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

Latest Episodes:

259: Victory Is Not Owed, It's Earned with Louis Bachaud Dec 08, 2017

Show notes

Louis Bachaud has been playing Magic for most of his life but has only been grinding Grand Prix for about 2-3 years. This summer he played his first Pro Tour in Japan where he played a win-and-in for top 8, he followed this up with his first GP top 8 in Warsaw 2017. Louis lives in Lyon, France.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Louis Bachaud when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep259

First Set

Onslaught

Favorite Set

Khans of Tarkir/Time Spiral

Favorite Card

Young Pyromancer Cabal Therapy

Early Challenge

Making day 2 for the first time was a challenge.

Worst Magic Moment

Louis was disqualified from a Grand Prix because he had an illegal deck.

Proudest Magic Moment

GP Lille 2015. Louis missed the win-and-in for top 8 but was very proud of his performance. He felt in the Zone all event.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Louis has developed a very rational mindest from playing Magic. He's also embraced a stoic philosophy for life. Don't stress about the things you have no control over.

Advice for New Players

Build your own decks but still play the best decks to give you a leg up.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Sequencing and mechanical actions. Always do the thing that gives you more information first. (Draw a card first then make decisions.) Notice what information your opponent gives you.

Parting Guidance

Louis was obsessed with being good at Magic and pressure made him unhappy. Don't be results oriented. Be process oriented.

Connect With Louis Bachaud

Louis 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

258: GP Champion Jean-Emmanuel Depraz Talks Confidence and Deck Respect for the Win Dec 05, 2017

Show notes

Jean-Emmanuel Depraz started playing Magic when he was 11 and never really took a break from it. He's only been playing competitively for 5 or 6 years and has one Grand Prix top 8 and two top 16s, and has played in two Pro Tours. Jean-Emmanuel lives in Paris, France.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Jean-Emmanuel Depraz when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep258

First Set

Kamigawa

Favorite Set

Eldritch Moon/Shadows Over Innistrad

Favorite Card

Birthing Pod

Early Challenge

Jean-Emmanuel had difficulty evaluating complex board states.

Worst Magic Moment

Jean-Emmanuel missed a trigger in a match in the quarterfinals of a PPTQ. He learned to analyze the board no matter if he's winning or losing.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 at Grand Prix Warsaw 2017.

Advice for Beginners

New players protect life too much by chump blocking too soon.

Magic Milestones

Qualifying for his first Pro Tour by winning a PTQ(old system). Making day 2 for the first time at Grand Prix.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players don't respect the best deck enough. Too many people assume they have a good matchup against the best deck when they should actually just play the best deck.

Parting Guidance

Always be confident that you can win. Put yourself in the mindset that it is possible.

Connect With Jean-Emmanuel Depraz

Jean-Emmanuel 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

257: The Power of Magic Online and Good Math Skills with Estonia World Magic Cup Captain Karl Sarap Dec 01, 2017

Show notes

Karl Sarap is the 2017 World Magic Cup team Captain for Estonia and has 1 Grand Prix top 8 from GP Liverpool 2017 and won his first World Magic Cup Qualifier in 2016. Karl lives in Tallinn, Estonia.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Karl Sarap when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep257

First Set

Saviors of Kamigawa

Favorite Set

Shadows Over Innistrad

Favorite Card

Gonti, Lord of Luxury

Early Challenge

Karl quickly learned to listen to other players and ask questions of the better.

Magic Milestones

First Grand Prix (at age 16) cashing Second Grand Prix, Top 8 at GP Liverpool 2017.

Worst Magic Moment

Right after Karl came back to Magic he made it to top 8 of a WMCQ. He attacked with one creature too many and died on the crack back.

Proudest Magic Moment

GP top 8 in Liverpool 2017.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Things don't come easy. You have to work.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Giving up before the game is over.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Karl goes through the spoiler twice and rates the cards himself. Then he needs LSVs Set review. He'll attend the pre-release and play as much as he can online.

Parting Guidance

Play Magic Online as much as you can. If you won't get better play MTGO.

