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

Latest Episodes:

179: Ungrinding Magic with Simon Slutsky Mar 03, 2017

Show notes

Simon Slutsky has 1 Grand Prix Top 8 and 1 Grand Prix win. He made day 2 at Pro Tour Sydney and is a 5 time PPTQ second place finisher. He's a Merfolk enthusiast who goes a little deep on Modern and a Nuclear physics researcher when he's not playing Magic.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Simon Slutsky when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep179

First Set

Revised

Favorite Set

Eldritch Moon

Favorite Card

Phantasmal Image

Early Challenge

Simon struggled with guessing what his opponent level and trying to play around things

Breakthrough Moment

GP Los Angeles 2016

Worst Magic Moment

After practicing with his Merfolk deck, Simon attended a GP and got a terrible pairing in round 1. He got destroyed but learned to take every game one at a time.

Proudest Magic Moment

Winning a Grand Prix.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Simon has noticed that life has taught him how to handle Magic and Magic has taught him to keep an ever keel.

Best Format

Modern

Biggest Mistake Players Make

People tend to over think things too much. There's a line between theory crafting and wasting time.

Tournament Day Tips

Drink water, bring healthy snacks, go with friends

Parting Guidance

Have fun. Magic shouldn't be a grind.

Magic Resource

Twitter, Reddit, CFB, MTG Goldfish, Modern Nexus.com

Connect With Simon Slutsky

Twitter:@somesalmon

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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178: Review Your Actions to Find Success with Roope Metsa Feb 28, 2017

Show notes

Roope Metsa has been playing Magic since Khans of Tarkir and just qualified for his first Pro Tour by making top 8 at Grand Prix Prague 2017. Roope lives in Vantaa, Finland.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Roope Metsa when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep178

First Set

Khans of Tarkir

Favorite Set

Shards of Alara

Favorite Card

Opposition

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

Magic games are hard.Roope likes making decisions.

Worst Magic Moment

At an RPTQ Roope lost in the top 8. Roope learned how to manage loss better.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 at Grand Prix Prague.

Preparation for Success

Roope missed the pre-release but he drafted as much as he could. He wants to the GP with 15-20 drafts under the belt.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Competitive gaming has taught Roope the importance of receiving your actions.

Best Format

Modern

Preferred Deck

Grixis

Post Game Evaluation

Ask your opponent " why do you think you won that game?"

Tournament Day Tips

Drink a lot of water, walk outside between rounds.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

People get drawn in by fancy tricks and don't focus on fundamentals.

Parting Guidance

The best way to improve is to play against better players.

Magic Resource

MTG Top 8, CFB, MTG Reddit

Connect With Roope Metsa

Twitter:@Foleroo

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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177: Play What You Know with Marcio Carvalho Feb 24, 2017

Show notes

Marcio Carvalho has an impressive record of 13 Grand Prix Top 8s including 3 wins, 3 Pro Tour Top 8s, and was a finalist at the 2016 Worlds tournament.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Marcio Carvalho when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep177

First Set

Stronghold

Favorite Set

Ravnica

Favorite Card

Wasteland

Early Challenge

Choosing a deck.

Breakthrough Moment

First time competing at Worlds in 2005.

Worst Magic Moment

Getting banned for 6 months for looking at others cards in a draft. Marcio learned to not try to be the coolest kid in the room.

Proudest Magic Moment

Making Platinum and being a finalist Worlds Moment in 2016.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Slow down and understand it's okay to be wrong.

Best Format

Limited

Advice From Pro

Magic is a game of variance. Prepare it.

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Marcio learned he can work hard when he wants to.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Forcing a pick order in a draft. Drafts are fluid and you shouldn't put blenders.

Shortcomings

Constructed

Daily Habits

Not getting burned out by playing too much.

Tournament Day Tips

Eat well and drink water.

Parting Guidance

Don't force things. Play what you know.

Magic Resource

CFB, SCG

Connect With Marcio Carvalho

Twitter:@KbolMagic

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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176: Make Magic Fun for You and Others with Grand Prix Champion Florian Koch Feb 21, 2017

Show notes

Florian Koch has been playing Magic since 1994 and played semi-competitively until he got his first Pro Point in 2010. He then won GP Lyon later that year. Since 2010 he's made the Top 8 of three GPs and is striving for success on the Pro Tour. Florian is from Cologne, Germany.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Florian Koch when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep176

First Set

The Dark (Just before)

Favorite Set

Florian doesn't have a favorite set.

Favorite Card

Lightning bolt

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

At first, it was the interactions between cards. Then it was the competitive scene.

Level Up Moment

Florian watched a friend play who explained that recognizing what matters in a game is the key to winning.

Worst Magic Moment

Florian 9-0 day one of a Grand Prix but flowed out on day two. He learned to prepare for the whole event.

