Youll usually pair it with sacrifice outlets or with cards that can be sacrificed for value like the Mirrodin Spellbombs or cards like Omen of the Sea
Lightning Bolt was especially important at PT 1, as it was the best clean answer to Black Knight, Order of the Ebon Hand, White Knight, Order of Leitbur, and so on (since both Swords to Plowshares and Terror had giant weaknesses)
This is also a great time to get to know your fellow participants in the event, as well as get any food, drinks, or other supplies you might need, like sleeves
This is a 100 card, commander dimir (blue/black) rogue deck
The wording of abilities also puts specific limits on when they can be used: if an activated ability has as a cost that says "discard this card", it can only be used when the card is in your hand, not when you have played the card and it is on the battlefield, or in the graveyard
Expand your collection: Earn cards, open booster packs, trade with other players, and build the perfect deck around your favorite cards