When you buy a MTG (Shadowmoor) theme deck, can you use it to play online?

Question

I'm thinking of starting to play MTG, but the thing is: Nobody that lives near me plays MTG that I know of, and it's inconvenient for me to play on Friday nights, as the closest host to me is a 30-minute drive away.

Answer 1

You have to buy cards specifically for Magic The Gathering Online in order for them to be online. Paper cards can't be redeemed or exchanged for digital cards at all.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, MTG Online has its own collective of cards.  I believe that you are given points when you win, which in turn can be used in a store for buying packs for more online cards.  Kinda like the real game, only more space efficient. (Anyone who's played MTG for a while can probably back me up on that one)

One thing I can mention is sign up for the Magic forums on the Wizards website and see if there is someone near you that plays.  I thought I was S.O.L. when I moved from CA to NV but still managed to find a group of guys that play.  Maybe bike the FNM?