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

Latest Episodes:

169: Reid Duke on How to Prepare for Success Jan 27, 2017

Show notes

Reid Duke has an impressive record of 19 Grand Prix Top Eights with 5 wins and 2 PT Top Eights with 2 additional Top Sixteens. He's lauded in the Magic community as a boon of positivity and a shining example of kindness. Reid is mentioned by several past guests of the show as a player they look up to. Reid lives in Sugar Loaf New York.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Reid Duke when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep169

First Set

4th Edition Ice Age

Favorite Set

Shards of Alara / Ice Age

Favorite Card

Green sun's zenith

Early Challenge

Reid did poorly at his first several Pro Tour. He was used to PTQ level players when the Pro Tour had much higher caliber players.

Worst Magic Moment

Placing 2nd at World Championship in 2013. Reid was up 2 games in the finals and then lost 3 games in a row.

Proudest Magic Moment

Doing so well at Worlds 2013 and making it to 2nd place. Also, winning the mocs 2011.

Magic Mentors

LSV

Advice for New Legacy Players

Stick with the same deck.

http://www.channelfireball.com/articles/legacy-guide-part-i-introduction-to-legacy2/ http://www.channelfireball.com/articles/legacy-guide-part-ii-overview-of-legacy/ http://www.channelfireball.com/articles/legacy-guide-part-iii-choosing-your-deck/

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players try to do too much. The more you get into Magic the more time management becomes important.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Reid starts about 3 weeks in advance. Reid will draft as much as possible and play practice games with locals and online

What have You Learned from Magic

Reid has learned, to be honest with himself and these around him. He has learned to not cut corners.

Shortcomings

Time management and deck building.

Daily Habits

Quality practice over quantity. Reid doesn't

Improvement Suggestions

Stick with Magic through the good and the bad.multiqueue or listen to music.

Connect With Reid Duke

Twitter:@ReidDuke

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

168: Australia Team Captain David Mines is Always Open to Learning Jan 24, 2017

Show notes

David Mines has 1 Grand Prix top 8 and 1 Grand Prix win under his belt, has 2 Pro Tour top 16 and is the captain of the 2016 Australian World Magic Cup team. David lives in Brisbane, Australia.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from David Mines when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep168

First Set

Invasion

Favorite Set

Invasion

Favorite Card

Liliana of the veil

Early Challenge

David found it hard to be taken seriously because he was so young. Testing with other groups was hard. He's learned to be very open to other ideas.

When was Your Magic Breakthrough

At David's second PPTQ he and his team went all the way to the finals and split the win. He learned to not intimidated by big games.

Level Up Moment

After coming back, David won a PPTQ and linked with a team that took Magic very seriously. This approach opened. David's eyes.

Worst Magic Moment

At a Grand Prix soon after David's return, he throws away a top 8 because he played around a card that he shouldn't.

Proudest Magic Moment

Grand Prix Melbourne 2016 (David won!) Top 8 at World Magic Cup 2016.

Best Format

Modern

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

David has learned how competitive he can be and has been able to learn to tone it down.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players try to play around too many things.

Underplayed Card in Modern

Midnight Oil

Beginner Modern Advice

Final a deck that fits your play style. Learn what the other decks do.

Daily Activities

Listening to music helps David's frame of mind.

Improvement Suggestions

Be open and receptive to learning. Soak in knowledge and learn from better players.

Magic Resource

CFB, SCG

Connect With David Mines

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

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167: Seth Manfield, 2015 World Champion on What it Take to Rise to the Top Jan 20, 2017

Show notes

Seth Manfield is the 2015 World Champion and has 11 Grand Prix top 8's including 5 Wins. He also has 2 Pro Tour Top 8's as well as multiple Pro Tour top 16's. He's a full time Magic player and content producer for TCGplayer.com. Part of the #mtgdad club and a current Platinum Pro. Seth lives in Maryland, USA.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Seth Manfield when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep167

First Set

Apocalypse

Favorite Set

Ravnica City of Guilds

Favorite Card

Vedalken Dismisser

Early Challenge

Confidence in his ability to compete.

