It depends on what you want to do right now, GT. If you want to just learn the game, have some fun, et, I say gather a few friends with the same mind and build some decks, sling some spells, try GCCG (buzz me for a game, I'd love to). Sure, Standard IS the best place to start, since most tournaments are standard, FNMs are standard, etc... However, because of that, standard cards tend to be more expensive, so perhaps you should first find out if you want to dive head first on tournaments right away. A good place to start is buying Core Sets, like M11. However, since M12 is coming out in a while, hold on right now. Why? Because half the Core Sets are reprints, and a lot of those tend to alternate in and out, so even if some do not come back right away, they might later on, so you never lose a lot of value. Also, cards tend to be simpler, since there's no "block" mechanic (and also lose less synergy, or course) to be explored.