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

Latest Episodes:

199: Dedication and Practice Will Get You to the Top with David Brucker May 12, 2017

Show notes

David Brucker is a returning Magic Pro who is coming back after a 9-year break. He just added his 6th Grand Prix top 8 to his record and even boasts a Grand Prix win from back in the day. On the Pro Tour, he has 6 top 16 finishes and is looking for a top 8 with his most recent invite. David lives in Munich, Germany.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from David Brucker when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep199

First Set

Ice age

Favorite Set

Mirrodin

Favorite Card

Fact or fiction

Early Challenge

Not knowing cards and winning decks. Lack of information was a big deal in the early days.

Worst Magic Moment

At his 2nd Nationals, David drank with friends the night before and showed up to the draft hung over. He went 3-0 but then got disqualified because he registered a 37 card deck.

Proudest Magic Moment

David won the European championship and got a big trophy and $15,000. He and his parents were so proud.

What Have You Learned From Magic

"Breaking" a deck is similar to science. Trying to find the best solution for a format is like finding a solution at work. Also teamwork.

Magic Mentors

Henniry Ramquist - he was very competitive and taught David to take the game seriously.

Tournament Day Tips

Get byes. Attend GPT's, PPTQs and Grand Prix

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

David is very competitive. He also likes to travel.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Playing your lost card in hand pre-combat. This gives away so much information. Think about every game and why you actually lost. Avoid the mindset of blowing outside influences for your losses.

What's in Your Tournament Bag

Clothing, deck box

Parting Guidance

Play a lot. Find the best players in your region and play against them.

Magic Resource

CFB, 5-0 decks from MTGO

Connect With David Brucker

David 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

198: Robert Lombardi Returns for Magic PRO-Pourri May 09, 2017

Show notes

Robert Lombardi still has a Degree in Mechatronics Engineering (he hasn't lost it), and is married and has a 15-month-old son. He has 3 Grand Prix top 8s now including a win at Grand Prix Toronto 2016. He's still better at Limited than Constructed and is striving to not be 1 point shy of Silver. Robert was first on the MTG Pro Tutor podcast in episode 125.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Robert Lombardi when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep198

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Robert played around with all the top decks and found his stride with Mardu vehicles.

FNM Side Board VS. Pro Side Board

You know the meta much better at the local level. Your board at a big event is less targeted.

First Strike Podcast

Robert is co-hosting a spiky podcast about competitive Magic. Brian Gottlieb is the best built from scratch deck builder.

Parting Guidance

People ask for feedback but then argue when they get it. Don't do that!

Magic Resource

First Strike Podcast

Connect With Robert Lombardi

Twitter:@RobertLombardi0

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

197: Ben Friedman Made the Pro Tour a Regular Thing By Learning How to Learn Better May 05, 2017

Show notes

Ben Friedman has four Grand Prix top 8s, two Pro Tour top 16s, 5 SCG invitational top 8s, and does it all while rocking a mean cowboy hat! He is a member of the MetaGameGurus on the SCG Tour and the Captain of Mox Box Bowl on the Pro Tour. Ben lives in Baltimore, MD.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Ben Friedman when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep197

First Set

Odyssey

Favorite Set

Ravnica

Favorite Card

Snapcaster mage

Early Challenge

Understanding how to attack a metagame.

Breakthrough Moment

JSS Nationals - first cashing a tournament.

Worst Magic Moment

After getting crushed at his first Pro Tour, Ben was really down. He learned he wasn't the hot shot he thought.

Proudest Magic Moment

Qualifying for his first Pro Tour. Next was when Ben made it to the Pro Tour off of a special invite due to rule changes. This PT invite got him the Gold status that year.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Delayed gratification.

Tournament Day Tips

Drink a lot of water, Ben knows that for him fasting makes him more focused.

Advice to New Players

Build your network and share cards. Networks help you make friends, save money and play Magic.

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Ben learned his play style is very value oriented.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players don't understand side boarding. They don't consider how their side boarding choices change when they are on the play versus the draw.

Parting Guidance

Think for yourself, learn for yourself and learn how to learn better.

Magic Resource

SCG, CFB, TCG Player

Connect With Ben Friedman

Twitter:@40cardfriedman

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

196: GP Champion Corey Baumeister on Building a Successful Magic Network May 02, 2017

Show notes

Corey Baumeister is a Gold Level Professional Magic player who has 2 Grand Prix top 8's to his name including a win in New Jersey 2017! He also has 1 top 16 and 2 top 32 finishes at the Pro Tour. Corey lives in Fargo, North Dakota.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Corey Baumeister when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep196

First Set

Onslaught

Favorite Set

Ravnica City of Guild

Favorite Card

Ogre savant

Early Challenge

Deck design during new sets.

Worst Magic Moment

Pro Tour Austin. Corey was playing a win-and-in match for Top 8 of the Pro Tour. Corey misplayed because he didn't know the matchup.