Breakthrough

First Pro Tour Top 8. Fate Reforged.

Worst Magic Moment

Loss to Shahar Shenhar to make top 8 of a Grand Prix. Seth thought he blew his chance to make the Pro Tour.

Proudest Magic Moment

Winning 2015 World Championship.

What have you learned from Magic

You can follow what you love and turn it into a career.

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Most players look at Magic as a hobby. Seth approaches the game as aa job. He's come to be okay with lifestyle.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Thinking they've won a game before it's over. Think about your opponents outs.

Shortcomings

Seth is buying up misplays and his deck building skills.

Weekly Rituals

Look at decks that are doing well and familiarize yourself with the top deck lists.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Know the current meta-game. What are the best decks? Play against the top 3 decks but also be prepared for the surprise builds.

What's in Your Tournament Bag

Cards, Deck, Life Pad

Improvement Suggestions

Have fun, brew decks. Try things out and be happy with how you view the game.

Magic Resource

TCG Player, Wizards of the Coast Website

Connect With Seth Manfield

Twitter:@SethManfield

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

166: Sick as a Dog to King of the Hill: The Rise of Ben Hull Jan 17, 2017

Show notes

Ben Hull played Magic fairly casually for about four years before qualifying for Pro Tour Kaladesh. He made top 8 at Pro Tour Kaladesh and since then, also picked up his first Grand Prix top 8 in Denver. Ben lives in Vancouver, Canada.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Ben Hull when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep166

First Set

Antiquities

Favorite Set

Rise of the Eldrazi

Favorite Card

Overgrown battlement

Early Challenge

When playing control, when do you start a Hacking.

Worst Magic Moment

Being horribly sick before his first Pro Tour.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 at GP Denver. This validated Ben's Pro Tour finish.

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Learned how to accept bad outcomes.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Card evaluation skils are sub par. To get better, read what others say. Tap into the knowledge of others.

What Tournament Day Tips Can You share

Play one match at a time. Just focus on the here and now.

Advice to Yourself 5 Years Ago

Play Magic! Put more effort in Constructed and have fun.

Success Activities

Watching and listening to Magic content.

Improvement Suggestions

Slow down sometimes and really evaluate your decisions.

Connect With Ben Hull

Twitter:@IbbinMTG

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

165: Why You Should Stick to Your Guns with Daniel Cathro Jan 13, 2017

Show notes

-Daniel Cathro is a newcomer to the competitive Magic scene as he only started playing competitively with Dragons of Tarkir. He qualified for his first Pro Tour at Eldritch Moon through an RPTQ and just qualified for Pro tour Aether Revolt to make 3 Pro Tours in a row. Daniel lives in Provo, Utah.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Daniel Cathro when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep165

First Set

4th Edition

Favorite Set

Magic Origins

Favorite Card

Goblin Rabblemaster

Early Challenge

Constructed specifically sideboarding. Daniel read a ton of sideboard guides to flesh out his knowledge.

Level Up Moment

Round one of his first Pro Tour, Daniel played against Paulo Vitor Damo da Rosa and won!

Worst Magic Moment

At his second Pro Tour, Daniel didn't earn a Pro Point and felt really bad - since his first PT he did very well.

Proudest Magic Moment

2016 has been amazing. Danny feels very validated.

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Danny is able to see odds not pan out and not be upset.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Many [layers will over think a situation or give their opponent too much credit. Play your game plan.

Best Format

Modern

Advice for Beginner Modern Player

Pick a deck and learn it inside and out.

Activity that Leads to Success

Play and testing with friends have been invaluable.

Improvement Suggestions

Stick to your guns. Learn a deck or strategy and double down on it.

