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

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149: Special Guest Jason Preston Helps Us Apply Magic Skills to the Workplace Nov 18, 2016

Show notes

Jason Preston is the co-founder of Dent, a conference and a community of entrepreneurially minded creatives who seek to put a dent in the universe through great leadership and personal mastery. He's known as "Spade" in Counter-Strike, and recently picked up Magic. Jason lives in Seattle WA with his wife and two kids.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Jason Preston when he shared his story on MTG Pro Tutor today! Click here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep149

First Set

Revised

Favorite Set

Kaladesh

Favorite Card

Thing In The Ice

Personal Mastery

There is a difference between having a set mindset and having a growth mindset. With a growth mindset you can unlock certain aspects of yourself that were previously thought to be written in the genetic code.

Deliberate Practice

The best way to improve. It most be specific, measurable and real time.

Hiring and Firing

Just like we have to evaluate the value of cards and decide which ones stays in our deck and which ones go, we likewise exercise this skill in the workplace when deciding what aspects of our culture or which team members stay or get cut.

Adaptive Leadership

Diagnose the system, come up with interventions (experiments to try), implement, check results, repeat.

Leadership vs. Authority

There is formal authority and informal authority. Who says what and who jumps because of it.

Resources Books:

Mindset, by Carol Dweck (Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm)
Mastery, by Robert Greene (Amazon, Audble)
Outliers, by Malcom Gladwell (Amazon, Audible, Libro)
Leadership Without Easy Answers, by Ronald Heifetz (Amazon)
How to Fly A Horse, by Kevin Ashton (Amazon, Audible, Libro)

Connect With Jason Preston

Twitter: @jasonp

Like What You Hear?

If you like the show, head on over to iTunes and leave an honest Rating & Review.

Let me know what you like and what I can do better so I can make the show the best it can be and continue bringing you valuable content.

I read every single one and look forward to your feedback.

148: The Importance of Getting Reps in with Joey Manner Nov 15, 2016

Show notes

Joey Manner is the owner of The Only Game In Town and has been on and off the Pro tour. He recently took a hiatus from Magic to focus on the shop but with the help of some very talented players he managed to top 8 Pro Tour Kaladesh with a deck no one saw coming (Blue White flash). Joey lives in New Jersey.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Joey Manner when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep148

First Set

Shards of Alara / Zendikar

Favorite Set

Khans of Tarkir

Favorite Card

Gideon Jura

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

Joey loves gaming and Magic just clicked.

Early Challenge

Joey identified himself as a control player and really struggled with combat math. He forced himself to play creature-based decks.

Level Up Moment

Joey was playing Magic Mon-Fri and on Sat and Sunday he was going to PTQS and competing at top events.

Worst Magic Moment

Losing in top 4 of first PTQ. (In the day when only first place got the invite.)

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 at Pro Tour Kaladesh

Best Format

Standard

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

I've learned how to make friends.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Not mulliganing aggressively enough.

If you could have a conversation with yourself 5 years ago, what would you say

Play more magic. Don't show up unprepared.

Shortcomings

Deck building skills - specifically mana bases.

Underplayed Card

Bruna and Gisela

What's in Your Tournament Bag

Deck box, Deck, Paper

Mentors

Christian Calcano

Magic Resource

Magic Online Beta Client The Only Game In Town MTG The Source MTGCoverage

Guidance

Get your reps in Play Magic to get better at Magic.

Connect With Joey Manner

Twitter: @togitnj

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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147: Let Go of Your Expectations with GP Champion Gabrielius Kaklauskas Nov 11, 2016

Show notes

Gabrielius Kaklauskas has been honing his craft and can claim 2 World Magic Cup appearances and 1 Pro Tour appearance as well as making day 2 for the first time at GP Warsaw 2016 where he walked away the Champion! Gabrielius lives in Lithuania.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Gabrielius Kaklauskas when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep147

First Set

Champions of Kamigawa

Favorite Set

The are all so unique

Favorite Card

Spell Queller

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

The competitive natural. Less time to get really good

Early Challenge

Speed. Gabrielius played too fast early on. By playing more Gabrielius become more familiar with lines of play.

