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

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268: Playing Through Tough Slumps and Trusting the Success Will Come with Jacob Hart Jan 19, 2018

Show notes

Jacob Hart started playing Magic in 1995 at school and made his first nationals appearance in 1996 making 17th place! He went to his first Pro Tour in Los Angeles 1997. He has 4 Grand Prix top 8s, 3 Nationals top 8s, and 3 Pro Tour top 64s. Jacob lives in Lavington, Australia.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Jacob Hart when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep268

First Set

Revised

Favorite Set

The Dark/Hour of Devastation

Favorite Card

Frenetic Efreet

Early Challenge

Keeping emotions in check. to deal with this, Jacob takes deep breathes before looking at his hand.

Worst Magic Moment

Jacob did really well at Magic when he was younger. Then when they started doing Planeswalker points, Jacob was in China and fell off the train. He went through a rough patch of years and ha started pulling out of it.

Proudest Magic Moment

Taking 2st and 2nd with his good friend at Nationals in 1999.

Best Format

Modern; Jacob play GB Tron; Fight tron with storm and land destination

Advice To New Players

Value the advice of seasoned players.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

When players are nervous they tend to rush. It's okay to think through a few options and go all the way through turn and beyond.

Parting Guidance

Enjoy the game. Do your best but don't take it too seriously.

Magic Resource

Twitch.tv, Shaun McLaren, Gabriel Nassif

Connect With Jacob Hart

Jacob 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

267: Learn From Every Game with Sam Zakrzewski Jan 12, 2018

Show notes

Sam Zakrzewski lives in Madison Wisconson and started playing Magic as a freshman in High School. He started playing competitively in 2016 and has had a fair amount of Grand Prix day 2s. He recently made his first top 8 at GP Atlanta and will now be attending his first Pro Tour in Spain (2018).

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Sam Zakrzewski when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep267

First Set

Time Spiral

Favorite Set

Shards of Alara

Favorite Card

Liliana of the Veil

Early Challenge

Picking the right deck for events. Now Sam researches more before events to make sure he's showing up on the right deck.

Worst Magic Moment

At GP Vegas 2017, Sam had two plays he could make. The way he chose ended up making him lose.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 at GP Atlanta.

What Have You Learned From Magic

How to prepare for things Sam has really latched on to how crucial preparation is.

Advice for New Players

Life is a resource.Keep that in mind. Don't dwell on the results. You can easily improve as a Magic player and not see it in the results.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

A lot of people just copy decks and don't really know why each card is in there.

Parting Guidance

Don't focus on your win/loss record. Every game is a learning experience.

Magic Resource

CFB, SCG, MTG Goldfish, TCG Player, People you know

Connect With Sam Zackrzewski

Sam 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

PSA: BIG Changes to MTG Pro Tutor in 2018 Jan 09, 2018

Show notes

266: Asking Questions - The Secret Sauce of Success with Thoralf Severin Jan 05, 2018

Show notes

Thoralf Severin has been playing Magic since Nemesis and has tried about every format, no matter how silly. He enjoys figuring out new and wacky stuff and turning it into a big advantage. His record includes a top 8 at Nationals, 2.5 Grand Prix top 8s, 1 Pro Tour top 16, being on the coverage team for GP Lyon 2015, and getting 6th place in a Magic Online Championship. Thoralf lives in Berlin, Germany.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Thoralf Severin when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep266

First Set

Nemesis

Favorite Set

Shards of Alara Block

Favorite Card

Teferi's Response Hidetsugu's Second Rite

Early Challenge

Thoralf really wanted to get better but we didn't have the same resources we do now. He overcome this by learning how to talk with others about Magic.

Worst Magic Moment

Losing the round for a PT top 8. Thoralf learned to think about every decision all the way through.

Proudest Magic Moment

First GP top 8.

What Have You Learned From Magic

English

Advice for New Players

Utilize the strengths and weaknesses of your group. Figure out what to learn from whom.

Magic Milestones

Top 8 at Nationals, won PTQ, first Pro Tour

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players don't play the best deck. Also, people don't bluff enough.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Thoralf watched a lot of twitch of streamers who played Limited a ton. You have to filter what people say and test and validate for yourself.

Parting Guidance

Nothing can go wrong by asking questions. Connect with good players and have an open mind to learning.

Connect With Thoralf Severin

Twitter:@ToffelMTG

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

265: Gp Champion Christoffer Larsen Returns to the Show and Talks the Evils of Slow Rolling ;) Dec 29, 2017

Show notes

Christoffer Larsen returns to the podcast, now with 8 Grand Prix top 8s including a win at GP Lyon. His origin episode was episode 114 (which was rerun as episode 254).

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Christoffer Larsen when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep265

Update

Joined team Genesis after his first episode: Traveled a lot and played a lot of Magic.

Biggest Growth

Playing with great players has made Christoffer a much better player.

World Travel

Christoffer has traveled to Australia, the states and all over Europe. He picked up a 5th place finish at GP Portland and a win with his team at GP Lyon.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Ordering the wrong amount of food. LOL Underestimating the opponent.

Shortcoming As a Player

Playing really fast. Christoffer has dropped a few games (but has won many more).

Parting Guidance

Don't slow roll!

Connect With Christoffer Larsen

Christoffer 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

264: Finally Making It with Derek Candelario Dec 26, 2017

Show notes

Derek Candelario is a Logistics Coordinator working on site at Google. He currently lives in San Jose, CA and has been playing Magic off and on for the last 20 years with the goal of getting onto the Pro Tour. He has 1 Grand Prix Top 8 from GP Portland 2017. Derek is from San Ramon, CA.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Derek Candelrio when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep264

First Set

Stronghold

Favorite Set

Shards of Alara

Favorite Card

Visara the Dreadful

Early Challenge

Regionals was Derek's first long tournament and his first big challenge.

