Up your Magic the Gathering Game with one of the best play mats.

Sitting across the table from one another and playing cards has been an important cultural tradition for ages, from Tarot decks to bridge, poker, and beyond, so it's no surprise that an entire subculture exists around playing Magic the Gathering, a game with a bit more creativity than most. Whether you play Magic the Gathering with friends, watch or play in tournaments, or peruse the buy and trade pages, chances are you noticed the increased popularity of some of the best Magic the Gathering play mats. Suddenly, players and collectors are as almost proud and competitive about these mats as they are about their ultra-rare cards. The vivid colors, original artwork, and sleek designs can be as fun to display as the cards, and some are nearly as collectible.

Play mats protect your cards and deck sleeves from sticky surfaces and provide a super smooth playing surface so sleeved or bare cards glide easily, preventing wear and tear. Plastic protective sleeves can catch on rough surfaces and cause the corners of your cards to bend. A smooth fabric playing surface is the best protection for your playable cards or customized deck.

The best Magic the Gathering play mats are more than just colorful artwork to display, they’re a portable gaming surface that defines your gaming space and also tells your competitors that you mean business!

One of the best Magic the Gathering play mats today with a magically beautiful image that leads you on a path of rich imagination is the Sunlit Forest Gaming Mat by Inked Gaming. Featuring beautiful original artwork and a smooth playing surface, this game mat minimizes distraction, focuses the mind, and protects your favorite cards with a sleek design and vibrant colors.

The original artwork on the Sunlit Forest playmat shows a dirt path winding between the trees and into a forest carpeted with thick grass. Light streams through the tree branches and casts a dappled glow on the forest floor. It’s the perfect artwork to inspire imaginative play while providing a smooth, durable playing surface for your best collectible cards or customized playable deck. Cards slide easily on the surface with no risk of catching or tearing, while a rubberized bottom prevents slipping for a stable gaming surface. The standard size also helps players stake out their personal space for tournament gaming. You can also use the playmat for the perfect oversized mouse pad for working or PC gaming.

Each Inked Gaming Sunlit Forest Playmat undergoes rigorous testing for color trueness and vibrancy as well as for seamless, durable design and sturdy construction. It’s made for easy rolling and unrolling so it’s perfect for taking along to game nights with friends, or for Magic the Gathering tournaments.

Because the play mat doesn’t specifically feature any Magic the Gathering Lore, you can also use it for other trading card games including Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh as well as general card games, making it one of the best Magic the Gathering play mats for all your card-playing needs.

If you’re a serious player who loves all things MTG, one of the best Magic the Gathering Playmats to showcase your game or card collection is the Beadle & Grimm’s Limited Edition Kamigawa LED Playmat — yes, LED. Throw some light on the game you love with a mat featuring integrated lighting effects with a color-changing LED border.

This is the play mat to choose if you want to add enchantment to the game, wow your friends, and worry your opponents. Just plug the mat into a USB port and enjoy the soft glow of color-changing lighting effects around the edges of the mat. Initially released as part of the Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty set, The MTG Decks & More company now offers the collectible play mat alone. The thin, lightweight map has a textured rubber bottom to prevent sliding and slipping with a soft fabric top to protect your favorite cards for playing and collecting. Not only does the mat keep your cards safe from rough or dirty surfaces, but it also provides a fantastic ambiance for your game night or an impressive display for your rare and collectible cards.

Famed seller of limited edition and collectible Dungeon & Dragon accessories, Beadle & Grimm’s, together with Wizards of the Coast collaborated to develop this collectible accessory for Magic the Gathering players to use or keep as a collectible.

Not only does this play mat light up, but it also offers detailed artwork featuring the expert-level Kamigawa block for Magic the Gathering, inspired by ancient Japanese mythology. It’s one of the best Magic the Gathering play mats for sheer showability as well as for card protection and comfortable play space.

Magic the Gathering enthusiasts will instantly recognize the iconic image of Rebbec, Architect of Ascension with her windblown blonde hair and a billowing cape. That’s why one of the best Magic the Gathering Playmats for today’s gamers and collectors is the Ultra Pro: Magic the Gathering Commander legends Playmat V6- Rebbec. With roomy dimensions and a soft, sleek surface area for play or display, you’ll love the gorgeous artwork and high-grade materials that Ultra Pro uses in their unique mats. It’s perfect for displaying your collectible cards in style or for intimidating opponents with your most playable customized deck while keeping your cards clean, safe, and in mint condition even if you play or display them without protective sleeves.

