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

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119: Luck = Preparation + ______ with Luis Salvatto Aug 05, 2016

Show notes

Luis Salvatto has 1 Super Sunday Series win, 1 Grand Prix top 8 and 1 Pro tour top 8.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Luis Salvatto when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Click here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep119

First Set

Invasion

Favorite Set

Morningtide

Favorite Card

Reveillark

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

Luis played all kinds of games and saw that Magic had infinite possibilities. Now he loves to draft and play constructed. Just trying all the formats is exciting to him.

Early Challenge

Losing a lot of win-and-ins to the top 8 was hard early in Luis' career. To overcome that and finally make it into the top 8 he focused on minimizing mistakes. Don't justify mistakes, address them head on and admit that you are the problem.

Luis was motivated by seeing a team he wanted to join and learn from.

Pro Player Model

Thiago Saporito

Willy Edel

Worst Magic Moment

Under the old PTQ system, Luis reached the finals and lost. Then he reached another final and lost again by making a huge mistake.

He learned that he is a good player and you have to stay prepared so when luck strikes you can seize it.

Proudest Magic Moment

Making top 32 of his first Grand Prix.

Winning a Super Sunday Series.

Making it to the Super Sunday Series final.

Making Top 8 of a Pro Tour.

Best Format

Draft

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Luis learned how to lose. When you lose to someone you think is worse than you, you learn a lot about yourself.

"If you play angry or you play sad, you don't play your best game."

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Not seeing the game unfolding. Not having a plan. You should always be able to answer, "How are you going to win this game?"

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Find a good deck and play it a bunch.

Improvement Suggestions

Start with a cheap deck and make friends.

Magic Resource

Channel Fireball

Star City Games

Connect With Luis Salvatto

Twitter: @LUISLUJAN77

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

118: Competitive Deck Building with Julien Henry Aug 02, 2016

Show notes

Julien Henry started playing Magic in Shards of Alara but has been playing competitively for only 2 years. He made it to the Finals of Grand Prix Manchester and qualified for Sydney which is going to be his 2nd Pro Tour. He's a member of MTG Mintcard and he lives in Paris.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Julien Henry when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Click here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep118

First Set

Shards of Alara

Favorite Set

Shards of Alara

Favorite Card

Nissa, Vastwood Seer

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

Trying to find interactions between cards.

Winning is also very fun and keeps Julien going.

How to have Fun and be Competitive

Focusing on improving keeps Magic fun.

Level Up

Won a RPTQ for Pro Tour Atlanta. Julien played a lot with the same deck in preparation for the event and it paid off.

Worst Magic Moment

Modern Grand Prix in Madrid. Julien played a TON and fine-tuned his deck. He even gave his list to friends who also tweaked it slightly and took it to the GP. His friends did really well but he didn't make day 2. To practice so hard and then fall short is very frustrating.

You have to practice so when luck hits you can grab it.

Proudest Magic Moment

Grand Prix Manchester 2016. Julien had a huge win streak and made Silver pro when he made Top 8.

Best Format

Standard

Players You Respect

Pierre Dagen

Louis DelTour

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event What's in Your Tournament Bag

Deck

Spare cards

Improvement Suggestions

Wait until the Pro Tour to invest in a Standard deck (if you're new). They'll do all the heavy lifting for you.

Magic Resource

Connect With Julien Henry

Twitter: @Lyserg42

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

116: Long Term Goals Will Get You There with Niels Molle Jul 26, 2016

Show notes

Niels Molle is the frontrunner to be the Irish National Champion, he has made multiple cash finishes and has 1 Grand Prix Top 8.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Niels Molle when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Click here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep116

First Set

Portal / Stronghold

Favorite Set

Urza's Saga

Favorite Card

Tarmogoyf

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

Fantasy setting, build your own decks.

Competitive outlet.

"How good can I become?" Get to see friends

Play a variety of formats to keep it fun.

Worst Magic Moment

Lost Irish National Champion at last moment. Played a little less Magic.

