2x3 battlefields common variant???

[DaFurryFury]

Hey guys, new poster here. I've been seeing a lot of pictures related to organized play with people using 2x3 zone boards. How common is this? Is this a variant for quick games?

On another note, what are some of your favorite ways to play with regards to spellbook creation, spell points, different boards, and 4 player?

[aquestrion]

2x3 boards are mainly used for apprentice play...for new players

[aquestrion]

2 vs 2 with a combined spell book point limit.(both mages use a combined total of 120 pts divided as they choose between the two mages...reguarding epic, mage only, and total card limits) on a 3x4 board with all mages starting in different corners with the teams on same side.

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Or a 1 vs 3 on a 3x4 board

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Solo mage receives an additional QC and starts with normal stats all opposed mages start with neg 10 life and cannot summon creatures on their first turn

[DaFurryFury]

Are alternate sized boards pretty common for casual play? I thought a 3x3 board might be good for a quicker 1v1 and 4x4 might be best for FFA. Maybe even some weird shapes such as...
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I have even seen someone mention a 5x5 board for large games.