Proudest Magic Moment

Winning Grand Prix New Jersey 2017.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Recognizing mistakes and adjusting.

Best Format

Standard

Advice for New Standard Players

Follow events and see what's winning. Find answers to that deck by scouring legal cards.

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Don't be so critical of yourself.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Using luck as a crutch for your losses. It takes a smart player to realize they did something wrong.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Corey played hundreds of games leading up to the Grand Prix. He knew his deck inside and out.

What's in Your Tournament Bag

Boogie board, stockpile of cards, dice

Parting Guidance

If you have the will to chase the dream then don't quit playing.

Magic Resource

Knowledgeable friends

Connect With Corey Baumeister

Twitter:@CoreyBaumeister

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

195: Don't Stop and Don't Quit with Jorge Mantilla Apr 28, 2017

Show notes

Jorge Mantilla is 28 years old and was born in Miami, Florida. He started out by playing Poker and sneaking into casino's throughout high school to make extra money. He's a well known Spearfisherman through his videos on youtube/Instagram. He started playing Magic after Dragons of Tarkir and fell in love with Limited. He's been to 2 Grand Prix's - Atlanta, where he won the last 4 rounds in a row to make day 2 and Orlando where he made Top 8. Jorge lives in Miami, Florida.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Jorge Mantilla when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep195

First Set

Dragon of Tarkir

Favorite Set

Kaladesh

Favorite Card

Walking ballista

Early Challenge

Side boarding and deck building. Every time Jorge lost in Limited, he would look at his opponent's deck at ask why was each card in that deck.

Worst Magic Moment

Losing his first PPTQ win-and-in. Jorge learned the importance of early pressure and keeping good hands.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 at GP Orlando.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Confidence and being nice to people.

Advice to New Limited Players

Watch a good drafter and learn why they chose what they did.

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

"I have the confidence to achieve my goals."

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Not keeping track of the board state.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Jorge did a Limited event online every day for about 8 months.

What's in Your Tournament Bag

Draft box: Lands, tokens, sleeves, paper, dice

Parting Guidance

Play frequently. Don't stop. Don't quit.

Magic Resource

Twitch.TV, CFB

Connect With Jorge Mantilla

Jorge 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

194: You Need a Little Hubris with Kasper Nielsen Apr 25, 2017

Show notes

Kasper Nielsen is a new face on the Pro Tour as he just made his first Grand Prix Top 8 at Utrecht 2017. Kasper lives in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Kasper Nielson when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep194

First Set

Tempest

Favorite Set

Theros (least favorite) lol

Favorite Card

Snapcaster mage

Early Challenge

Qualifying for the Pro Tour. Kasper would make it to the finals/qualifying rounds and lose. He finally broke through at GP Utrecht.

Worst Magic Moment

Kasper got a win he didn't deserve because he didn't understand the cards and the judge he asked were confused.

Proudest Magic Moment

Making top 8 at GP Utrecht 2017. Kasper was so excited to finally making it to the Pro Tour.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Underestimating yourself and your chances, especially against a "known" player. This happens with local "and losses". A little degree of hubris is good in a player. Say "I'm going to beat this player" or at least "I can beat this player."

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

At the previous GP, Kasper studied the best decks and talked to others about which deck beat which others and why. He chose a deck and started practicing. He took a deck to a friend's house and played the mirror for 5 hours so he could deeply understand the deck. He attended local events to stay sharp nad then when Utrecht came he studied the meta again, chose a deck and practiced - a lot.

Parting Guidance

Remember to have fun!

Magic Resource

Twitch.TV, CFB

Connect With Kasper Nielsen

Twitter:@ks_nielsen

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

193: Don't Quit and You Will Win with Amir Radmard Apr 21, 2017

Show notes

Amir Radmard lives in Oklahoma City, OK. As a daytime job, he is an IT technician for a small company. In regards to Magic, he is a glorified FNM champion and considers himself the most grindiest of grinders. He has 1 Grand Prix top 8 that happened at GP Houston and has competed in several RPTQs. He's been to the Pro tour once and is looking for more.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Amir Radmard when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep193

First Set

Tempest

Favorite Set

Return to Ravnica

Favorite Card

Braids, Cabal Minion

Early Challenge

Card Evaluation

Advice That Has Stuck With You

"You have to win here before you can win out there. " The local champs encouraged Amir to step up his game.

Worst Magic Moment

Amir struggles with tilt. He remembers a PTQ where he had a solid sealed deck and one opponent played an unbeatable. Amir tilted so bad he made misplays.

Proudest Magic Moment

Qualifying for his first Pro Tour.

What Have You Learned From Magic

You have to cut a card to add a card. This applies to life because you have to take something out to add in a new thing.