Proudest Magic Moment

Winning GP Lyon.

Best Format

Limited

What Have You Learned from Magic

Make your own decisions and decide what matters. You don't have to use the same yardstick as everyone else to measure yourself.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Not enjoying yourself. You spend all day at an event, don't make it awful for you or your opponent.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Florian played with the best players he could find and talked with the best players at the event.

Shortcomings

Florian is working on being a better control player.

What's in Your Tournament Bag

Deck, Clothes, Hygiene products

Advice From Pro

Florian saw Dirk B. sort cards into tiers for the first time and that help him see Magic differently.

Advice For Aether Revolt Limited

The Improvise mechanic is overvalued at the moment. Aggressive strategies are working. Combat tricks in this format are decent.

Improvement Suggestions

When you go to a Magic tournament, make it fun for you and others. Care for your community.

Magic Resource

CFB, MTG Goldfish

Connect With Florian Koch

Twitter:@Odin_FK

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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175: How to Theorycraft with Eric English Feb 17, 2017

Show notes

Eric English has cashed many Grand Prix and has 1 Grand Prix top 8 and a Pro Tour top 32, both in 2016. He's a Silver Level Pro looking to continue the success he had last year. Eric is from Rochester, New York.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Eric English when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep175

First Set

Onslaught

Favorite Set

Innistrad

Favorite Card

Engineered Explosives

Early Challenge

Eric's deck selection skills were sub par. By consuming content Eric was able to get a better feel for the metagame.

Breakthrough Moment

SCG Open in 2014, Eric played a Rabble Red deck and took 2nd.

Worst Magic Moment

At a local invite is the only tournament Eric lost his chance to make top 8 and he tilted really bad. He made a fool of himself. Now he thinks of the game in terms of resource management. Eric views his emotions and mental energy as a resource.

Proudest Magic Moment

Winning an SCG Open while visiting a friend in Washington.

What have You Learned from Magic

The practice of thinking through multiple scenarios.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Misunderstanding the flow of the game. Combat this by thinking on your opponent's turn and shortening your gameplay actions.

Shortcoming

Eric loses focus when he's winning.

Improvement Suggestions

Have fun. Play the game. Magic has many forms.

Connect With Eric English

Eric 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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174: Grand Prix Champion John Asbach Reveals How to Get to GP Top 8 from Day Two Feb 14, 2017

Show notes

John Asbach is 25 years old and an active duty military member. He graduated from the United States Military Academy (Westpoint) Class of 2013 and is originally from Buffalo, NY. He loves theater, coffee, and hockey and is the Champion of Grand Prix San Jose 2017.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from John Asbach when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep174

First Set

9th / 10th

Favorite Set

Innistrad

Favorite Card

Dark Intimations

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

It's different everytime you play.

Early Challenge

Constructed. Choosing the right deck. Getting advice from knowledgeable players helps John share this up.

Breakthrough Moment

Grand Prix San Jose validated John's effort.

Worst Magic Moment

GP Portland. John went to time against a grindy Bant company deck. He ended up playing the draw bracket and doing poorly.

Proudest Magic Moment

Winning Grand Prix San Jose 2017.

How to Get from Day 2 to Top 8

Focus on the things you can control. Play, card evaluation (Limited), deck building. Ask yourself " how does my deck win?"

What Have You Learned from Magic

Thinking ahead and solving problems.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Not giving enough attention to your mana base in Limited.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

For a new set, go to the Pre-Release and draft as much as possible before the Grand Prix.

Tournament Day Tips

Water, granola bars, the days are long. Take it one match at a time.

Improvement Suggestions

Be your mentality flexible. Find what works for you and talk to others.

Connect With John Asbach

John 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

173: Focus on Your Decisions and What You Can Control with Adam Ragsdale Feb 10, 2017

Show notes

Adam Ragsdale is a former MTGO grinder and content producer turned current occasional traveler. He has 2 Grand Prix Top 8s, both in the last calendar year. Adam lives in Toronto.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Adam Ragsdale when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep173

First Set

Torment

Favorite Set

Mirrodin

Favorite Card

Arc-slogger

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

Adam loves solving the puzzle using all the pieces of Magic.

Early Challenge

Time management. Playing too fast and too slow at different times.

Breakthrough Moment

First PPTQ win in 2006. Know the meta. Check the 5-0 lists from Magic Online and ask questions.

Worst Magic Moment

ProTour-Charleston circa 2006. Lost 4 times, got a bye and dropped. You can't let one tournament make you feel like you're not good enough.

Proudest Magic Moment

GP Pittsburgh top 8. If there is a "best" thing to be doing, do that thing. Play that deck.

Best Format

Standard

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Adam tends to operate on instinct so he needs to prepare a lot.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Not playing the best deck. Not understanding the match up on a conceptual level.