Mentors

Owen Turtenwald Odin

Worst Magic Moment

Going to a World Magic Cup with high expectations. He did well before and was not focused on the current match.

Proudest Magic Moment

Grand Prix Warsaw 2016

Best Format

Draft

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Just play and have fun. Remove all expectations.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Not reading the cards. Players assume they know and scan over important details. Make sure you read the cards and know what they do.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Asking players how to sideboard against them.

Shortcomings

Focus. Stay hydrated.

What's in Your Tournament Bag

Book, Dice, Deck

If you could have a conversation with yourself 5 years ago, what would you say

Buy some Tarmogoyf. Keep reading, keep playing.

Magic Resource

CFB SCG TCG

Advice to New Players

Determine how much you can spend and decide the format.

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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146: In Chase of Silver with Christian Cespedes Nov 08, 2016

Show notes

Christian Cespedes is a Chilean Magic: The Gathering player. He's the 2010 Chilean National Champion and made top 8 at Grand Prix Santiago 2016. Hes an avid Magic Online grinder and lives in Via Del Mar, Chile.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Christian Cespedes when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep146

First Set

Champions of Kamigawa

Favorite Set

Time Spiral

Favorite Card

Polymorph

Early Challenge

Learning the rules. Christian overcome this by playing a lot and making a lot of mistakes.

Worst Magic Moment

Featured match at a Grand Prix. Playing a top 8 win-and-in. Christian felt the pressure and made mistakes. He lost.

Proudest Magic Moment

2010 Chilean National Champion

Best Format

Limited

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Patience. Learning how to be patient.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Tapping mana wrong. Information is a gift. Guard it.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Took 2 vacation days and played Leagues on Magic Online.

Working on

Working on improving Pro Tour record.

Underplayed Card

Gearseeker Serpent

Advice to New Limited

Stick to two colors.

What's in Your Tournament Bag

Dice, Paper, Pen

Daily Ritual

Read something about magic.

If you could have a conversation with yourself 5 years ago, what would you say

Learn English

Magic Resource

SCG CFB TCG MTG Mint Card

Advice to New Players

Be careful with trading. Learn how to play first.

Guidance

Enjoy the game and have fun.

Connect With Christian Cespedes

Twitter: @capitano_cl

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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145: Ian Bozley Expounds on Expanding Your Limits Nov 04, 2016

Show notes

Ian Bozley is a local hero from Glen Burnie, Maryland who has 2 Grand Prix Top 8s (one in 2015 in Charlotte and the second in 2016 in Providence). Hes the (unofficial) team leader of Team MTGFirst.com, a member of Brown Magic, an alleged "friend" of Jeff Carr, and the owner of the coolest playmat in Magic!

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Ian Bozley when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep145

First Set

Mirrodin Besieged

Favorite Set

Innistrad / Theros

Favorite Card

Kitchen Finks

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

The people make Magic what it is. Going on trips with friends is the best.

Early Challenge

Planning the first three turns of the game. "Mana efficiency is the most important part of Magic."

Level Up Moment

Going through a tournament Ian felt like he was seeing lanes that he hadn't seen before.

Worst Magic Moment

2014 - GP Charlotte - Gatecrash Sealed Played very poorly in round 8 & 9 and lost. Ian won Round 10 to stay on day 2 and then lost every round after that. Ian had to evaluate what he really wanted from Magic.

Proudest Magic Moment

GP Charlotte - 2015 - Modern; Playing Abzan Company. Ian made it to the Pro Tour for the first time.

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

"I was incredibly sore loser." Ian has gotten much better as he understood Magic has winners and losers every game and his number comes up sometimes.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Poor sequencing is a problem for many players. Also, going into auto pilot.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Understand your range in Magic. Don't play decks that don't resonate with you. Practice consistently. Try different decks. Build on past experiences.

Mentors

Owen Turtenwald, Reid Duke, Andrew Tenjum

Guidance

Players think they are above a deck. This limits your range and growth potential.

