So, what happens if your question isn't frequently asked, and isn't
  in this document? Well, here are a few other places you could turn to.

  Obviously enough, asking your question on the newsgroup
  rec.games.trading-cards.magic.rules is a good way to get it answered.
  That's what it's there for, after all.  Don't worry about whether
  your question's basic, or has been asked before, or even if it's a
  frequently asked one in this FAQ, that you've been unable to find
  or haven't understood the answer to.  The group is extremely newbie
  friendly, and the people there are very patient about explaining things.
  After all, that's why they hang out there.

  The detailed rules of the game have changed a lot since it first came
  out, so it's helpful to get up-to-date information about the rules
  and the wording on the cards.  The exact wording can often make the
  difference when trying to work out how a card works, and this is found
  by using the Oracle.

  The Oracle lists the card text for every card in the game, in such
  a way as the cards will all work together under the current rules.
  It's only officially available through the Gatherer interface at 
  <http://gatherer.wizards.com/>.
  For information on a single card, you may prefer the autocard reader
  at <http://www.wizards.com/magic/autocard.asp>.  Type the name of the
  card you're interested in into the edit box on the right, and it should
  pop up along with its current Oracle text and rulings.

  The official rulebook is located at
  <http://www.wizards.com/Magic/TCG/Article.aspx?x=magic/rules>.  It's
  written in a very technical language to ensure that every
  card and every game situation is catered for in a logical and
  consistent manner.  As a result, it's not a recommended resource
  for learning how to play.  A much friendlier version is available
  at <http://www.wizards.com/magic/rules/MagicRulebook_10E_EN.pdf>.
  However, by far the most enjoyable way to learn the game is to learn
  from another player.  Try your local games store, comic store or
  University gaming society - most players will be willing to teach the
  basics to a newcomer.

  An additional source of older rules information is
  the Stephen D'Angelo Rulings Summaries, available at
  <http://www.crystalkeep.com/magic/index.php>.  They give an insight
  into the history of a card, and may be useful reading.

  The rules that govern the mechanics of the game are only part
  of the whole story.  If you intend to play Magic: the Gathering
  in tournaments, then you will need to read about the DCI and the
  floor rules.  The DCI is the organisation responsible for organised
  Magic tournaments; information about the DCI rules is located at
  <http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dci/doccenter/home>.  You may
  even be interested in locating a judge for an event, or finding out
  more about the process of becoming a judge - for this, see
  <http://www.wizards.com/Magic/Magazine/Article.aspx?x=judge/welcome>.

Some parts © 2009 Advameg, Inc.