Worst Magic Moment

Derek has faced frustration and set backs all along the way. He's learned to manage his expectations-both high and low.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 at GP Portland 2017.

What Have You Learned From Magic

How to get the most value from situations; resourcefulness; decision-making.

Advice for New Players

Preparation is key. Use Magic Online to practice and get reps in.

Daily Habits

Having a good routine helps you build in the time to get good at something.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Card Evaluation in Limited stumps many player.

Parting Guidance

Magic has been Derek's #1 hobby... the trick is being confident and proud of what you do.

Magic Resource

CFB, Twitch(Gaby, Kenji), talking with other players

Connect With Derek Candelario

Twitter:@Derek8701 ‏

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

263: GP Champion Alex Lloyd on Networking Your Way to Victory Dec 22, 2017

Show notes

Alex Lloyd has 2 Grand Prix top 8s, with 1 win and numerous Top 16s. He's a 2 time Pro Tour Competitor, Level 1 Judge, and engaged in community development efforts. Alex is from Manchester, NH, USA.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Alex Lloyd when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep263

First Set

Scourge

Favorite Set

Gatecrash

Favorite Card

Toshiro Umezawa

Early Challenge

Money. Alex found that Magic can be expensive, so money was a barrier to entry.

Worst Magic Moment

The length of time between big finishes can be tough. At GP DC (Journey Into Nyx Limited) Alex gets paired down and losses. He missed top 8 because of it.

Proudest Magic Moment

Winning GP Atlanta

What Have You Learned From Magic

Networking. How to connect and maintain relationships.

Advice for New Players

Learn to sequence (especially as a control deck).

Magic Milestones

Working at a game store.

Tournament Day Tips

Health and fitness are key at big events.Stay hydrated. Make time for yourself. Have snacks ready to go.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players don't value cards the way they should.

Parting Guidance

Networking is a huge. Connect with others as much as you can.

Magic Resource

5-0 list from MTGO Leagues, MTG Goldfish, CFB, SCG

Connect With Alex Lloyd

Twitter:@AlexLloydOSM ‏

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

262: One Round at a Time, One Game at a Time with Brandon Goe Dec 19, 2017

Show notes

Brandon Goe has been playing Magic since he was 4 and started hitting the competitive scene full throttle in Shards block. He has several 2nd places Pptq finish's and took 2nd at Montana State Championship. He made his first day 2 and first top 8 finishing 2nd at Grand Prix Portland 2017. He's looking to make Magic a career! Bradon lives in Spokane WA, USA.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Brandon Goe when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep262

First Set

6th Edition

Favorite Set

Lorwyn Block

Favorite Card

Tarmogoyf

Early Challenge

Getting used to being the youngest person playing Magic. Also, Brandon had to learn how to handle losses. To get over that, he started taking criticism better.

Worst Magic Moment

Brandon struggled with the feeling of always getting 2nd and never 1st. He didn't take into account the consistent top 8 finishes.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 at GP Portland 2017. Being recognized by another player and having a kid say he wants to be like him.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Reading skills, research techniques, people skills

Advice for New Players

Take into account the cost of travel, food, and other expenses.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players play decks they don't enjoy. Even if it's the best decks, if you don't enjoy it you'll play poorly.

Parting Guidance

Don't take losses too hard. Play decks you enjoy. Keep going for it no matter what.

Connect With Brandon Goe

Twitter:@NightFury301 ‏

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

261: Making Magic History with Piotr Glogowski Dec 15, 2017

Show notes

Piotr Glogowski is a Modern enthusiast, weird-deck lover, MTGO grinder, Twitch streamer and Silver level pro. He's made it to the top 8 of a Pro Tour and 2nd place at the World Magic Cup with his Polish teammates in 2017. He also has two Grand Prix top 8s, both in Modern, and played in the 2016 Magic Online Championship. Piotr lives in Poznań.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Piotr Glogowski when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep261

First Set

Return to Ravnica

Favorite Set

Khans of Tarkir

Favorite Card

Abzan Guide Summer Bloom

Early Challenge

Piotr realized that he wasn't good at Magic, he was only good with his specific deck. He struggled with Standard and Limited. To overcome this, he played with players who he knew were much better than him.

Worst Magic Moment

Piotr remembers a weekend when he tried to qualify for Pro Tour Kaladesh. He played a Paper Magic event on Saturday and Sunday and a Magic Online event at Midnight between the two. He had two nearer misses.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 at Pro Tour Ixalan, 2nd Place at World Magic Cup 2017.

Magic Milestones

Pt Atlanta, because Piotr learned to learn. Also, preparing for the Magic Online Championship with Simon Nielsen.

Advice for New Players

Don't assume you know things. Listen to what others have to say.

Parting Guidance

If you want a broken deck in Modern, play Lantern Control.

Connect With

Twitter:@kanister_mtg

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

260: Jacob Nagro Returns for a Year in Review and Another GP Top 8 Dec 12, 2017

Show notes

Jacob Nagro is a Silver level pro with 2 Grand Prix Top 8s (Denver 2016, Phoenix 2017). His goal is to play on every Pro Tour and to improve along the way. Jacob lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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-ep260

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players don't think about how they tap their lands. Also, when you play your lands is important.

Tournament Preparation

Jacob familiarizes himself with formats by playing them on MTGO a lot.

Ixalan Draft Tips

BW Vampires has great commons to support it.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Slowing down when it's time to make a decision.

Parting Guidance

Magic Online is a great tool for improving. Use it and you'll get out of it what you put in.

Connect With Jacob Nagro