MTG Pro Tutor - Insights, Tips & Advice from Magic: The Gathering Pros

Latest Episodes:

229: GP Champion Mani Davoudi Keeps The Big Picture in Mind to Succeed Aug 25, 2017

Show notes

Mani Davoudi has 2 Grand Prix Top 8s (Houston 2013 and the Modern Champion at GP Las Vegas 2017). Mani lives in Vancouver, Canada.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Mani Davoudi when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep229

First Set

Lorwyn

Favorite Set

Scars of Mirrodin Block

Favorite Card

Birthing Pod

Early Challenge

When Mani moved to Victoria for the university he had no friends and it was harder to play Magic. He turned to Magic Online.

Magic Milestones

First PTQ top 8, Mani played all the MTGO PTQs that he could. He remembers doing well but losing in the finals.

Worst Magic Moment

Mani was playing at a local event and he was undefeated going into the last round. In the last round, he got a deck check and as he waited he wandered around the store. The judge thought he was trying to get information and disqualified him!

Proudest Magic Moment

Grand Prix Champion Las Vegas 2017.

Biggest Growth

Becoming more social and enjoying people.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players get a situation stuck in their mind and don't refresh the data as often as they should.

Parting Guidance

Don't lose sight of the big picture by putting so much pressure on yourself.

Connect With Mani Davoudi

Twitter:@Zapgaze ‏

Check Out Magic Story

Magic Story brings the lore of the Multiverse to life in an audio presentation never before heard in the Magic community.

Listen to Episode 1 here or on www.magicthestory.com

Sponsors

228: The Key is Putting in the Practice with Dr. Chris Ferber Aug 22, 2017

Show notes

Chris Ferber is a doctor who is new to the upper tiers of competitive Magic with 1 Grand Prix top 8. Chris lives in Torrance, CA and plays at Fire and Dice.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Chris Ferber when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep228

First Set

Odyssey

Favorite Set

Rise of the Eldrazi

Favorite Card

Green Sun's Zenith

Early Challenge

Card evaluation was tough for Chris. Talking with others helped Chris learn faster.

Magic Milestones

Top 8 at several PTQ's helped Chris realize he was actually a good player.

Worst Magic Moment

At a Shadows Over Innistrad Sealed RPTQ Chris went 3-0 right off the bat. He needed to win just one of three rounds to make it. But he couldn't get there. He learned to manage his time better.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 4 at Cleveland with teammates.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Some things are out of your control but you still don't blame luck.

Biggest Growth

Magic gave Chris an analytical brain to look out problems and solve them.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Side boarding decisions in Limited.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Chris joined as many games as possible to understand the format and set.

Shortcomings

Chris has an autopilot made that he wants to turn off more often.

What's in Your Tournament Bag

Backpack, snacks, water, energy bars, decks, tokens

Parting Guidance

Put in practice.

Magic Resource

CFB, SCG

Connect With Chris Ferber

Chris can be found in the MTG Pro Tutor Facebook group.

Check Out Magic Story

Magic Story brings the lore of the Multiverse to life in an audio presentation never before heard in the Magic community.

Listen to Episode 1 here or on www.magicthestory.com

Sponsors

227: Every Game Matters, Play as Much as You Can Says Ben Coursey Aug 18, 2017

Show notes

Ben Coursey is a Level 2 Judge who has 1 Grand Prix Top 8 and 3 Pro Tour Qualifier Top 8's. Ben lives in New Hampshire.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Ben Coursey when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep227

First Set

Revised

Favorite Set

Lorwyn

Favorite Card

Thoughtseize

Early Challenge

When Ben first discovered PTQs it was quite a jump from a casual player that he was a little put-off. Competitive Magic was really rough. Ben learned how to navigate it.

Magic Milestones

States 2007, Ben tested and came up with winning decks that got him to the top.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 at Grand Prix Las Vegas 2017 (Modern).

What Have You Learned From Magic

The ability to plan ahead.

