Choose your session
Each set can have multiple published sessions, including individual Sealed and Two-Headed Giant. Check the live listing for the date, check-in time, capacity and any team requirements, then book the session that suits you.
MTG Prerelease · Illawarra
MTG Prerelease
Discover each new Magic set at a welcoming Sealed Deck event in Warrawong—no existing collection required.
- Format
- Sealed Deck
- When?
- Each new set’s release weekend
- Cost?
- See the live event listing
- What do I need?
- Sleeves, dice, tokens and a pen
Event guide
Everything you need to know.
Prerelease at Tabletop Commons
Prerelease is your first chance to open and play with a new Magic: The Gathering set before its full release. Each player receives a Prerelease kit, builds a minimum 40-card Sealed deck from the cards they open and then plays organised rounds with the new set.
No existing collection or prepared deck is required. Everyone starts with a fresh card pool, basic lands are available for deck construction and the atmosphere is designed around discovering the set. New players are welcome, and you can ask for help sorting your pool, choosing colours and building a legal deck.
Tabletop Commons may publish individual Sealed and Two-Headed Giant sessions across a release weekend. Each session has its own listing, so check whether you are booking individual play or a team event and follow the listed check-in time.
When you arrive: check in at the counter, collect your kit and let the organiser know if this is your first Prerelease. Arrive early enough to get seated because deck building and play begin as a group.
The live event cards below are the source of truth for the current set, session format, date, entry price, capacity, booking requirements and any release-specific instructions.
Prerelease at the Commons
Your first games with a new set.
A welcoming release weekend built around opening cards, building a deck and playing before the set officially arrives.
How the event works
What to expect
Open and build
After check-in, collect your Prerelease kit and open your new card pool. Sort the cards, choose the colours that work best together and build a minimum 40-card deck, using basic lands supplied by the store.
Play the new set
Once deck building finishes, join organised rounds using the deck you have just made. Prerelease is about discovering the set, trying new cards and learning as you play, so ask questions whenever you need help.
Prepare with confidence
Tips for your day
No Deck Required
Your entire card pool comes from the Prerelease kit supplied at the event, so you do not need to own cards or prepare a deck beforehand. Basic lands are available when it is time to build.
Sort Before You Build
Separate your cards by colour, identify the strongest creatures and removal, then look for colours and mechanics that work together. A clear card pool makes it much easier to see the best version of your 40-card deck.
Bring Useful Accessories
Sleeves protect the new cards you open, while dice, tokens and a pen make deck building and play easier. Check the individual listing for anything else required for that particular session.
Ask for Help Early
Staff and experienced players can explain Sealed deck construction, event procedures and unfamiliar cards. Tell us when you check in if it is your first Prerelease so we can help before deck building begins.
Date and time
One release weekend, individual sessions
Each set receives its own published sessions. Use the individual listing for the date, check-in time, format, entry and capacity.
First-time player FAQ
Know before you play
Clear answers for first-time and returning players.
Do I need to bring a deck?
No. You receive a Prerelease kit and build a minimum 40-card Sealed deck at the event.
Is Prerelease suitable for a new player?
Yes. Prereleases are relaxed and discovery focused. Tell the organiser you are new so they can explain deck building and the event process.
Are basic lands supplied?
Yes. Basic lands are available for deck construction at the event.
What should I bring?
Bring sleeves, dice, tokens and a pen if you have them. The individual listing will name anything else required.
When should I arrive?
Follow the check-in time on the individual event page, not only the first-round start time.
Do I need a partner for Two-Headed Giant?
Team sessions are played in pairs. Check the individual listing and contact the store before booking if you need help understanding the team requirement.
Interested in this event?
Register your interest
Tell us which Prerelease you are interested in and whether you are a new or returning player. We’ll help you find the right session.
Find your next game
Your table is waiting.
Register your interest or browse the full Tabletop Commons events calendar.