Magic Resource

Twitch.tv/eheh_dude, Channel Fireball, MTGO BBD, Gabriel Nassif

Connect With Karl Sarap

Karl 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

256: Analyzing Strategy and Knowing Your Role for the Win with Torsten Anders Nov 28, 2017

Show notes

Torsten Anders has been playing Magic since the end of 2002. He started playing competitively in 2004 but without any notable success. His best years started in 2008 when he first qualified for Nationals via a National qualifier which he would repeat for the following 3 years peaking with a win at a PTQ in Philadelphia in 2011. Since then he made Top 8 at GP Liverpool 2017. Torsten lives in Dresden, Germany.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Torsten Anders when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep256

First Set

Mercadian Masques

Favorite Set

Scars of Mirrodin

Favorite Card

Steel Hellkite

Early Challenge

Playing well at a small event was Torsten's first challenge. Torsten played a lot of Magic Online.

Worst Magic Moment

Losing key matches always stinks. Torsten doesn't dwell on it.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 at GP Liverpool 2017. It was only Torsten's third day 2 at a Grand Prix.

Best Format

Standard

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players don't think about how the game will progress. You need to think ahead and not just play this turn.

Tournaments Day Tips

Have a good breakfast and stay hydrated.

Parting Guidance

Analyze your strategy. Know your role.

Magic Resource

CFB

Connect With Torsten Anders

Torsten 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

255: HUGE A-Ha Moment from Hannes Mauch Nov 24, 2017

Show notes

Hannes Mauch grew up in Bern, Switzerland. At the moment he is studying civil engineering in Zurich. He's 23 years old and I has been playing Magic: the Gathering competitively for about 7 years. He enjoys Magic in its complexity and difficulty to master. He has had decent GP results over the last five years, culminating in making Top 8 at GP Liverpool 2017. Hannes lives in Zurich, Switzerland.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Hannes Mauch when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep#255

First Set

7th Edition

Favorite Set

Innistrad

Favorite Card

Daze

Early Challenge

Self-confidence was an issue for Hannes when he started because he was young. He stuck with it and get better over time.

Worst Magic Moment

At Hannes first big tournament-Swiss Nationals 2010-he was 14 years old and started out 7-0. He was the only 7-0 player. He lost 5 in a row and was knocked out of top 8. Hannes learned that Magic is still just a game.

Proudest Magic Moment

Hannes' first day 2 at a Grand Prix. It was a team GP and they started 1-1-1. Then they kept winning and ended the day 2 at 8-1-1 to make day 2.

Tips for New Players

There's a lot of resources to use. Channel Fireball, Limited Resources, and videos.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

now, draft players prioritize the wrong cards. Intermediate players only play from their perspective. Remember, your opponent is human. They think what you think.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Tournament

Hannes is mostly an MTGO player. He drafts a lot online to prepare for Limited events. He'll do Sealed as well when a Sealed tournament is coming.

Parting Guidance

Play Magic how you wan and have fun. Do it your way.

Magic Resource

Channel Fireball, Limited Resources Podcast, other players

Connect With Hannes Mauch

Hannes 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

254: Effective Tournament Prep with Christoffer Larsen (best of) Nov 21, 2017

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.

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-ep254

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 the 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 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

[smart_track_player url="http://traffic.libsyn.com/mtgprotutor/Magic_The_Story_-_Shadows_of_the_Innistrad_-_Final_Mix.mp3" title="Under The Silver Moon" artist="Shaun Penrod" image="http://www.mtgprotutor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Untitled-1.2.jpg" social="true" social_twitter="true" social_facebook="true" social_gplus="true" social_email="true" ]

Sponsors

253: Breathe. You've Got This. with Samuel Ihlenfeldt Nov 17, 2017

Show notes

Samuel Ihlenfeldt has just started making a name for himself by busting onto the Magic scene when he made Top 8 at Pro Tour Ixalan. Sam lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Samuel Ihlenfeldt when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep253

First Set

7th Edition

Favorite Set

Innistrad/Khans of Tarkir

Favorite Card

Pirate's Cutlass

Early Challenge

Sam used to be afraid of big tournaments. But by going over and over again he got past that feeling.

Worst Magic Moment

Sam made it to the top 8 of an RPTQ and lost. He recognizes he made mistakes but in the match that mattered he mentally confounded himself and beat himself up.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 at PT Ixalan. But also, when Sam learned that two of his closest friends were going to PT Rivals of Ixalan. Sam made top 8 he knew he'd be going with his friends.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Breathing will help many situations.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Not breathing. You need oxygen. Write down a reminder and breathe.