The Ultra Pro: Magic the Gathering Commander Legends Playmat V6-Rebbec has a soft fabric top featuring the original MTG card artwork and a rubber bottom layer to remain firmly in place without sliding or skidding, even during the most intense battles. Faithfully reproduced color vibrancy and glowing imagery make this one of the best Magic the Gathering play mats for showing off as well as for protection. It’s also the perfect tournament choice for defining your play area.

Rebbec, the Architect of Ascension is a Magic the Gathering Legendary Creature, the Human Artificer. The stunning original artwork proudly displayed on this play mat makes it a beautiful gift for the MTG fan in your life, or for yourself to use for the game, for card display, or as an oversized mouse pad for work or gaming.

If you use protective sleeves and work hard to keep your valuable cards in pristine condition, you also need one of the best Magic the Gathering playmats to protect your cards from rough, dirty, or sticky surfaces. The Enhance TCG Playmat is perfect for Magic the Gathering players and card collectors. It is also compatible with other trading card games, including YuGiOh, Pokemon, and Lord of the Rings.

This playmat by Enhance offers a smooth protective surface to keep your cards in mint condition while you play, deal, or display them for collectors. The seamless neoprene mat wipes clean easily with a damp cloth and mild soap so it’s always ready to hold your most valuable cards or support gameplay with your favorite customized deck. The backside of the mat has a texturized grip to keep it firmly in place on various surface types including wood, glass, and metal. The mat won’t slip, slide, or go askew while you play. Premium edge-stitching protects the mat from fraying or tearing and keeps the edges clean, smooth, and flat. With plenty of playing room on the 14 by 24-inch surface, you have ample game space to invite your favorite players.

Not only does the Enhance TCG Playmat offer a smooth, clean surface, but it’s also beautiful, with original artwork depicting the five elements against a starry universe backdrop. It’s predominately blue, fading to purple on the bottom with the addition of green, black, yellow, and red for the elements.

This is one of the best Magic the Gathering Playmats for an immersive playing experience with space and elements-inspired themes that evoke the magic of the universe for your Magic the Gathering gaming. This mat also comes with a drawstring carrying bag to store or transport your playmat so it’s clean and ready when you are.

One of the best Magic the Gathering play mats for magical, vibrant beauty is the Empire of Grass Playmat by Inked Gaming. Not only does it keep your gaming area clean, smooth, and even, but it also displays gorgeous original artwork through the Inked company which supports their artists with 10 percent of all sales, so you can feel good about supporting the arts while you support your favorite trading card game.

Inked Gaming uses color professionals and thorough testing to ensure the most vibrant, perfectly reproduced color to best represent the original work of art. You’ll love the warm, glowing light and imaginative details showing a grassy garden staircase and pillars with a sword and shield tossed into the grass at the bottom of the stairs. It's the perfect backdrop for your game or as a display for your collectible cards.

This 14.2 x 2 x 2-inch play mat has a slide-resistant rubberized bottom that keeps the mat firmly in place even on slick surfaces. Even glass tables won't cause slipping or sliding during intense game moments while the soft fabric top protects your sleeves and bare cards from rough surfaces and dirty or sticky tables and desktops. It’s also perfect to use as an oversized mouse pad for work or gaming on a PC or laptop. It’s also durable and wear-resistant, but thin and flexible enough to roll up easily for storage and transport.

This is also one of the best Magic the Gathering play mats to display as collectible artwork for lovers of Magic the Gathering and other trading card games.

One of the nicest aspects of the best Magic the Gathering Playmats is the original artwork displayed on each mat, making each one a collector's item in its own right. One of the best Magic the Gathering play mats today for beautiful original artwork by Daniel Ziegler and featuring vivid colors and imaginative designs is the Paramint Forest Etheral Manna Playmat. These mats are also tournament-compatible with a roomy surface area and a non-slip bottom.

Get your battlefield ready on the most beautiful possible play surface with precision-painted details and imaginative imagery with noticeable nods to your favorite game themes. The smooth polyester surface protects your cards from rough, dirty, or sticky surfaces that could damage them or distract you from the game. Choose extra smooth, stitch-free edges or edges with reinforced stitching to prevent fraying for long-term use. The sleek surface design makes it easy to slide cards with less wear and tear while you play. The bottom of the mat has a rubberized surface with a non-slip texture for a firm grip on the tale, desktop, or other surfaces.

