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

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189: How Drafting Everyday and Playing Boldly Will Help You Win Like Donald Smith Apr 07, 2017

Show notes

Donald Smith started playing Magic in Theros. He got his first (and only) GP Top 8 in Charlotte 2015 and has chained Pro Tour invites ever since. Now he has a Pro Tour Top 8 under his belt and is a Gold level pro.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Donald Smith when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep189

First Set

Theros

Favorite Set

Theros / Kaladesh

Favorite Card

Chained to the Rocks

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

"I got hooked on Magic because of the social aspect."

Early Challenge

Preparing for tournaments.

Worst Magic Moment

The period between PT Atlanta and PT Honolulu, Donald didn't have a good finish at any event. He also learned humility.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 4 of Pro Tour Dublin. Also, the 11th win that got him the Pro Tour Dublin invite.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Taking risks pays off. Risk within reason.

Best Format

Limited

Magic Mentors

Derek; looked at the game with analytical eyes. Owen Turtenwald

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Donald learned a good work ethic.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

People play too scared.

Advice for Beginner Limited

In AER Limited, have your colors set by the end of pack one. People let color biases affect them too much. Don't buy into hyperbole.

What's in Your Tournament Bag

Life pod, dice, pens, playmat, laptop, snacks, granola bars, Clif bars, water, token

Daily Ritual

Play daily.

Parting Guidance

Draft every day!

Connect With

Twitter:@donaldwsjr

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

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188: Broaden Your Base with Alex Bianchi Apr 04, 2017

Show notes

Alex Bianchi is a Silver-level pro from Buffalo, New York with 1 Grand Prix Top 8 and 1 win (GP Pittsburgh 2015). He is also the team captain of Team Dave & Adam's for the 2016-2017 Pro Tour Team Series, and writes articles for ManaDeprived.com.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Alex Bianchi when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep188

First Set

Mirrodin

Favorite Set

Ravnica City of Guilds

Favorite Card

Nahiri, The Harbinger

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

The game is challenging and the people are great.

Early Challenge

Deck selection. It took a while for Alex to realize he should play the best deck.

Worst Magic Moment

Needed 2 points to get the silver; got it, then needed one win to made top 8. He missed it three times in a row.

Proudest Magic Moment

Winning GP Pittsburgh. When he made Top 8, he qualified for his Pro Tour and went with two friends.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Networking and traveling.

Best Format

Death Shadow Jund

Magic Mentors

Kai Burnett taught Alex how to grind.

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

The social aspect of the game is more important.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Focusing too much on specific formats. You need to be good at many formats.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Alex plays a lot of MTGO competitive leagues.

Shortcomings As a Magic Player

Getting unintentional draws.

Tournament Day Tips

Rest between rounds, drink water.

Magic Resource

Twitch.TV, MTGCoverage.com, SCG, MTG Pulse

Connect With Alex Bianchi

Twitter:@Gemmanite

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

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187: How to Prepare Like a True Magic Professional with Jon Stern Mar 31, 2017

Show notes

Jon Stern has been playing competitive Magic off an on for a long time but started to really take it seriously in 2012. He has 7 Grand Prix Top 8s including wins in Atlantic City 2013 and Atlanta 2014. He hasn't broken through for a Pro Tour Top 8 yet but has a Top 16 and a couple Top 20 finishes.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Jon Stern when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep187

First Set

Revised

Favorite Set

Invasion block

Favorite Card

Aquamoeba Standstill

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

You're rewarded based on the decisions you make.

Early Challenge

Knowing how to prepare for tournaments. Joining a team and preparing in a professional manner.

Worst Magic Moment

Forgetting to write down two cards in deck registry led to a game loss.

Proudest Magic Moment

Qualifying for his first Grand Prix Top 8. Winning his first Grand Prix.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Planning ahead, making decisions.

Advice from Magic Mentors

Understand there is variance. Magic is a number game. Trust yourself.

Shortcomings

Deck building in a new format.