Magic Resource

Limited Resources, CFB, SCG, Event coverage

Connect With Daniel Cathro

Twitter:@djcathro

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

164: Focus on the Present with Jacob Nagro Jan 10, 2017

Show notes

Jacob Nagro is a competitive Magic player from Albuquerque, NM. His first Pro Tour was PT Kaladesh and he later earned his first GP Top 8 in Denver.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Jacob Nagro when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep164

First Set

Betrayers of Kamigawa

Favorite Set

Shadowmoor / Eventide

Favorite Card

Life from the loam

Ravnica Guilds

Simic

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

The community and interacting with people makes Magic fun for Jacob.

Level Up Moment

At his 2nd Grand Prix, Jacob finished 12-3.

Worst Magic Moment

Grand Prix Los Angeles (May 2016). Jacob started 5-0 and then got a loss that he realized was his fault. He qualified for day 2 but dropped to get more experience in a side event. Later he wished he played day 2 so he could learn more.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 of Grand Prix Denver.

Advice for Beginner Standard Player

Know from round to round the game plan of the current top decks.

Advice for Yourself 5 Years Ago

Some decks which powerful for a reason. Don't be afraid to plan the best deck.

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Learning how to not carry over mistake or losses.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players sequence lands or top lands in a way that gives away information.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Leading up to GP Denver, Jacob played 5 Leagues and learned which decks were going to be good.

What's in Your Tournament Bag

Deck, small box of cards, decks for side event, waterbottle

Shortcoming

Not getting enough out of matches when playing online. After each match you want to review what happened and which cards were good and carried weight.

Improvement Suggestions

Stay focused during games. Reflect after the round, focus during.

Magic Resource

CFB, SCG

Connect With Jacob Nagro

Twitter:@JacobNagro

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

163: Schedule Time for Success with Bas Melis Jan 06, 2017

Show notes

Bas Melis is 31 years old and won Dutch Nationals in 2010 with a 15-0 record. He finished 8th place with the Dutch team at Worlds 2010. Played in 6 consecutive Pro Tours and finished 2nd at GP Rotterdam with Brent Vos and Frank Karsten. Bas lives in Eindhoven, Netherlands.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Bas Melis when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep163

First Set

Invasion

Favorite Set

Alara block

Favorite Card

Life from the loam

Early Challenge

First match and quarter finals are tough for Bas. By persisting and understanding the numbers, Bas know his time would come.

Level Up Moment

Regularly going to events with the best players in his area. This game insights, motivation and companionship.

Worst Magic Moment

Grand Prix and Pro Tour in Paris, France. Bas had loss after loss in both events. The event was poorly organized and Bas finished lower than he should. He learned to only go to the GP's he wanted.

Proudest Magic Moment

Winning Dutch Nationals with a 15-0 record.

Best Format

Standard

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Bas hated losing when younger. He would become sour .of things were going to South. Now, he's focused on improving that and is happy that he's a positive player, win or lose.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

People loss the game before it ever starts. People psych themselves out when playing a "big name" in Magic Player.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Schedule time and practice, practice, practice. Use leagues on MTGO to get reps.

Beginner Standard Advice

Control decks are Bas' favorite and if the meta allows it, try a control deck. If not, go ogre.

Advice to Yourself 5 Years Ago

Start practicing draft a lot more.

Improvement Suggestions

Keep having fun. Never lose sight of that.

Magic Resource

CFB

Connect With Bas Melis

Bas 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

162: How to Build Better Decks with Master Deckbuilder and Allied Strategy Co-Host Ben Weitz Jan 03, 2017

Show notes

Ben Weitz is a Gold Pro Magic Player and one of the resident deck builders for East West Bowl. He has 4 Grand Prix Top 8s and is working on improving his game to get his first Pro Tour Top 8.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Ben Weitz when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep162

First Set

Ice Age

Favorite Set

Time Spiral

Favorite Card

Vesuvan Shapeshifter

Early Challenge

Sideboarding. Ben would have sideboard powooos with friends and learn how the built sideboard.

