Excellent, detailed article on how Microsoft calculate TrueSkill - an algorithm for matching you to players about in your skill level. This is what is used every time you hit "game with strangers" on an XBL title, basically. Fascinating, detailed, not too challenging if you take it slow/steady - and the implementation is on github...

"While the two games have similarities, the consensus is that the collective poker success results more from the experience competition provides than the tactics and skill set utilized in 'Magic.'" Successful Magic: The Gathering players are moving over to professional poker. I particularly liked: '"I never want to play poker in my free time. 'Magic' you can. You can't make a living at 'M:TG,' but it's just the more enjoyable game.""

"File under Career, Future, Success"

"I hope Helvetica is a smash. It deserves to be. But part of me still misses the days when it was just our little secret." - Michael Bierut on the magic that was typesetting.