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

You're not going to win every time but that doesn't mean you're on the wrong track.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Having an unlearning attitude. There is a learning curve in Magic and you can move up by talking, listening, asking and learning.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Jon focuses on time management. He looks at how much time he has to prepare and chooses his activities accordingly (Main board, side board, play testing).

Best Format

Constructed

Beginner Standard Advice

Realize that a lot of people are going to play one of the top 2 decks, card for card. This is exploitable.

Parting Guidance

Test with a purpose. Don't kill yourself over deck selection.

Magic Resource

MTG Goldfish, MTG Top 8, Magic Online League results

Connect With Jon Stern

Twitter:@JonSternMTL

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

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186: How to Stave Off Mental Defeat with Bronson Gervasi Mar 28, 2017

Show notes

Bronson Gervasi planned a trip in 2017 to do the Star City Games tour starting with SCG open Columbus. From there he played in Richmond, then in the regionals in Baltimore, and finally at the Grand Prix in Pittsburgh where he made his first GP Top 8, qualifying for the Pro Tour for the first time.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Bronson Gervasi when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep186

First Set

M12

Favorite Set

New Phyrexia

Favorite Card

Death's Shadow

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

The competitive aspect of the game is very appealing.

Early Challenge

Coming to grips with variance, Bronson struggled with giving up early after a few losses.

Worst Magic Moment

At a Regionals, Bronson made it to the top 8 and then lost, missing the Pro Tour invite. He had to multi-game and learned to shuffle a lot.

Proudest Magic Moment

At his first GP, Bronson played a friend's deck in a side event and won. He got invited to a TCG 50k events.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Bronson has applied Magic to business and interpersonal relationships.

Best Format

Standard

Shortcomings

Bronson is working on seeing where the meta is going and developing the next winning deck. He also knows he's not the best-controlling player.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Bronson tends to make riskier plays and he sees too many players be too cautious.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Evaluate the best decks and decide whether to beat them or join them. Make the deck your own by tweaking and tuning.

What's in Your Tournament Bag

Every Standard card, commander deck

How To Make Day 2

Deciding to play the best deck and not give up mentally. Don't think about future games, stay focused.

Parting Guidance

Stave off mental defeat by stay positive and not giving up.

Magic Resource

TCG Player, SCG, MTG Top 8

Connect With Bronson Gervasi

Bronson 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

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185: Meet Your Heroes as Peers - An AJ Sacher Journey Mar 24, 2017

Show notes

AJ Sacher is one of the greatest minds in Magic: The Gathering. He has 2 Grand Prix top 8s and 15 StarCityGames top 8s with 2 wins. He's created content for StarCityGames, TCG Player and is currently writing articles, shooting videos and streaming for Numot Gaming. AJ lives in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from AJ Sacher when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep185

First Set

Portal

Favorite Set

Kamigawa - Time Spiral

Favorite Card

Brainstorm

Early Challenge

Hubris. AJ thought he knew more than everyone and it stopped him from progressing until he realized this got in his way.

Breakthrough Moment

Going Pro after just over a year. AJ made top 8 of a GP in Denver. This was a turning point for AJ.

Worst Magic Moment

At Pro Tour, San Juan AJ didn't win a game. He also turned down an offer to play the best deck. AJ realized that he had to take care of himself first.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 at GP Costa Rica / Meeting his heroes as peers.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Time management, resources management, critical thinking, deduction, induction, etc.

Best Format

Legacy

Ideal Tournament Preparation

Time management is critical. These are only so many hours to prepare for a tournament, utilize that time that time wisely.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

People's pride get in the way of their learning. Also, people just play cards on autopilot instead of actually playing a game of Magic.

Tournament Day Tips

Hydrate, eat, wash your face, go to the bathroom and sleep.

Parting Guidance

Hubris is poisonous. Have the humility to learn. Also, reflect on what you want out of Magic.