Played a little less Magic afterwards to cool off.

Proudest Magic Moment

Won first PTQ (Pro Tour RTR)

Biggest Mistake Players Make

In Limited: mistapping mana and not representing combat tricks.

Change One Thing About Magic

Mana issues. Sometimes you get ... screwed at a tournament.

Sometimes you get mana screwed at a tournament.

What's the Difference between Them and Us?

Experience. They play Magic with players on their same level.

Stepping Up

Find the best player at your LGS. Ask to play and get advice.

Play Magic online. Skill level is high and you can play against the best.

Pro Player You Look Up To

Paul Rietzl, PVDDR, Frank Karsten

Effectively Playtesting

Play a lot and focus on the game

Non-Magic Activity

Time management skills really helps Niels.

Self Improvement

Niels is an emotional player, meaning he plays intuitively, he makes plays that feel right. He's trying to slow down and think.

Magic Resource

Podcasts – Limited Resources

Articles –

SCG

CFB (deck breakdowns)

Videos

Guidance

Set a long term goal and make it your focus.

Connect With Niels Molle

Twitter: @nielsmolle

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

115: Why You Should Read the Cards with Clay Spicklemire - GP Champion and Youngest Guest Jul 22, 2016

Show notes

Clay Spicklemire is an Indianapolis area Magic player who has been playing competitively since INN/RTR Standard and on and off since M10. He generally plays on the Star City Games circuit, and has had reasonable success there. He has 1 Grand Prix Top 8 where he was the Champion of GP Colombus.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Clay Spicklemire when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Click here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep115

First Set

10 Ed.

Favorite Set

Innistrad

Favorite Card

Electrolyze

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

Deep interactions, competitive outlet.

Made friends through Magic.

How Do You Keep It Fun

Just cause you lose doesn't mean you're a bad player.

Early Challenge

Play super fast without thinking.

Slowing down

Worst Magic Moment

PPTQ, game 3, full board state, Displacement Wave from opponent

Clay didn't read the card and scooped. His opponent needed to return creatures too.

Proudest Magic Moment

Win Grand Prix Columbus.

Best Format

Legacy - Watch a lot of coverage, start playing

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Most fun when working with others.

Shortcoming

Manage resources sloppily when he's ahead. This gives opponents extra draw steps.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players sideboard poorly. Talk to better players about your sideboard. Lay it out and take pictures.

Talk to better players about your sideboard. Lay it out and discuss it.

Playtest

Play the match ups you're unsure of and tweak your sideboard strategy.

Have a friend watch you play.

Get a good group

Tournament Bag

Dice, Playmat, Deck, and Water

Magic Resource

New to Magic

Don't buy packs.

Connect With Clay Speklemire

Clay is on Facebook

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

114: Effective Tournament Prep with Christoffer Larsen Jul 19, 2016

Show notes

Christoffer Larsen is from Denmark and has 4 Grand Prix Top 8's and has competed in at least 10 Pro Tours. He was on the Danish World Magic Cup team in 2015. Currently locked in as a Silver level pro.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Christoffer Larsen when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Click here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep114

First Set

Apocalypse

Favorite Set

Ravnica: City of Guilds – Selesnya

Favorite Card

Sulfuric Vortex

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

Travel a lot. Likes going to Grand Prixs with friends.

Early Challenge

Damage on the stack.

Worst Magic Moment

SCG team event. Had a really bad UR deck.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 of World Magic Cup with team (back-to-back 2HG wins.)

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Christoffer hates losing.

Take some time to move past it. Don't whine.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Know your opponent's deck. So many players don't think of their opponent.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Watch videos!

CFB

SCG

Playtest

Ask other for input and adjust

What's in Your Tournament Bag

Decks, clothes, code names

Improvement Suggestions

Talk to tournament players, ask for help, borrow decks.

Be kind and helpful to new players.

Work out, get byes (they allow you to sleep in), eat breakfast.

