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

Latest Episodes:

209: Max McVety Returns! and Uncovers the Factors You Can Control Jun 16, 2017

Show notes

Max McVety is a mechanical engineer from Ann Arbor who has 2 Grand Prix top 8 finishes, an SCG Invitational win, and a couple of Pro Tour cashes. He recently picked up RIW Hobbies as his first sponsor.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Max McVety when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep209

How To Choose A Deck

Know the balance between pushing your range and sticking with what you know.

What Are The Key Relationship in Your Career

Andrew Elenbogen, Kyle Boggemes

Where Do You Fit in a Team

Max is the side board expert. He nails down the exact cards to take out and put in.

Color Philosophy

Max aligns with blue. He likes to think deeply about a topic.

Level Up Moment

Dealing with variance.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players know what the best deck is and try not to play it.

Parting Guidance

Prepare for the event by focussing on what you can control: -Deck choice -Side board -In-game decisions

Connect With Max McVety

Twitter:@m_mcvety

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

208: You Never Forget the First Time You're Last with Ethan Gaieski Jun 13, 2017

Show notes

Ethan Gaieski started to play seriously when he moved to Japan in 2015. He came back to the States and did decently well on the SCG Tour but didn't get any big results. Just a lot of cash. He finally made his first GP top 8 at Grand Prix Montreal 2017.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Ethan Gaieski when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep208

First Set

Innistrad

Favorite Set

Return to Ravnica

Favorite Card

Sigarda, Host of Herons

Early Challenge

Financially keeping up with Magic was really rough. Also, the mental challenge of thinking everyone is better than him.

Worst Magic Moment

GP Orlando 2017, Ethan did poorly and because he prepared a lot and this was the third bad Gran Prix in a row, he was crushed. Embracing the variance is a lesson Ethan learned.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 Grand Prix Montreal 2017.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Quantitative Reasoning. (Recognizing patterns and Math)

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Ethan knows he can become as good as he can if he doesn't crumple under people's expectations.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

When players got unlucky, they think they couldn't have won. Don't offload the responsibility. Own it and ask what you could have done. Talk to people.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Tournament

Ethan watched the Pro Tour closely and strove to understood best decks. He practiced by playing 10 Leagues on MTGO.

Parting Guidance

Always be looking for ways to improve. There's always something you can do.

Magic Resource

Twitch.tv/alexjchen, MTG Coverage, Ari Lax, Garry Thompson

Connect With Ethan Gaieski

Ethan 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

207: You're Never Too Old To Learn, The Key To Charly Traarbach's Success Jun 09, 2017

Show notes

Charly Traarbach is 30 years old and just made his first Grand Prix Top 8 in Utrecht 2017. He will be playing in Pro Tour Kyoto (2017) as his very first Pro Tour appearance!

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Charly Traarbach when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep207

First Set

Revised

Favorite Set

Innistrad

Favorite Card

[draft]Emrakul, The Aeons Torn[/draft]

Early Challenge

Charly was terrible at losing. He's very competitive and processed losses poorly.

Worst Magic Moment

In the GP Top 8 in Utrecht, Charly had forgotten to take out his side board from round 15! He got a game loss and ended up losing the match. Lesson: Always check your side board.

Proudest Magic Moment

Making top 8 at Grand Prix Utrecht.

What Have You Learned From Magic

A better understanding of English language. Interpersonal skill. Making friends.

Daily Rituals

Workout (run, sports). When your body is strong and active, your mind will be sharper.

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

You're never too old to learn.

What's in Your Tournament Bag

Score pad, Playmat, Extra Sleeves, Snacks, Water

Parting Guidance

To become better at Magic, play a lot of Magic. Surround yourself with people who invest a lot of time in Magic.

Magic Resource

CFB, SCG, TCG Player

Connect With Charly Traarbach

Twitter:@CharlyTraarbach ‏

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

206: Eli Kassis Returns to the Show and Talks About Being an Ambassador of Magic: The Gathering Jun 06, 2017

Show notes

Eli Kassis is a past guest of the show and now has 3 Grand Prix Top 8's (2 back to back top 4 or better finishes), 7 Pro Tour cashes, 13 SCG's Open Top 8's, and 17 Old school PTQ Wins.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Eli Kassis when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep206

Team Events

Team events are catching on. In a team event, Eli made top 4 with his team.