Magic Resource

SCG, CFB, TCG Player, Numotg gaming, Steaming (Twitch)

Connect With AJ Sacher

Twitter:@AJSacher

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

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184: Pick and Stick to a Deck with Daniel Fournier Mar 21, 2017

Show notes

Daniel Fournier is a Toronto native, known locally for his dedication to the game and aggressive hyperbole. He had a breakout year in 2014, top 8'ing Grand Prix Montreal after going undefeated in the Swiss rounds. Then he represented Canada at the World Magic Cup. Since then, he's rattled off another pair of Grand Prix top 8s and is hoping to make it big on the Pro Tour stage.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Daniel Fournier when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep184

First Set

Portal

Favorite Set

Khans of Tarkir

Favorite Card

Vendilion Clique

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

The depth of Magic attracts Daniel. "It's a puzzle that's constantly changng but always has a solution."

Early Challenge

Deck building. Daniel would just copy decks and not understand why the cards were there. He played with great players to overcome and become better at this challenge.

Breakthrough Moment

GP Montreal and qualifying for the Pro Tour for the first time.Also realizing that building a solid deck and playing it well will get you results.

Worst Magic Moment

First Pro Tour Daniel was excited and nervous, Daniel received a call that his grandma is in the hospital with cancer and not doing well. He was emotionally distraught and did poorly in the draft. But he realized that he couldn't control that he did poorly because he drafted bad.

Proudest Magic Moment

Winning WMCQ and representing Canada at the World Magic Cup.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Quick, visual, analytical skills

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Magic has helped Daniel realize his talents.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

People don't pay attention to technical play card sequence, tapping correctly, remembering triggers etc.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Be actively involved in researching the metagame for several weeks leading up to your event.

Parting Guidance

Stop switching decks in Standard. Pick and stick.

Connect With Daniel Fournier

Twitter:@tirentu

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

183: Jonathon Zaczek Reveals the Most Important Thing You Can Do in Magic Mar 17, 2017

Show notes

Jonathon Zaczek is the Champion of Merfolk. He made top 8 at Grand Prix Vancouver, while his followers Przemek Knocinski and Simon Slutsky won GP Copenhagen 2015 and GP Los Angeles 2016 with Merfolk. Merfolk has been scrubbed off as a joke by the top players for years. It is our guest's mission to prove them wrong, AGAIN.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Jonathon Zaczek when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep183

First Set

Mercadian Masques

Favorite Set

Theros

Favorite Card

Master of Waves

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

Every set changes the whole game. It keeps the game fresh.

Early Challenge

Finding the right people to surround himself with.

Worst Magic Moment

Jonathon played Mono blue devotion in Standard. He did very well everywhere except at PTQ's. At his lost PTQ he lost every single game.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 at GP Vancouver

Breakthrough Moment

When Jonathon started winning PTQ's with Merfolk.

Advice from Pros

Play the deck that speaks to you.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players don't play around what their opponent might have.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Play competitive leagues on Magic Online. Sleep very well the nights before.

Parting Guidance

Playing around cards is the most important thing you can do in Magic. You're at the mercy of your cards. Never resign.

Magic Resource

NikachuMTGYouTube, MTGEloProject.net, MTG Top 8

Connect With Jonathon Zaczek

Twitter:@nikachumtg

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

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182: The Pro Tour Prophet Adam Van Fleet Shares His Secrets Mar 14, 2017

Show notes

Adam Van Fleet is a full-time Project Manager who plays Magic in the little spare time he can muster. He was introduced to the game back in 1998, and has played competitively off-and-on since 2012. He Top 25'd Pro Tour Journey Into Nyx, Top 8'd GP Pittsburgh 2017, and Won SCG Philidelphia 2013.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Adam Van Fleet when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep182

First Set

Exodus

Favorite Set

Mirrodin / Theros block

Favorite Card

Arcbound Ravager Force of Will

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

It started as a way to hang with friends. As time progressed Adam came to the competitive aspect.

How to Top 8 a Grand Prix from Consistent Day 2

You have to really understand the metagame.

