Derek & Lindsay Present

The fourth annual

Spellslinger Con

· MMXXVI ·

A convergence of planeswalkers from across the planes for a weekend of magic, mayhem & mildly competitive friendship.

Denver ·

Colorado

Oct 16–18

· 2026

ANSWER THE CALL

A Convergence Foretold

The Planes Align

✶

The arcane rites of Spellslinger Con are upon us once more — and whether you are a storied mage of legendary renown or a wandering apprentice still learning to harness your power, this portal is open to you. While the weekly gathering is sacred, it rarely feels like enough. The spells barely begin to flow before the night is over and 'the real world' calls you home.

At Spellslinger Con, there is no real world. Only Magic. Game after joyous game, with fellow travelers who understand the hunger. Whether you summon mighty dragons, assemble an unstoppable army of 1/1s, or politick your way to victory by sheer charisma — take your place in the thunderdome. Ready your most emphatic “in response!” for the most glorious prize of all: friendship (lol we're just kidding, obviously it's for bragging rights).

Three Days of Glory

The Schedule

A loose and entirely non-binding decree of events. Times are aspirational; chaos is guaranteed.

FridayOctober 16The Gathering Storm
4:00 PM
Early Birds Get the ParadiseFor those who wrap work early, come play some games and say hello.
Our Place
6:00-?? PM
Commander Free-for-All: First BloodFriday night Magic at its best, pizza included.
Our Place
SaturdayOctober 17The Grand Melee
10:00 AM
Brews & Bleary EyesIced coffee and morning games for anyone who wants.
Our Place
1 - 9 PM
Sling TimeJoin us at The Hideout for non-stop Commander Games from 1-9pm.
The Hideout
2:30 PM
Deck SwapThose who have built a deck will participate in the anonymous deck swap with plenty of time to take them for a spin! *Other games will continue for those who didn't opt to take part in this
3:00 PM
Generous Gift ExchangeThose who opted into the gift exchange will take place in a little swap ceremony! *Other games will continue for those who didn't opt to take part in this
10:00 PM
Highlander Chaos & Questionable DecisionsMigrate back to our place for games and more good times.
Our Place
SundayOctober 18The Conclusion
10:00 AM
Farewell Brunch BrewsLast call for kitchen-table heroics.
Our Place
12 - 6 PM
The Slinging ContinuesSunday afternoon games until folks need to leave for their flights or return to reality (not recommended).
The Hideout
6:00 PM
Closing RitesThat's all she wrote... until next year!

A Yankee Swap, Magic-Style

Deck Swap

A low-stakes deck swap! Those who choose to join in will build a deck based on some parameters (Bracket 1 or 2, $75 max) and at the Con we'll put them anonymously in the middle and each pick one to take home!

If you're interested, get all the deets below

◆Deck value capped at $75 based on what Moxfield or Archidekt say the Card Kingdom value is. You can buy the cards from wherever, we'll just use this value as a shared yardstick.
◆Follow Bracket 2 restrictions; a Bracket 1 deck is welcome too.
◆Spin the wheel for two random themes, then choose one to build around.
◆Goldfish your list a few times before ordering so it plays smoothly. It doesn't need to be super powerful but it should be playable!
◆You need to sleeve your own deck and fill out the anonymous primer, but we will provide deck boxes.
◆Derek is on call for everyone, new and seasoned builders alike — tools (Moxfield, EDHREC, Scryfall), balancing and card suggestions, the actual ordering, and moral support. It's fine if your deck isn't a surprise to him. Try not to talk about your deck to anyone else to keep it a surprise.
◆Before Sep 25 — spin the wheel twice, pick one theme, and build.
◆Sep 25 — order your cards (Card Kingdom can take about two weeks) and submit your primer to Derek: deck name, theme, commander, and 2–3 sentences on how it plays and wins.
◆Oct 16 — bring it sleeved. We'll provide deck boxes, print your primers, and supply basic lands if you ask ahead.

Secret Santa, Magic-Style

Generous Gift Exchange

Opt in and you'll be assigned someone to receive a Magic-themed gift, guided by their wishlist — you might be matched with someone you've never met. Unlike the deck swap, this one's binding, since we draw names.

◆Gift limit under $50 — benchmarked off the cost of a precon deck, always a safe bet.
◆Bring the gift wrapped to Con, or ship it to us ahead of time.
◆All Magic-related gifts are welcome: sleeves, cards, Magic-themed clothes, dice, playmats, deck boxes, etc! Some great bets are Custom Dragon Shield Sleeves, Wizard of Barge gear, and Precons!|.
◆Lindsay is on call for gift ideas and any questions since you might be assigned someone you don't personally know. You can talk to her about any gift except the one for her (for that, you can ask Derek).
◆Jul 30 — opt-in form due (it includes your wishlist that will be shared with your gifter); then we draw names.
◆Oct 16 — bring your wrapped gift to Con.

By Order of the Hosts

The Sacred Decrees

Ignorance of the law is not a viable strategy.

I
On the Nature of the Game
This is Commander. People will counter your spells, destroy your permanents, and end your turns. This is not personal. This is the game working exactly as intended. Meet it with grace — or at least with dignity.
II
On the Speed of Play
Talking faster is not how you have faster turns. Knowing your deck is. Read your cards before the game begins. When your turn comes, know what you want to do. Communicate clearly and read everything aloud to avoid misunderstandings later. This is how we all get to play more Magic.
III
On “Pineapple”
If someone needs the table's attention — to make a declaration, ask a question, or prevent a catastrophic rules misunderstanding — they shall speak the sacred word: pineapple. All other conversation stops. Everyone listens. This is the way.
IV
On Experience
We have archmagi and apprentices at this table, and both are welcome. If you prefer to puzzle things out yourself, say so — your tablemates will give you space. If you'd rather have a guide through the labyrinth, say that too — your tablemates will walk with you. There is no shame in either path.
V
On Phones
Step away if you need to take a call. Scrolling during someone else's turn is a venial sin. Googling “does this card do what I think it does” is encouraged.
VI
On Power Level
Make an honest attempt to match the table's relative power. We won't hand out explicit bracket tables (no official Bracket 2 or 3 lists here) — we're not here to win, we're here to have fun. Bring a deck that plays at a similar level to your tablemates'.

Pledge Your Allegiance

Answer the Call

Reserve your seat at the thunderdome. Fill out by July 30.

Travelers will handle their own flights & lodging. Denverites will likely be asked to contribute a bit toward space rental and provisions!

Which days do you roughly think you’ll play?

Do you want to join the Deck Swap? [non-binding, opt in or out any time]

Do you want to join the Generous Gift Exchange? [binding, that way we can draw names]

Spellslinger Con

Denver, Colorado · October 16–18, 2026 · GLHF