Thank you for this write up mate. I used to play as a boy and loved it, I even remember getting into a proper fist fight over a 'baby dragon' card. I'm glad you have your own 'thing' as we all need a refuge in this world.
Magic does take a lo t of skill though, I read a book a few years back about Jon Finkle which was pretty epic too and you may enjoy it my friend https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jonny-Magic-Card-Shark-Kids/dp/0812974387