Picture this: It's 11 p.m. on a Friday night. You and your friends are sitting around a table playing cards, engaging in a massive battle of fantastic proportions. Cans of root beer and grease-stained pizza boxes line the garbage can in the corner. Everyone makes nervous conversation as the game continues: you cannot trust anyone.

Your opponent taps for seven and plays an Angel of Serenity. But you notice that the angel is the only creature he has in play. It's your turn: so you untap, draw, and shuffle your hand before you tap three mana for a Fleshbag Marauder. Your opponent across the table groans as he places his angel in the graveyard and your Sheoldred, Whispering One re-enters the battlefield. The day may be drawing to a close, but the game has just begun.

Welcome to the world of Magic: The Gathering.

For those of you who don't know. Magic: The Gathering or MtG is the most popular trading card game in existence. The following is huge and events are held annually on six continents.

With such a large community, it's almost impossible not to find a community near you. Even in Morris, MN, a college town of ~5,000 people, I was able to find a school club and store in town that held events that allowed me to play on a regular basis. Its a great way to play a fun game, meet new people, and have a good clean time.

And while all of these things are important to me, MtG means a lot more to me than that.

Now, I'll be the first to admit, that I'm not the best at this game. I can't tell you the number of misplays I've made at local tournaments that have made the difference between second and tenth place. And while everyone enjoys a good win, I've learned to find the joy in losing too.

If I lose, but I made a few plays I'm proud of: I'm happy.

If I lose, but my opponent was cool, and we had a good conversation: I'm happy.

If I got to use my favorite card in my deck: I'm happy.

When I get to watch my friends win and have a good time: I'm happy.

When it comes to the game itself, it's not so much the outcome or the format (although I've pretty much avoided most constructed formats, I'm a huge fan of draft); it's about who you share it with.

Some of my best conversations, laughs, adventures, and friends have been forged over Magic. As I enter the workforce, it's especially important to find a chance to escape from the stress. I know that I can call upon a couple of my old buddies, head out to the local store, and have a decent couple of hours playing our favorite game.

Sure, it may be somewhat expensive. But it's no different than any other hobby or going out every other weekend. It's just a matter of what you value as a priority!

And MtG may seem "nerdy" or weird. But again, if you're having a good time; who cares?

Do you play Magic: The Gathering? What are some things that you do to blow off steam? What activities do you participate in that bring joy to your life?