events cheaply online, spending between 2 and 20 dollars to make a deck.

pdcmagic.com has player run events that are free to enter and provide prizes.

MTGO supports classic pauper as a paid event with better prizes.

Your local game store probably has events on friday you can check with them. Otherwise competitive play in paper is expensive to get into so I wouldn't worry about that for now unless you really enjoy the game. I suggest finding a friend who's interested in playing as well and purchase a duel deck or two different starter decks and play against each other. From there you can figure out what you want to do.

the ability lists/rulebooks have grown , massively since i started playing (1996)

Go to your local gaming store to see if you like your community. If not you can play online.

i suggest going to an FNM draft after you watch some content on channelfireball.com. it will get you informed of the current cards at least and that is a good start.

i disagree with shad

drafting when you even know game mechanics prollly not the best idea lol

You're never "too old" to start playing this game.

Investigate local shops, watch tutorials, and play the mtgo starter deck.

You are too old to play casually. people who play at your age play competitively or have a group of people to play house rules with (such as cube draft).
For competitive play you can:
1. draft ($10-$15 every time you want to play, different deck each time, lasts 2-3 hours)
2. look up pro decks online, spend a lot of money buying the most popular, and play against a lot of people who also use the same 2-3 most popular decks.



when everyone is in 7th grade the lack of money makes it much more casual and easy to pick up.