Best Format

Modern

Advice for Beginners Modern Players

Learn the archetypes.

Shortcomings

Rules knowledge.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players don't pay attention. Call a judge and ask for the Oracle text on foreign cards.

Parting Guidance

Play as much as you can.

Magic Resource

SCG, CFB

Connect With Ben Coursey

Twitter:@Ben_Cenobi ‏

Check Out Magic Story

Magic Story brings the lore of the Multiverse to life in an audio presentation never before heard in the Magic community.

Listen to Episode 1 here or on www.magicthestory.com

Sponsors

226: Don't Be Too Hard on Yourself with Simon Linabury Aug 15, 2017

Show notes

Simon Linabury rounds out the trio that took down Grand Prix Sydney 2017. Simon lives in Canberra, Australia.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Simon Linabury when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep226

First Set

7th Edition

Favorite Set

Oath of the Gatewatch

Favorite Card

Siege Rhino

Early Challenge

Figuring out what his opponent had and then what to do with the information. His test group was key in helping him overcome and learn.

Worst Magic Moment

Lost in finals of a Pro Tour qualifier. But what stands out is a Game Day when Simon was way ahead and still lost. He learned just because you ahead don't mean you'll win.

Proudest Magic Moment

Winning Grand Prix Sydney 2017.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Simon has hone analytical skills and applied that else where.

Biggest Growth

Simon is competitive but loves seeing there close to him doing well.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Side boarding. Not having a good idea of how to side board in certain match ups. Are cards you're putting in better than the cards you're taking out.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Identify the best decks and play the best build.

What's in Your Tournament Bag

Deck box, dice, tokens, pen, paper, snacks

Parting Guidance

Don't be too hard on yourself.

Magic Resource

CFB, SCG, MTG Mint Card, TCG Player

Connect With Simon Linabury

Twitter:@Winnerbury ‏

Check Out Magic Story

Magic Story brings the lore of the Multiverse to life in an audio presentation never before heard in the Magic community.

Listen to Episode 1 here or on www.magicthestory.com

Sponsors

225: Craig Wescoe Reveals Deck Building Secrets, Explores Strategies for White, and Talks Magic Coaching Aug 11, 2017

Show notes

Craig Wescoe is the world's foremost expert of everything White in Magic. He's the Pro Tour Dragon's Maze Champion, has 3 Pro Tour Top 8's + 2 more Top 16s and his Grand Prix record currently stands at 11 top 8s, including 1 win. He's a weekly columnist for magic.tcgplayer.com. Craig lives in New York.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Craig Wescoe when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep225

First Set

Ice Age

Favorite Set

Visions

Favorite Card

Swords to Plowshares

Early Challenge

Transportation as a young player was tough. Balancing life and Magic was an early struggle and as Craig got better, he could do more Magic.

Magic Milestone

Winning the first tournament with his own deck. Also, going to his early Pro Tours and seeing the caliber of players from Magic hubs like New York, Los Angeles, and Boston.

Worst Magic Moment

Pro Tour Amsterdam, Paul Rietzl won with a white-based deck-very Craig Wescoe. Craig could have switched, but didn't. Craig learned he regrets not playing white when he can.

Proudest Magic Moment

Winning Pro Tour Dragon's Maze.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Magic is a microcosm of life.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

People aren't honest with themselves when they make a mistake. They also don't think about mulligans and side boards in advance.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Look at decks and their weaknesses, how can you attack it?

Parting Guidance

Even though winning is important, always have fun.

Connect With Craig Wescoe

Twitter:@Brimaz4Life ‏

Check Out Magic Story

Magic Story brings the lore of the Multiverse to life in an audio presentation never before heard in the Magic community.