GP Secrets

X-2 still get invited to the Pro Tour, so don't draw.

Evaluating The Metagame

Eli and his team looked at the popular Modern decks and determined, there wouldn't be a lot of control. Eli picked his deck because he knew it inside and out and it had a good match up against the rest of the field.

Future of Pro Magic

Eli sees the Pro circuit growing.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

When stress and pressure are on players, abandon the decisions that got them there and hope luck gets them there.

Parting Guidance

You are an ambassador to the game. Be proud of it and treat others with respect so when anyone says "I play Magic" it means something.

References

Team NFGBot.com

Connect With Eli Kassis

Twitter:@lifer2121 ‏

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

205: How Trusting Teammates and Adopting New Strategies Will Yield Results Like Simon Nielsen Jun 02, 2017

Show notes

Simon Nielsen is a 22 year old linguistics student from Denmark who tries to play Magic for a living. He is currently testing with the team Mint card, and writes articles for mtgmintcard.com. He was part of the Danish national team that won the World Magic Cup in 2014 (the Daneblast guy), got 2nd at GP Brussels 2015, 8th at GP Bologna 2017 and 10th at the Pro Tour Eldritch Moon.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Simon Nielsen when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep205

First Set

Mirrodin besieged

Favorite Set

New Phyrexia

Favorite Card

Liliana of the veil

Early Challenge

Brewing decks were a struggle because Simon told himself he wasn't good enough to play tier 1 decks. He finally overcomes this by understanding that playing the best deck is his edge.

Worst Magic Moment

At Simon's 2nd World Magic Cup, his team was knocked out early. This felt bad because they had won the year before. Simon stayed and cheered on other countries and made friends.

Proudest Magic Moment

Winning World Magic Cup in 2014.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Risk management. What's the expected value of your decisions. Compare the best thing you could get to the chance of getting that outcome.

Magic Breakthrough Moment

Simon went from being terrible at Limited tot a year later top 8'ing a Limited Grand Prix. It took a while, but he started trusting his teammates and adopting their strategy.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Player's don't have plan. Look far down the line. How are you going to win. Work on the sideboard and play more side board games.

Parting Guidance

Read Simon's articles "How to become the worlds luckiest Magic Player" and "All your invalid excuses for not playing the best decks."

Magic Resource

mtgmintcard.com -Simon's articles

Connect With Simon Nielsen

Twitter:@MrChecklistcard

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

204: The Power of Reflection with Francesco Giorgio May 30, 2017

Show notes

Francesco Giorgio is an Italian Magic player living in England and a member of Team Axion Now. He's at his best with 40 card decks, but also enjoying the Standard format. His achievements include 2 Limited Grand Prix Top 8s and Top 8 at the 2014 World Magic Cup.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Francesco Giorgio when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep204

First Set

7th Edition

Favorite Set

Khans of Tarkir

Favorite Card

Birthing pod

Early Challenge

At first, Francesco didn't like the "best decks". Now, he understands that others have done well and he can draw on their knowledge.

Worst Magic Moment

Losing the finals of a GP due to a terrible mistake. He didn't read all the cards.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 at 2014 World Magic Cup.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Francesco learned to analyze his mistakes regardless of the outcome.

Shortcomings

Constructed. Focus more on tournament preparation.

Habits

Draft often. (Daily if possible.)

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Francesco loves travelling.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

In Limited, players don't block enough.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Tournament

Practice and discussion. For Limited, each player ranks every card and players discuss the differences.

Parting Guidance

Look back at every game and reflect, regardless of the results.

Magic Resource

Team Axiom Now, MTG Goldfish, www.mtgprotutor.com/giveaways200

Connect With Francesco Giorgio

Twitter:@Sniesk

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

203: How Focusing on the Next Game Only Will Get You to the Pro Tour with Dario Veneri May 26, 2017

Show notes

Dario Veneri is a 24 year old Clerk from Zurich, Switzerland who started playing Magic about 4 years ago. He's been to a bit more than a dozen GPs and made his first top 8 at Grand Prix Bologna 2017.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Dario Veneri when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep203

First Set

Return to Ravnica

Favorite Set

Amonkhet

Favorite Card

Hero of bladehold

Early Challenge

Dario struggled with variance at first. To overcome this, Dario focused on the new and just play the next game.