Best Format

Limited

Pre-Release Tips

Sealed is more "bomby". Review all commons and uncommon in the set. Review combat tricks.

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Amir learned how good he can get at something when he really applies himself.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

People think they know more than they know. They don't listen or accept advice.

Ideal Tournament Preparation

Amir spends his time tweaking a deck to make sure it can take down the top strategies.

Tournament Day Tips

Go with friends, have a good breakfast, stay hydrated and sleep.

Parting Guidance

"Speak little, do much." Monastery Mentor

Magic Resource

CFB, SCG (Premium is worth it), Brad Nelson articles, MTG Coverage.com

Connect With Amir Radmard

Amir 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

192: Aleksa Telarov is the First Serbian to Top 8 a Grand Prix and Shares the Importance of Humility Apr 18, 2017

Show notes

Aleksa Telarov is a 7 time National Champion and has appeared in 10 Worlds & World Magic Cup events. At the World Magic Cup he's made top8, top16, and top32. He took 3rd at the 2015 MOCS and has 3 Grand Prix Top 8 including a win at Grand Prix Madrid 2015. Aleksa lives in Serbia.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Aleksa Telarov when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep192

First Set

Guildpact

Favorite Set

Ravnica block

Favorite Card

Tireless Tracker

Early Challenge

Aleksa would play all the tournaments he could. No matter the format. He started drafting and didn't win for a year.

Breakthrough Moment

GP Vienna - first top 8. GP Madrid - win.

Worst Magic Moment

Not qualifying for the Pro Tour after GP Milan. Aleksa also had a chain of 6-3 results when to make day two he needed 7-2.

Proudest Magic Moment

Winning GP Madrid.

Best Format

Standard

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players lack focus. Magic is a demanding game and people don't realize the commitment it takes to do well.

Parting Guidance

Focus on the important things in life and the rest will fall into place. Be a good person.

Magic Resource

MTGO, MTG Goldfish

Connect With Aleksa Telarov

Twitter:@AleksaTelarov

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

191: What You Don't Know Can Cost You with James Larsen-Scott Apr 14, 2017

Show notes

James Larsen-Scott is a 20-year-old magic player from Tasmania, Australia who has been playing Magic for 8 years. He is constantly trying to learn and improve his game and recently obtained his first Grand Prix top 8 at GP Brisbane 2017.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from James Larsen - Scott when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep191

First Set

Alara Reborn

Favorite Set

Zendikar / Khans of Tarkir

Favorite Card

Jace,The Mind Sculptor

Early Challenge

Learning the difference between the Limited formats.

Magic Breakthrough Moment

When James got his first draft 3-0 and when he got his first Grand Prix day 2.

Worst Magic Moment

James went to a PPTQ and lost 3 win-and-ins because he took a deck he didn't know.

Proudest Magic Moment

First Grand Prix Top 8.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Knowing your role is an allegory for life. Sometimes you need to push hard and make things happen. Other times, you need to sit back, see what happens and react.

Best Format

Limited

Magic Mentors

LSV

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

He can do it if he puts his mind to it.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players don't know why they are playing a card. You should know why every card is in your deck.

Tournament Day Tips

Bring tokens, pen, and paper. It's huge to have friends there to talk to between rounds.

Shortcomings

Losing focusing in a game.

Beginner Limited Advice

Watch tons of Magic Videos.

Parting Guidance

Don't be intimidated when playing big name players.

Magic Resource

CFB, Twitch.TV

Connect With James Larsen-Scott

James 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

190: Grand Prix Champion Ryan Hare Doesn't Not Expect Results - Always Work For It Apr 11, 2017

Show notes

Ryan Hare is the Champion of Grand Prix Pittsburgh 2017 and is looking towards silver and beyond. He can't resist a good pun, and his favorite colors are Black and Green (usually together).

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Ryan Hare when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep190

First Set

7th Edition

Favorite Set

7th Edition / Onslaught

Favorite Card

Daru Cavalier

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

Ryan came back when a friend invited him to play cube. He had another friend who always beat him and Ryan wanted to know why.

Early Challenge

Ryan had to build his knowledge of Magic and Magic players.

Worst Magic Moment

After making top 32 at a GP, Ryan had a chance for silver but after 5 Grand Prix he didn't make it.

Proudest Magic Moment

Winning Grand Prix Pittsburgh felt great but Ryan really remembers a Modern Premier IQ where he did well because it was his first big event it stands out to him. He made top 8.

What Have You Learned From Magic

How to make good spreadsheet and how to track details.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

There's a balance between over confidence and lack of confidence. You're not always right but you also can't count yourself out.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Put all the events you're going to on a list and keep up to date with what's coming up and how can you prepare.

Parting Guidance

Book flights at least 6 weeks in advance. Find a magic bag of trail mix. Put yourself in the best position to succeed.

Connect With Ryan Hare

Ryan 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.