What Have You Learned from Magic

Everything has a range of outcomes. Prepare as best as you can to guide to the most positive outcome.

Tournament Day Tips

Get a good amount of sleep and eat well. Book flights to get arrive at a decent time.

Improvement Suggestions

When you're playing in a tournament, focus on your decisions and what you can control.

Connect With Adam Ragsdale

Twitter:@aWinnarIsYou

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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172: How To Avoid Giving Away Information with Rodrigo Togores Feb 07, 2017

Show notes

Rodrigo Togores has several good finishes at many Magic events, but most notably is the Champion of Grand Prix Prague 2016.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Rodrigo Togores when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep172

First Set

Mercadian Masques

Favorite Set

Urza's Saga

Favorite Card

Brainstorm Tendrils of Agony

Early Challenge

Combat Math.

Breakthrough Moment

2015, Rodrigo won a Vintage tournament in Italy.

What have You Learned from Magic

Planning ahead and being prepared. By traveling a lot Rodrigo has gained skills that are useful all the time.

Worst Magic Moment

Rodrigo traveled to the U.S. to play in an SCG event. He lost his win-and-in to Jim Davis because he miscounted by one. Rodrigo learned to think twice when he plays. It's a skill worth having for any match up.

Proudest Magic Moment

Win GP Prague.

Advice for Beginner Legacy

Not every deck is super expensive. Legacy cards maintain their value so you can sell a deck and buy into another one fairly easily.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players give away free information. Always think if it matters to play this card now or later. If you can, play it later.

Tournament Tips

Drink a lot of water, go to the restroom between every round.

Improvement Suggestions

Don't pile shuffle!

Connect With Rodrigo Togores

Twitter:@TogoresTcg

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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171: Matt Tabak Comes From Inside Wizards of the Coast and Talks What It's Like To Be Rules Manager Feb 03, 2017

Show notes

Matt Tabak is a senior editor inside Magic R&D. He is a former level 3 judge, competed at the Pro Tour four times, and holds the record for longest tenured Magic rules manager. He's the lead editor for Magic Duels and the upcoming Magic sets Amonkhet and Hour of Devastation. Matt lives in Seattle, WA.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Matt Tabak when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep171

First Set

Alpha

Favorite Set

Ravnica

Favorite Card

Hidden Path Prodigal Sorcerer

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

Traveling and meeting the players.

Most Notable Ruling You've Ever Made

Judging a Pro Tour Qualifier. Matt disqualified a player for having a 59 card deck. Matt realized that player experience is very important.

Best Experience Working on Magic

Traveling to PAX 2016. Revealing Kaladesh to the world was awesome.

If You Could Change One Thing About the Rules What Would it be

Make all Instants, Sorceries

Las Vegas Magic Story

A friend got arrested for using a hot tub that wasn't theirs.

What have You Learned from Magic

Matt has learned about collaboration.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Failures to learn from mistakes. Don't blame luck. Take ownership and learn from mistakes.

Improvement Suggestions

You get out of it what you put into it. Life is ultimately about the connections you make with other people.

Connect With Matt Tabak

Twitter:@TabakRules

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

170: Focus on Having Fun and the Wins Will Come with Cody Napier Jan 31, 2017

Show notes

Cody Napier started playing magic in 2009 and has 1 Grand Prix Top 8 (Louisville) and 1 SCG open top 8 in his record. He's attending his first Pro Tour later this year which is only 45 minutes away from his house. He loves cube and Legacy but mostly plays Standard. Cody lives in Tennessee.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Cody Napier when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep170

First Set

Rise of the Eldrazi

Favorite Set

Shards of Alara

Favorite Card

Elvish Visionary

Early Challenge

Thinking too far ahead. Cody would think about the end of the tournament instead of the current match.

Worst Magic Moment

Cody was playing against Brian Braun-Duin for a top 8 slot. He didn't kill a key creature and then had to discard his removal spell.

Proudest Magic Moment

Playing for top 8 at Grand Prix Louisville, Cody had the foresight to play around a Vendilion Clique. This drew him into Griselbrand for the win.

Best Format

Legacy

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Cody has learned he doesn't do things halfway.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players look at Magic more as a job than a game. If you take the game so seriously then losses lot harder and you're more likely to tilt.

Magic Mentors

Brian Braun - Duin, Gerry Thompson, Todd Anderson

Beginner Legacy Advice

Watch Legacy coverage and learn card interactions. Learn how to cast brainstorm. AJ Sacher articles really help.

Improvement Suggestions

Focus on having fun, not winning.

Magic Resource

CFB, SCG, TCG Player, MTG Top 8, MTG Goldfish

Connect With Cody Napier

Twitter:@cody_napier

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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