Magic Resource

MTGFirst.com

Connect With Ian Bozley

Twitter: @Bozzles

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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144: Ricky Chin Shares How He Top 8'd His First Pro Tour Nov 01, 2016

Show notes

Ricky Chin played in his first Grand Prix and Pro Tour Qualifier at the end of 2014. Since then, he has qualified for his first Pro Tour, which he also top8'd. Hes a Gold level pro and a proud member of Team East West Bowl. Ricky lives in Quebec.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Ricky Chin when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep144

First Set

Prophecy

Favorite Set

Mirrodin

Favorite Card

Arcbound Ravager

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

Friends make Magic fun for Ricky

Early Challenge

Learning to play around cards. Thinking about what cards your opponent could have and how your deck interacts with that deck. Play games and take notes while you play.

Level Up Moment

Ricky always felt he was good at the game and by consistently playing his improved.

Worst Magic Moment

Losing a lot at PT Madrid 2016 was super rough. Ricky didn't make day 2. He made a mistake and lost a game. He learned to focus on this game right now. He thought too far ahead and lost because he wasn't focused.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 at his first Pro Tour. (Milwaukee 2015)

Best Format

Modern or Limited

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

"with time and practice I can do anything."

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Playing too fast. Oftentimes, players don't think and rush through a turn without considering life totals, graveyards, board state etc. .

Shortcoming

"The way I approach a tournament. I need to work on staying in the zone." Ricky asks himself questions to refocus on the game.

If you could have a conversation with yourself 5 years ago, what would you say

Start being competitive sooner and buy a lot of Underground Sea

Advice for New Modern Players

Find a deck you like and play a lot with.

What's in Your Tournament Bag

Cards, clothes, playmat, laptop

Daily Ritual

Play a little everyday.

Mentor

Pascal Maynard

Magic Resource

MTGO and friends

Guidance

Play Magic and enjoy your time.

Connect With Ricky Chin

Twitter: @Slithice87

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

143: How to Learn from Mistakes with Marcus Hensing Oct 28, 2016

Show notes

Marcus Hensing is an up and coming Magic star from Copenhagen, Denmark who has recently made his first Grand Prix top 8 in London 2016.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Marcus Hensing when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep143

First Set

4th Edition

Favorite Set

Innistrad

Favorite Card

Gifts Ungiven

Underplayed Card

Hunt the Weak

Early Challenge

"I'm a red mage at heart and I like attacking." Marcus had to learn that even though he wanted to attack, some times he had to take the defensive side. Learning to switch between aggressor and defense is an early skill Marcus worked on.

Level Up Moment

During the return to Ravnica block era, Marcus had two enchantments to deal with a lethal creature. However, he made a mistake by missing a key card in the graveyard.

How to Learn from Mistakes

In the middle of a tournament, don't go on tilt. After the tournament consider the mistake and what caused it. Did you not fully consider the board state or failed to track information? Look for general lessons.

Worst Magic Moment

At his first Gran Prix Marcus built a WG deck with no removal spells. He could have splashed a removal in his pool but didn't consider it. Marcus learned to take another look at his pool before submitting to see if there are cards (like removal) that are worth splashing.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 of Grand Prix London 2016

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Marcus learned critical decision making, when to trust his instincts and when to think things through.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Attacking without having a proper game plan.

Advice

Focus on combat

Magic Resource

Limited Resources Next Level Podcast

Guidance

Have a game plan. Why are you making that play ?

Connect With Marcus Hensing

Twitter: @Lobster667

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

142: Bordifies.com Founder Peer Richelsen On Legacy, Organizing Tournaments and Starting a Magic Product Company Oct 25, 2016

Show notes

Peer Richelsen is a long time Legacy player and the principal organizer of the Bordifies Eternal Series. He is also the founder of Bordifies.com, a premium perfect-fit sleeve with solid borders for customizing and unifying magic cards. Peer lives in Kiel Germany.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Peer Richelsen when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep142

First Set

New Phyrexia

Favorite Set

Khans of Tarkir/Innistrad

Favorite Card

Knight of the Reliquary

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

Peer is very creative and likes to challenge himself to innovate. He loves customizing and building decks.

Early Challenge

Calculating outs. Peer had to shift his thinking to "How do I win in the next three turns?"