Worst Magic Moment

Ben terribly at a Grand Prix with a deck that he created. His friend (piloting the same deck) did very well. The dichotomy really stung.

Proudest Magic Moment

Hitting Gold after his second year on the Pro Tour.

Level Up Moment

Ben built a deck that Top 8'd in a Grand Prix and he realized "Wow, I'm a good deck builder".

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Competitive environments is Ben's preferred way to socialize.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Not sequencing your spells correctly.

How to Build Better Magic Decks

Note whether you are building for a known metagame or an unknown metagame. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the metagame and either take a deck that has a way to address what's going on or build a deck that does the same.

Improvement Suggestions

Magic is about having fun. If you burnout, take a break or skip a Grand Prix.

Connect With Ben Weitz

Twitter:@bsweitz123

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

161: Strong Support Systems with Manuel Succari Dec 30, 2016

Show notes

Manuel Succari is from Panama but is currently living in Taiwan studying Japanese. He's played for team Panama in two World Magic Cups and made top 8 of the most recent one. When his schedule and budget allow, he enjoys attending Grand Prixs and has a personal best record of 11-4.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Manuel Succari when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep161

First Set

8th Edition

Favorite Set

Ravnica

Favorite Card

Tarmogoyf

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

The competitive aspect of the game is very appealing.

Level Up moment

Grand Prix Taipei 2016

Worst Magic Moment

Grand Prix Tokyo, Manuel flew to Tokyo, prepared a lot and didn't make day 2. He felt like quitting but his support system held him up and encouraged him to not give up.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 of World Magic cup 2016

Best Format

Format

Advice to Yourself 5 Years Ago

"You can do it."

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Choosing the wrong deck of the sub-optimal choice. Plan the deck you know the best and feel most comfortable with.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Practice early and practice a lot. Test every Top deck from the Pro Tour and see which resonates with you.

What's in Your Tournament Bag

Deck, Dice, Tokens

Daily Advice

Play at least a match a day.

Advice to New Standard Player

Ask a lot of questions and practice.

Improvement Suggestions

Have fun playing the game.

Magic Resource

CFB, SCG, Twitch.tv(Paul Cheon/Kenji)

Connect With Manuel Succari

Twitter:@manugoyf

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

160: How to Have Fun, Even When You're Losing with Rob Pisano Dec 27, 2016

Show notes

Rob Pisano was a finalist at Grand Prix Indianapolis and made top 8 at Grand Prix Denver. He's a Silver level pro soon to be Gold.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Rob Pisano when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep160

First Set

Mirage

Favorite Set

Khans of Tarkir

Favorite Card

Jace, Vryn's prodigy

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

Rob loves the challenge of deck building and high-level play.

Early Challenge

Learning how to lose. Be social at the table and you'll develop a good relationship with your opponent. This will help take the sting of losing.

Magic Mentors

David Williams

Worst Magic Moment

Second Pro Tour, Rob lost two win and ins to the top 8.

Proudest Magic Moment

Qualifying for the Pro Tutor for the first time. Rob made top 4 of an RPTQ and was so excited.

Best Format

Modern

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Rob learned how persistent he can be.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Getting discouraged when odds are in your favor. Stay focused and keep your head in the game. Always ask "how can I win this?"

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

In modern, you need to ask "What's changed since the loss of big event?" In Standard, you need to test a lot. It's tedious but the results will come.

Advice to Yourself 5 Years Ago

Play Magic! Go to as many competitive events as possible.

Daily Actions

Play Magic often. Leagues help.

Improvement Suggestions

Take loss as a challenge. Be friendly with everyone, Magic is the best game. If you're not having fun, make it fun. Innovate and come up with your own ideas.

Connect With Rob Pisano

Twitter:@Rob_Pisano

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