Listen to Episode 1 here or on www.magicthestory.com

Sponsors

224: Just Keep Learning with Daniel Wong Aug 08, 2017

Show notes

Daniel Wong is a San Francisco Bay Area grinder with a top 8 in the Modern portion of Grand Prix Las Vegas 2017. He's an up-and-comer who will be playing in his first Pro Tour in November 2017 at Pro Tour Albuquerque. Daniel lives in Berkeley, CA.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Daniel Wong when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep224

First Set

M13 on Magic Duels

Favorite Set

Khans of Tarkir

Favorite Card

Howling mine

Early Challenge

Side boarding. Daniel doesn't write a side boarding guide ahead of time. He thinks about what his opponent will do and then sides against that.

Worst Magic Moment

Punting on important games. Play a little slower, think a little more.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 GP Vegas 2017.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Expected Value (EV). If I make this decision, how likely am I to get the desired outcome.

Advice For Beginners Modern Player

Play more games. Got to know what they do and how they work.

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Controlling emotions. Not allowing yourself to treat others poorly because you feel poorly.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Not spending enough time thinking about your turns.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Always consider how to make your deck better, take snacks and water.

Parting Guidance

Keep learning at every game.

Magic Resource

MTG Goldfish

Connect With Daniel Wong

Daniel can be found in the MTG Pro Tutor Facebook group.

Check Out Magic Story

Magic Story brings the lore of the Multiverse to life in an audio presentation never before heard in the Magic community.

Listen to Episode 1 here or on www.magicthestory.com

Sponsors

223: Networking is Karl Eyre's Secret Sauce and It Can Be Yours Too Aug 04, 2017

Show notes

Karl Eyre is a 23 years old freight and logistics manager at a small POS company. He's a casual, online gamer who started playing Magic in 2008. He started to play at Meta Games in 2009 which was known for having high-level players. Draft and Australian Highlander are his formats of choice. In 2014 he played his first Grand Prix and since then he's played in 8 GP's with 3rd at Sydney 2017, 9th at Sydney 2014 and a near miss at Melbourne 2016. Karl lives in Melbourne, Australia.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Karl Eyre when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep223

First Set

Lorwyn

Favorite Set

None

Favorite Card

Rith's Charm

Early Challenge

Believing you can do it was a struggle for Karl. He didn't have a large collection but little by little he increased his confidence.

Magic Milestone

First, win at a Highlander tournament. First Grand Prix, Karl mode day.

Worst Magic Moment

When Karl was 17, he didn't understand how intentional draws worked and got disqualified for prize splitting.

Proudest Magic Moment

3rd Place at Grand Prix Sydney.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Critical assessment. Every time you play you should write down all your mistakes.

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Karl learns by doing.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players don't make the initiative and see their potential on board. Players need to learn when they are the aggressor.

Daily Habits

Playing other games helps Karl understand.

What's in Your Tournament Bag

Deck box, sleeves, clothes

Tournament Day Tips

Don't stay up all night, network between rounds.

Australian Highlander Tips

Look through old cards. There are gems hidden everywhere.

Parting Guidance

Network. Find the best players and talk with them.

Magic Resource

MTG Top 8, CFB

Connect With Karl Eyre

Karl can be found in the MTG Pro Tutor Facebook group.

Check Out Magic Story

Magic Story brings the lore of the Multiverse to life in an audio presentation never before heard in the Magic community.

Listen to Episode 1 here or on www.magicthestory.com

Sponsors

222: You Can't Get Better in Isolation with Ivan Schroder Aug 01, 2017

Show notes

Ivan Schroder is an Australian grinder and member of Team EXP who just made his first Grand Prix top 8 by taking down GP Sydney 2017 with his team. Ivan lives in Canberra, Australia.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Ivan Schroder when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep222

First Set

Legions

Favorite Set

Champions of Kamigawa

Favorite Card

Meloku the Clouded Mirror

Early Challenge

Ivan is a brewer and he would try to make cards work, even if they weren't competitive.

Magic Milestones

2nd place at New Zealand Nationals. Winning a PTQ and going to Pro Tour Dark Ascension.

Worst Magic Moment

In Worlds, Ivan is up a game... but still loses because he had every high variance cards. Another time, Ivan is at a Grand Prix playing a game to get into day 2. He was looking too far ahead and made the only line of play that gave his opponent the way out to win.