Worst Magic Moment

Lost to Triskaidekaphobia in Legacy. Peer's opponent had a surprise card that he lost too and it felt bad losing to a "goofy" card.

Proudest Magic Moment

Danish Legacy Masters - Peer made top 4. He fought through an opponent who cast 3 Liliana of the Veil. It was rough but Peer did it and felt he leveled up and played above his level.

Choosing a Legacy deck

Consistency wins the most, so find a deck with a lot of tutors or a deck with very similar cards.

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Peer increased his competitiveness and developed a desire to push his boundaries and improve.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Not knowing your role. Players misread the board.

Guidance

You grow into the entrepreneurial spirit. If you have an idea just try it out. You'll learn a lot.

Magic Resource

Bordifies.com

Connect With Peer Richelsen

Twitter: @Peer_Rich

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

141: Intelligence Based Marathon with Cash Turner Oct 21, 2016

Show notes

Cash Turner has been playing Magic off and on for twenty years. He made Top 16 at Grand Prix Las Vegas in 2015 and Top 8 at Grand Prix Atlanta. Hes just a back room scallywag of ChannelFireball with a squad of ChannelFireball locals who have the heart and grit but not the spotlight. Hes blessed to be surrounded by low tier secret gods.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Cash Turner when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep141

First Set

Mirage

Favorite Set

Return to Ravnica

Favorite Card

Fireblast

Underrated Card

Bastion Mastodon

Early Challenge

Cash was very opinionated and arrogant. He recognizes now that he didn't learn all he could.

Worst Magic Moment

Cash made a terrible attack against Ben Stark at GP Vegas 2015 and missed making Top 8. Learn to focus on what's important. Don't get distracted by big creatures or planeswalkers.

Proudest Magic Moment

Through clever body language Cash defeated an opponent at GP Albuquerque when he had an inferior deck.

Best Format

Limited - Sealed

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Always wanted to figure out life. Magic has taught Cash about who he could be and how he doesn't want to be. He never wants to be a angry jerk.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Play the game how you want to play. Don't copy the styles of others.

Shortcoming

Memorize draft picks.

Daily Rituals

Rejecting the modern draw of constant entertainment. You can't get grit w/o a little bit of boring along the way.

Guidance

Everything is in the fringes. Be polite.

Pro Player You Look Up To

Paul Cheon Cash's Squad

Magic Resource

Cash plays a lot and doesn't read as much. Follow Greg Hatch

Connect With Cash Turner

Twitter:@PontifX

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

140: Thien Nguyen Talks Near Misses, Close Calls and Victories (aka All the Stories) Oct 18, 2016

Show notes

Thien Nguyen is a 26 year old engineer living Boston. Hes known as a Titanshift Innovator and has made top 8 at GP Pittsburgh 2015 and GP Atlanta 2016. Hes a Silver Level Pro looking to move on up.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Thien Nguyen when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep140

First Set

7th Edition

Favorite Set

Eldritch Moon

Favorite Card

Primeval Titan

Early Challenge

Thien struggled with feeling intimidated. He started looking at better players like Ari Lax and getting feedback from them.

Worst Magic Moment

1st Limited PTQ. Thien was very arrogant. He felt he played very well and got to the point where he felt like he deserved to win. He made it to the finals and lost game one. In game 2 his opponent missed triggers and got a game loss. In game 3 the wheels come off and Thien lost hard. He was very down but through reflection he realized he wasn't ready for the Pro Tour.

Proudest Magic Moment

GP Pittsburgh - Playing against Willy Edel. Thien's luck turned and he was able to make top 8.

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Thien learned he wants to be as happy as possible in life and Magic brings him a lot of joy.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

During combat the most mistakes are made. People make attacks they really shouldn't and Thien will quadruple block to catch them off guard.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

For sealed events, play as many pre releases as possible. Memorize combat tricks, know which cords are "may" and which ones you have to execute.

Guidance

Friends in Magic are invaluable. Bouncing ideas of others is critical.

Magic Resource

Friends MTGO

Connect With Thien Nguyen

Twitter: @thinenagooyen

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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