Parting Guidance

Anyone can do it. Sam knows that with persistence you can make it.

Connect With Samuel Ihlenfeldt

Twitter:@ihlenfeldt

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

252: Don't Let One Game Ruin Your Day with Jeff Pyka Nov 14, 2017

Show notes

Jeff Pyka is a long time grinder who made top 16 at his 3rd Pro Tour - Pro Tour Ixalan. He also has a top 8 finish at GP Cincinnati 2014 with UW devotion. Jeff lives in Hamden, Connecticut.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Jeff Pyka when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep252

First Set

Ice Age

Favorite Set

Ravnica: City of Guilds

Favorite Card

Lightning Angel

Early Challenge

Not realizing what his own mistakes were. Plus, Jeff always wanted to build and play his own deck.

Worst Magic Moment

RPTQ for Honolulu. Jeff was playing a deck and was very confident. He miscalculated always and then lost. He tilted hard and lost game 3.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 16 at Pro Tour Ixalan.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Vocabulary. All keywords have meaning. Taking the punches of life, dusting off and moving on.

Magic Mentors

Jake Mondello, Antonio De Rosa

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players don't accept that they made a mistake. Take more ownership.

Parting Guidance

Don't let one game ruin your day.

Magic Resource

GAM Podcast, The Grinder Podcast, Top Level Podcast, MTG Goldfish

Connect With Jeff Pyka

Twitter:@PykaPower9001

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

251: How Practice and Networking Yields Results with Daniel Gardner Nov 10, 2017

Show notes

Daniel Gardner is a 26-year-old Business Development Manager for a Global biscuit manufacturer. He's been playing magic since 8th Edition/Mirrodin and enjoys watching and playing football, playing poker and of course Magic. He's the 2009 UK National Champion and placed 3rd and 8th at the UK Nationals in 2010 and 2017. He placed 19th at Pro Tour San Diego 2010 and 4th at GP Florence 2015. Daniel comes from London, UK.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Daniel Gardner when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep251

First Set

8th Edition/Mirrodin

Favorite Set

M10/Zendikar

Favorite Card

Baneslayer Angel

Early Challenge

Playing right decks. Daniel would get bored and switch decks too often.

Worst Magic Moment

At Pro Tour San Diego 2010, Daniel had 3 win-and-ins to make it to top 8 and lost all there. Daniel still got his best Pro Tour record yet. Take a step back and recognize what you've done well.

Proudest Magic Moment

Winning UK Nationals 2009.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Making decisions with Limited decisions and then dealing with the results.

Best Format

Standard

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players don't control their tells and give away too much. Stay cool you cause your opponent to question.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Daniel checked out the metagame using online sites and identified a few decks that he felt he'd like. He doesn't like going to a tournament with a tweaked deck that just won an event so he a winning lost and practiced.

Parting Guidance

Enjoy playing. Remember it's a game and if you want to do well, practice and network.

Connect With Daniel Gardner

Daniel 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

250: Appreciate Your Opponent and Every Step of Your Journey with Ross Broxup Nov 07, 2017

Show notes

Ross Broxup is the English Nationals 2017 finalist and rounds out the World Magic Cup team that will be representing England this year. Ross lives in Durham, England.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Ross Broxup when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep250

First Set

Duels of the Planeswalkers(2008)

Favorite Set

Dragons of Tarkir/Hours of Devastation

Favorite Card

Master of the Pearl Trident

Early Challenge

Ross had a mental block that whenever he sat across a good player he would lose. He had to get to the point where he understood he had a chance. This came through practice.

Worst Magic Moment

At UK Nationals 2017, Ross picked the wrong strategy in a matchup and lost. The issue was he switched his plan midway through. If you have a plan make sure you have a good reason to switch.

Proudest Magic Moment

Being a finalist at English Nationals 2017.

What Have You Learned From Magic

How to deal with stress.

Shortcomings

Ross is working on his technical gameplay. Sequencing and lines of play.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Playing the opponent instead of the game. Learn to focus on the game regardless of who you're playing against.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Ross felt confident with Limited and focused on Constructed. He considered a few options and settled on Mardu Vehicles. He felt good about Limited because he practiced a lot.

Parting Guidance

Don't be intimidated or underappreciate who you're playing against.

Connect With Ross Broxup

Ross 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