While it isnt strictly difficult to put a big creature into play, support several smaller creatures, or load up a graveyard, there are actually enough available flicker commanders that deliver easier payoffs that we dont actually have to do any of these things
If you're new to MTG or just looking to keep your game more organized, we might suggest Flinxz's Blueprint, Old Hat Studio's Learn To, or Stephen Pena's Beginners and Organizers playmat
There are a lot of different strategies Ive seen to counter VileGar, including having a Gyarados swinging for only 60 damage, and then dropping a second Gyarados swinging for 90 once the first one goes
The Aetherspark #231 Magic Aetherdrift Keep track of your collection value over time
If you can see it sitting across the table from an opponent, its worthwhile