Magic Resource

MTG Pulse

Don't take it too seriously and have fun.

Connect With Christoffer Larson

Christoffer is on Facebook

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

113: Play the Game from Your Own Perspective with Edward Eng Jul 15, 2016

Show notes

Edward Eng is from Chicago and lived in Taiwan for 10 years but lives in Houston now. He started playing Magic in 1994. Stopped in 2000. Came back in 2010. He's the creator of galactictreasures.com. He's played in 2 Nationals and has top 16ed a Star City Games invitational.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Edward Eng when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Click here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep113

First Set

Revised

Favorite Set

Tempest, Stronghold, Urza's Legacy (first foils)

Favorite Card

Psionic Blast

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

Magic is a tool to help you build relationships.

Worst Magic Moment

Losing a key match to qualify for nationals.

Proudest Magic Moment

Won an annual tournament at LGS.

Best Format

Standard

Tools to get into Standard: Trading (PucaTrade), MTG Price, Quiet speculation, Spare deck

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Still tilts.

To combat this, be cognizant of the fact that it's a game.

People give up too early. Stay in it. Stay focused.

Shortcoming

"I'm a perfectionist."

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Sideboarding – players over sideboard

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Play to your strengths.

Regular Activites

Read a lot

Goldfish - When you goldfish think of a specific deck

Improvement Suggestions

See the game grow. Reach out to others.

"Play the game from your own perspective."

Magic Resource

Channel Fireball

TCG Player

Star City Games

Connect With Edward Eng

Twitter: @edwardeng

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

112: How to Step Up to the Next Level with Christopher Walton Jul 12, 2016

Show notes

Christopher Walton is well known in the Michigan legacy community, he piloted U/W Miracles to a top 4 finish at Grand Prix Columbus 2016.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Christopher Walton when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Click here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep112

First Set

Revised / Unlimited

Favorite Set

Tempest

Favorite Card

Land Tax

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

Interaction with friends.

Worst Magic Moment

Tried to quit Magic in 2008-9. His shop was closing and his friends were getting out.

Early 2016 was also tough.

But the worst was using outside information to determine a game and getting DQ'd.

He learned how to move past it by sharing with others.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 4 GP Columbus 2016.

Cultivating Legacy scene in MT.

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Taken losing a lot worse.

Need to enjoy the game more.

Empathy is the key to enjoying magic when you lose.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Casting spells before attacking.

What's in Your Tournament Bag

Legacy Swag, MTG The Source Playmat"Barn" the person who

Christopher is his groups "Barn". (The person who lends out cards.)

Improvement Suggestions

Enjoy the game as much as possible. Be sure you want to step up. To step up: Try everything.

Be sure you want to step up. To step up: Try everything.

To step up: Try everything.

Magic Resource

Borrow and proxy to break into Magic.

Connect With Christopher Walton

Christopher is on Facebook

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

111: This One Flaw Will Make You Fail with Jonas Friberg Jul 08, 2016

Show notes

Jonas Friberg is a Swedish Magic: The Gathering player who played his first Grand Prix in 2014 and since then has played in 8 others including GP Barcelona and GP Manchester where he top 8:ed in both!

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Jonas Friberg when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Click here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep111

First Set

Coldsnap

Favorite Set

Innistrad

Favorite Card

Electrolyze

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

Jonas is very creative with his hands and mind. MTG creative in another way. He gets to think and make plays 2 turns ahead

Worst Magic Moment

GP Krakow 2005 – Jonas traveled out of country and it was very expensive.

He went 0-3 drop. Outside of comfort zone.

He learned to practice more and learned to balance playing the best deck vs. one you know better.

Proudest Magic Moment

Won first Game Day. Born of the Gods. Hadn't been playing long.

Best Format

Standard – Look at the best deck and play a deck that beats them.