Worst Magic Moment

At his first Legacy GP, Adam played Affinity and in round one, his opponent blew him out. #feelbad. At another event an opponent rules lawyered Adam and he felt bad about the situation.

Proudest Magic Moment

Making it to the Pro Tour for the first time.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Friendships

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Frustrated at inability to control outcomes.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Rushing. A lot of players do thing too quickly without thinking of the consequences. Ask yourself " Why am I making this play now?" 'The most important decision is keeping your opening hand.'

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Practice at FNM and other weekly local events. Practice Limited on Magic Online. Adam will save packs from wins and then practice drafting and building sealed pools.

Parting Guidance

Have fun! At the end of the day, it's a game.

Connect With Adam Van Fleet

Adam 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

181: Gerry Thompson Thinks YOU are Great! and How You Treat People Matters Mar 10, 2017

Show notes

Gerry Thompson is a master deck builder, deck-tuner, and Pro Tour mainstay. He dominated the SCG Tour and even worked at Wizards of the Coast for a bit. He has 11 Grand Prix Top 8s with 2 wins and 1 Pro Tour Top 8.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Gerry Thompson when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep181

First Set

Mercadian Masques

Favorite Set

Ravnica City of Guilds

Favorite Card

Nether Spirit

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

Gameplay is super fun. Gerry loves to solve a puzzle.

Early Challenge

Card advantage was a concept that Gerry didn't grasp at first but made a huge difference once he learned.

Breakthrough Moment

First Grand Prix top 8

Worst Magic Moment

At a Magic Worlds tournament, Gerry had a bad deck and was doing his best. He conceded a game that he didn't have to because he was unfamiliar with his deck.

Proudest Magic Moment

Winning two opens in one weekend and making Magic: The Gathering History.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Social interactions, decision-making skills, and a word everything.

Best Format

Modern

Magic Mentors

Neil Reeves

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Magic help Gerry mature. He learned that how he treats people matters.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Side boarding and not understanding your role.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Ask critical questions in every match up.

Shortcomings

Gerry is working on getting better Pro Tour results.

Winning Strategy in Modern

Death Shadow

Tournament Day Tips

Get 8 hours of sleep. exercise in the morning, stay hydrated

Parting Guidance

If you've ever

Connect With Gerry Thompson

Twitter:@G3RRYT

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

180: Don't Complain and Learn from Every Single Game with Petr Sochurek Mar 07, 2017

Show notes

Petr Sochurek has been playing Magic since he was 11, and started grinding PTQs and GPs at about 16. He qualified to Valencia, where he made top 16 at his first Pro Tour with Merfolk. He's a Platinum Level Pro with 4 Grand Prix top 8, including a finals at Rimini and a win at Paris.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Petr Sochurek when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep180

First Set

Ravnica City of Guilds

Favorite Set

Lorwyn

Favorite Card

Venser, Shaper Savant

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

Petr loves to win. He enjoys the challenge and complications.

Early Challenge

Petr learned how to learn. After each game, Petr asks what he could have done better.

Breakthrough Moment

When Petr was 18-19 he qualified for his first Pro Tour.

Worst Magic Moment

Petr lost his first PPTQ final and didn't qualify for the Pro Tour. He learned how bad he wanted the Pro Tour and prepared even harder.

Proudest Magic Moment

Making Platinum in 2016. To get there he practiced every day online.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Petr has become more analytical.

Magic Mentor

Lukas Blohon, Martin Juza

Tournament Day Tips

Get some sleep and practice wake up at the time you would for the tournament. Bananas and fruits.

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Petr learned if he really wants something he willing to sacrifice for it.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

People make the 80% right play. People don't think through their play and don't realize when they should make the 20% play.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Petr is open to playing any deck. He talks with other players and knows that just because his good players mean he knows everything.

Parting Guidance

You can learn from every single game. Don't complain.

Magic Resource

MTGO, MTG Goldfish, CFB

Connect With Petr Sochurek

Twitter:@PetrKikac

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

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