With five available colors and designs, there’s the perfect choice for any player or collector. They’re also compatible with other trading card games, or for use as an oversized mouse pad. They’re also beautiful enough to use as artwork on your walls!

The Paramint Forest Etheral Manna is one of the best Magic the Gathering play mats to give as a gift, with a gift-ready box that’s also perfect for storage and transport.

One of the best parts of collecting Magic the Gathering cards is the stunning original artwork. That’s why one of the best Magic the Gathering Playmats features the original artwork of the Ghired, Conclave Exile card for Commander play. The Ultra Pro Magic the Gathering Commander Ghired, Conclave Exile play mat has the officially licensed artwork you love with the Legendary Creature Rhino in the backdrop and the former Shaman of Selesnya Conclave who later aligned himself with the Gruul Clans in the forefront, working his powerful magic.

Not only does this play mat offer the roomy space you need for your most intense gameplay — including at tournaments — but it also offers stunningly detailed original artwork to leave your opponents speechless. It has a premium fabric top layer with a sleek, smooth texture to protect your cards from wear and tear as well as dirt and grime. The rubberized bottom layer keeps the play mat firmly in place without slipping or sliding even during intense gaming moments. The durable design keeps the mat flat, without rolling or curling edges to catch on your cards or card sleeves, while it still rolls up easily for storage or transport.

This is one of the best Magic the Gathering play mats for enchanting artwork, durable design, and multipurpose function. It’s also perfect for use as a large mouse pad for PC gaming or for your home or business office. With the power of Ghired behind you, you’re sure to have great gaming success.

For players who enjoy the power of Magic the Gathering’s black human planeswalker, Liliana, The Last Hope, from the Eldritch Moon set, one of the best Magic the Gathering Playmats is definitely the Ultra Pro Magic the Gathering Double Masters Liliana Black-Stitched Playmat. This mat has a beautifully rendered image of Liliana with exclusive original artwork by Jaime Jones in beautiful shades of purple featuring the powerful Liliana, The Last Hope. It’s also an officially licensed play mat for Magic the Gathering Double Master 2022.

This rubber play mat has a skid-resistant textured rubber back and a soft, sleek top so your best collectible and playable cards glide across the surface with minimal friction and less risk of damage and wear and tear. It also provides the perfect flat surface for rolling dice. Black stitched edges reinforce the borders of the mat to prevent fraying or tearing so you can count on the mat’s durability for years of gaming, collecting, and trading.

The mat not only makes a beautiful backdrop to protect your valuable cards but the reinforced edges give it a premium quality look and feel, while it still rolls easily for storage and transport. Rounded edges prevent the mat from catching on sleeves and help it to remain flat without curling upward on the edges.

This is one of the best Magic the Gathering Playmats for any player, collector, or fan of exclusive MTG artwork. It also makes a beautiful extra-large mouse pad for PC gamers.

Some players find the best Magic the Gathering playmats with detailed artwork too distracting. For beginner players as well as players who prefer the basics, the Time Walker Black and White Lines Playmat is perfect for keeping your game organized, with clearly marked areas for your battlefield, land cards, and other helpful indications for gameplay. It’s perfect for playing Magic the Gathering, but also works for Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, and other card games.

The Time Walker Black and White Game Mat has a soft, sleek surface to keep your best cards and sleeves safe from wear and tear as they glide and slide easily while you play the game or lay out cards for display or battle planning. The underside has textured rubber to keep the mat firmly in place while you battle. It has a thick durable construction with a premium quality appearance while it marks your space and keeps your game organized into clearly delineated areas. Reinforced edges prevent the mat from fraying or curling up at the edges.

Not only is this one of the best Magic the Gathering playmats to keep your game organized during the most intense gameplay with friends and competitors, but it also protects your favorite cards from damage from rough or dirty surfaces. It also has a sharp appearance with vintage-style print in clear white on deep, rich black — perfect for showing off your favorite playable deck while it also keeps your rare cards in mint condition for display. Best of all, this is one of the best Magic the Gathering playmats for taking with you on the go, with a drawstring carrying bag for storage and transport.