GW Tokens – Bad removal, can't handle PW

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Full of myself. Think I'm better than I am. Over confidence is your worst enemy. Respect your opponent. Beware always. Think about his outs, what you can do to stop it.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Play cards, not opponent. You should play your opponent. Don't over extend into effects that wreck you.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Theorize about decks and match ups.

What's in Your Tournament Bag

Deck, Playmat, Dice, Pen, Life Pod, Clothes, Water bottle

New to Magic?

Look for Tier I budget decks. Play on Cockatrice, use proxies, and borrow the cards you need.

Magic Resource

MTG Top 8

SCG

Connect With Jonas Friberg

Jonas is on Facebook

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

110: Visualization and Realization, Arne Huschenbeth's Key to Success Jul 05, 2016

Show notes

Arne Huschenbeth started playing in Khans of Tarkir. He Top 8'd ten out of 12 PPTQs last season, and won 2 of them!! He Top 8'd his fourth Grand Prix in Paris. And made Top 64 at GP Manchester.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Arne Huschenbeth when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Click here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep110

First Set

8th Edition

Favorite Set

Khans of Tarkir

Favorite Card

Dragonlord Ojutai

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

It's so fascinating. You can get better at it every day. Magic is the first time Arne really loved doing something.

Worst Magic Moment

Pro Tour Shadows over Innistrad. Arne was crushed in the draft and didn't make day 2. Sleep well.

He learned you should sleep well before events. He stayed up until 2 am the night before.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 @ GP Paris - He felt a feeling of freedom He was screaming "You did it!" in his head.

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Arne loves to travel and be with friends.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Tapping mana wrong. Untapped mana represents something. Sending messages is part of Magic, make sure you're sending the right messages all the time.

Also, players often think they are the aggressor when they're not.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Arne traveled every weekend to a tournament somewhere. He consumed Magic content (articles + videos) and played a lot on XMage. This helped him make his GP top 8.

What's in Your Tournament Bag

Apples, Bananas, Water, Deck, Back Pack

Activities to Improve

Arne uses visualization techniques to envision winning and what that feels like.

he also draws on his strategy and management skills.

Magic Resource

Guidance

Be confident and keep going.

Connect With Arne Huschenbeth

You can find Arne on Facebook

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

109: Pascal Maynard Reveals Wizards Coverage Secrets to Help You Improve Jul 01, 2016

Show notes

Pascal Maynard was on the Canadian National Team in 2010 and Top 50'd his first PT (which was Worlds Chiba 2010) by making it to 5th place in the team portion. He's played in over 15 Pro Tours and has 10 Grand Prix Top 8s (including 2 wins!) in his record. He currently has 1 Pro Tour Top 8 and is gunning for more.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Pascal Maynard when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Click here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep109

First Set

5th Dawn

Favorite Set

Time Spiral (Block)

Favorite Card

Tooth and Nail

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

The competitiveness.

Early Challenge

Pascal never wanted to play the best deck but he still remembers the first time he swapped decks with a body who ran an aggressive deck and the eye opening experience that was.

Worst Magic Moment

All of 2014.

Pascal could not win that year. He considered leaving the game until he top 8'd a Grand Prix on his way to go visit a friend.

If you are going through a slump, consider what you are doing wrong. Always turn the lens inward. Ask friends to watch you play.

Proudest Magic Moment

Making top 8 of a Pro Tour.

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Pascal likes being competitive and doesn't like not learning.

Magic has made Pascal a more organized person.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

People care too much about what's around them and how others think of them.

Players who are good at ABC Magic play too fast because they don't want others to think they don't know. Great players slow down, think, and don't care what others are doing or thinking.

Limited

Evaluate whether you are the aggressor or on defense often. Make a note, especially when you sideboard.

Improvement Suggestions

Go to Wizards Coverage site and do a search for a specific deck or a specific player and you can watch all the coverage of that deck or player. It's all right there! No digging through hours of YouTube to find the right one. It's all right there. :)

Magic Resource

Neil Oliver articles on ChannelFireball

Connect With Pascal Maynard

Twitter: @PascalMaynard

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