The goal is to play cards from one's hand to face off against any Problems put forth by either player, scoring points for doing so.

The game has generally been well-received, providing an easy-to-learn experience for both the younger demographic of the show as well as the older players including the adult and male fans of the series.

Each Mane and Friend card are associated with one of six colors, representing the show's six main characters – Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, and Fluttershy – and their respective Elements of Harmony, and a numerical power value.

Both Problems and Troublemakers include point values representing scoring elements for the game.

Prior to developing the game, Enterplay was licensed by Hasbro to print a series of standard trading cards based on the Friendship Is Magic property.

[2] Enterplay announced the CCG in August 2013,[1] with the first premiere sets and boosters shipping on December 13, 2013.

Enterplay has collaborated with various hobby and game stores and conventions such as GenCon and BronyCon to host MLPCCG tournaments, with special cards and prizes for the winners.

[9] Kotaku editor Mike Fahey stated that the game is "not Hearthstone, but it's pretty damn entertaining once you know what's going on".