Anyone familiar with Magic the Gathering game lore understands which creatures are bolt-bait because they tend to attract removal spells — particularly lightning bolts. Bolting the bird means you’re killing an opponent’s mana dork in a simple tactical move. That’s why one of the best Magic the Gathering play mats today for instant recognizability in a subtle line drawing is Bolt the Bird Stitched MTG Playmat by Paramint.

This play mat offers simple beauty in stark black on cream with a gold lightning bolt. It’s perfect for players who find colorful mats with busy designs distracting. Instead, this beautiful line drawing brings the magic of the game to life — or to death as it shows a powerful bolt sizzling through a flying bird.

The 24 by 14-inch play mat by Paramint has a smooth polyester top layer featuring the original artwork with the lightning streaking from a cloudy sky with mountain peaks below. A non-slip rubber bottom keeps the roomy play mat in place while you play, without sliding or slipping, while the soft top protects your sleeved or bare cards from wear and tear. It provides a perfectly smooth space for playing with minimal distraction. Also, the mat wipes clean easily and rolls up for storage or transportation. It also makes a beautiful mouse pad for PC gaming or for the office. It's certain to be a conversation starter at work.

This is one of today’s best Magic the Gathering play mats with durable, stitched edges and artwork you’ll proudly display while you play.

Whether you play Magic the Gathering with friends, compete in tournaments, or collect the cards to sell and trade, the best Magic the Gathering play mats not only look great as a backdrop and as a way to show your love for the trading card game, but they also offer many great advantages. With game-related artwork and themes, or stunning original artwork, these mats are almost as fun to collect and show as the cards themselves. A great play mat tells observers a little about yourself and how you feel about the game. Whether it has detailed artwork, a less distracting solid color, or marked areas to keep your game organized, a play mat means you’re serious about your game and your cards.

If you haven’t yet chosen a play mat for your card collection or to use under your perfect playable deck in your next game, now’s the time to learn why play mats have become so popular.

You may have noticed that even when you use protective sleeves on your MTG cards, they still eventually develop dog-eared corners and creases from frequent handling. Some of this comes from sliding cards on rough surfaces where the edges can catch. It also happens when you have to lift cards up from a table by their edges or when you flip them over. The best Magic the Gathering play mats have a smooth, soft surface so cards glide easily along. The slightly raised surface also makes it easy to slide cards off the edge and lift them without bending the corners to pry them upward. You’ll find that your sleeved and bare cards stay clean, resist creasing, and remain in mint condition even if you play them.

Another reason to choose some of the best Magic the Gathering play mats are to use them as beautiful backdrops for displaying your rare cards for sale, trade, or just for show. Why photograph cards on a plain desktop or table when you can arrange them on a mat featuring beautiful original artwork?

Play mats also look great as backdrops on display shelves or hung on the wall as art. Many MTG fans also use them as oversized mouse pads for the office or for PC gaming.

When you take your game to crowded Magic the Gathering events and tournaments, not only are the tables sometimes less than clean, but you’ll find other players crowding in together. The best way to stake out your personal gaming space is with a play mat. This defines your playing area, so others don’t encroach on your space while it also protects your card sleeves — and your shirt sleeves — as well as any bare cards from picking up dust, dirt, and grime.

Many play mats also include defined areas for different card types, so they help you to keep your cards organized while you play. This feature also makes mats helpful for beginners.

Even the best Magic the Gathering play mats aren’t only good for MTG games. You can also use them for other trading card games like Pokémon or Yu-Ghi-oh. They’re also a good playing space for card games using traditional game cards.

Choosing a play mat for Magic the Gathering and other card games can be a fun way to personalize your play space while you care for your cards!

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Coleen Figner is a freelance writer and author of the novel, The Harbinger, by Coleen D’Andrea. She writes movie and television reviews as well as book, video game, and product reviews for Screen Rant and CBR, as well as other projects. Coleen has always loved a great storyline and immersive descriptions, whether they are in print, a great movie, or in an addictive game with a vast open world to explore. Before becoming a freelance writer, Coleen taught reading and writing interventions to elementary school students. She also ran a grant-funded after-school history club teaching students about local history through walking field trips before them through the process of writing and illustrating a children’s history book and performing historical reenactments. Coleen lives deep in horse country in North Central Florida where she gets inspiration for her fiction writing while raising chickens and peafowl as well as her family. She also takes inspiration from a bowl of popcorn, a cozy afghan, and a new movie or the latest binge-watch series.