Worst Magic Moment

At a World Magic Qualifier, Dario got ahead of himself and didn't focus on the next game.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 at Grand Prix Bologna and getting his first Pro Tour invite.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Variance is everywhere and being mindful of it in Magic has brought it up to Dario in other areas and has helped him.

Tournament Day Tips

Go with friends. Interact with them between rounds. DON'T COMPLAIN and discuss crucial decision times from your game. Also, eat right. Plan it ahead and be mindful.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players tend to splash too much in Limited. They sacrifice their mana base for a low impact pay off.

How to Effectively Prepare for Grand Prix

Dario created a network of experienced players he likes and respects. He played a lot of Magic Online and attended as many Prerelease as he could. He discussed cards extensively with friends.

Parting Guidance

Focus on the next game and don't let variance get you down.

Connect With Dario Veneri

Twitter:@Josslyn_Avalon

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

202: Don't Let Circumstances Affect Your Fundamentals with Matthew Pope May 23, 2017

Show notes

Matthew Pope started playing Magic during Scars of Mirrodin and his first Launch Party was Magic 2012. Innistrad was the first pre-release he attended (and ran) at his local game. He was taught by a friend in college (the last 2 years of high school) and has come a long way with 1 Grand Prix Top 8 which was a 2nd place finish at Grand Prix Barcelona 2017. Matthew lives in the United Kingdom.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Matthew Pope when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep202

First Set

Scars of Mirrodin

Favorite Set

Innistrad

Favorite Card

Geist of Saint Traft

Early Challenge

Mulligan decisions. Matt noticed that even as he got better at mulligan decisions, he would revert back in high stakes games.

Worst Magic Moment

Matt attended a PPTQ and went 4-0-1. He wins the quarter finals and plays the best player in the room in the semi-finals. In game 3, Matt chokes and he missed the RPTQ invite. It was so close and the burn was real. Matt didn't attack based on a bluff from his opponent. Matt learned to play around what he should and ignore what he can't play around.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 at Grand Prix Barcelona 2017.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Playing around cards when it doesn't matter/wont make a difference. Also, deck selection without enough time to get good at it.

Parting Guidance

Don't let circumstance affect your fundamentals. Mulligan decisions are huge, so practice, practice, practice and don't forget what you've learned.

Connect With Matthew Pope

Twitter:@immagicmatt

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

201: Control What You CAN Control with Jack Dobbin May 19, 2017

Show notes

Jack Dobbin is a long-time grinder from the United States Midwest with a couple Pro Tour appearances and one GP top 8. He's living, learning and loving all things Magic: The Gathering.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Jack Dobbin when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep201

First Set

Legions

Favorite Set

Theros (for the draft environment)

Favorite Card

Cruel ultimatum

Early Challenge

Being stubborn. Jack would draft a good card and then get fixated on it. He would force an archetype and learned not to.

Worst Magic Moment

When Wizards switched off of the ELO system, Jack's qualification chances plummeted because he doesn't play that often. He learned to enjoy Magic at its roots.

Proudest Magic Moment

Qualifying for the Pro Tour and calling his wife to say they are taking a trip.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Making decisions with incomplete information.

Magic Mentor Advice

Don't play cards that lead you to being 2 for 1'd. Draft two colors.

How To Go from Day 2 to Top 8

Keep at it. Do what you're doing and take advantage of when variance breaks your way. Keep your emotions in check. Don't tilt.

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

You can have a good time while losing.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Giving away information and playing slow. Play faster!

Parting Guidance

Remember to have fun.

Connect With Jack Dobbin

Jack 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

200: How To Build a Healthy, Thriving Magic Community with Paragon City Games co-owner Brian Andersen E May 16, 2017

Show notes

Brian Andersen E is a 25 year old Magic enthusiast from California, but he's lived everywhere. He's played magic in both Asia and the USA at the basic LGS level. He's an investor a partner at Paragon City Games and generally a loud mouth. Brian lives in Draper, Utah.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Brian Andersen E when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep200

First Set

Tempest

Favorite Set

Odyssey

Favorite Card

Kamahl, Pit fighter

Making a Store Stand Out

Be deliberate about the feel you want players to experience.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Not having enough experience with their deck. Take the time to play and know your deck ahead of time. Ask a lot of questions.

Tournament Day Tips