Proudest Magic Moment

Getting back to the Pro Tour through winning GP Sydney. Ivan is also really proud of an epic win he pulled off in Pro Tour Dark Ascension.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Magic and life are not all about you. Both players need to have fun.

Shortcoming

Developing an adaptable, longer plan.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Tilting. Players who can't handle their emotions when things don't go their way is a problem Ivan sees. Stop sharing bad beat stories. That's not where your focus should be.

Limited's Effective Preparation for a Big Event

Magic Online has become one of Ivan's best tools. There's too big of a skill range at the shop, so Ivan plays online to get the high-level practice he needs.

Parting Guidance

We can't get better in isolation. Cultivate your community.

Connect With Ivan Schroder

Ivan can be found in the MTG Pro Tutor Facebook group.

Check Out Magic Story

Magic Story brings the lore of the Multiverse to life in an audio presentation never before heard in the Magic community.

Listen to Episode 1 here or on www.magicthestory.com

Sponsors

221: Teresa Pho Qualified For the Pro Tour By Mastering Combat and the PPTQ System Jul 28, 2017

Show notes

Teresa Pho is a data analyst who just qualified for her first Pro Tour by making top 4 of a Regional Pro Tour Qualifier. Teresa lives in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Teresa Pho when she shared her story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep221

First Set

Avacyn Restored / M13

Favorite Set

Khans of Tarkir

Favorite Card

Squee's Toy

Early Challenge

Catching up to the new rules. Damage not going on the stack.

Magic Milestone

Teresa won a Grand Prix Trial and got 2 byes for her first Grand Prix.

Worst Magic Moment

At GP Pittsburgh 2016, Teresa lost her win-and-in to day 2.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 4 of an RPTQ and qualifying for the Pro Tour. Making day 2 at GP Pittsburgh 2017.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Magic is a lot of strategies and resource management. That helps a ton at work.

Tournament Day Tips

Teresa takes Advil to relieve a headache at tournaments.

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Teresa sees she's the type of person who is competitive and can dedicate time and energy to what she loves.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players are bad at combat. Look at the mana your opponent has up, think of what you've seen, cover how you think they'll block.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Teresa studies the meta and decides the best build to go with. Then, she tweaks the sideboard for herself.

Parting Guidance

Watch coverage and really analyze what's going on.

Magic Resource

CFB

Connect With Teresa Pho

Twitter:@teresapho ‏

Check Out Magic Story

Magic Story brings the lore of the Multiverse to life in an audio presentation never before heard in the Magic community.

Listen to Episode 1 here or on www.magicthestory.com

Sponsors

220: GP Champion Jim Wilks Knows You SHouldn't Get Too Smart Jul 25, 2017

Show notes

Jim Wilks is an Australian grinder and the Captain of Team EXP. He's made the Top 8 of World Magic Cup 2016 with Team Australia and is the Champion of Grand Prix Sydney 2017. Jim lives in Canberra, Australia.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Jim Wilks when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep220

First Set

Onslaught

Favorite Set

Kamigawa

Favorite Card

Sphinx's Revelation

Early Challenge

The idea that he didn't have to win every tournament. this detached Jim from the results and led to more wins.

Magic Milestones

World Magic Qualifier-Jim made top 8 and realized he could play at higher level.

Worst Magic Moment

Grand Prix Sydney- Zendikar Sealed- Jim wins play a Blue/Red deck. He had a great position on the board and didn't think he could lose. He lost because he didn't think all the way through the turn. Don't get over confident.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 World Magic Cup 2016, Jim felt very validated as a player. Also, winning a Grand Prix was huge for him.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Approach things objectively and don't tilt.

Magic Mentors

Dan Unwin, John-Paul Kelly, Ivan Schroder

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Jim really values positivity.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players try to get too smart with their cards. Instead of playing smart they set up a complicated chain that's unnecessary.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Team EXP had 7 Sealed Pools and rotated those among all the team to get fresh perspectives.