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

Latest Episodes:

239: Listen and Learn from French National Champion Bardini Alain Sep 29, 2017

Show notes

Bardini Alain has 1 Grand Prix top 8 and has played in 1 Pro Tour. He's also the 2017 French National Champion after playing in 2 WMCQ last year. He made the semi-finale of the last mocs playoff and 5th position for the leaderboard point. Bardini lives in Toulouse, France.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Bardini Alain when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep239

First Set

6th Edition

Favorite Set

Khans of Tarkir

Favorite Card

Siege Rhino

Early Challenge

Bardini started at FNM's and slowly got better and better until he moved from there to PTQs. He focused and ground and got better little by little. Bardini learned to play a lot.

Worst Magic Moment

Bardini went through a period where he lost all the time. Example: At GP Metz 2017, Bardini had a great start on day 1 but went 0-5 on day 2. He was crushed and felt like quitting Magic. He learned to not get ahead of himself mentally.

Proudest Magic Moment

Becoming the 2017 French National Champion.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Bardini has learned that to get results he needs to practice a lot. This is true for life.

Magic Mentors

Raphael Levy

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players try to convince others that their cards and decks are good without listening to others (who may be better than them).

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Bardini plays a lot on MTGO and uses this tool to get reps in. He explores the best decks and gets a feel for what beats him. As he cycles through the best decks, he finds the one that is good and resonates with his style.

Magic Resource

Magic Online, Teams and other players

Connect With Bardini Alain

Twitter:@BardiniAlain ‏

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

238: Don't Be A Barrier to Your Own Success with GP Champion Kyle Boggemes Sep 26, 2017

Show notes

Kyle Boggemes a prolific Wizard who has an impressive record of top finishes at Pro Tours and Grand Prix. To date, he has 2 Pro Tour top 16's, including a 2nd place finish, and 3 Grand Prix top 8's including one win.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Kyle Boggemes when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep238

First Set

Ice age

Favorite Set

Invasion

Favorite Card

Fact or Fiction

Early Challenge

Playing at a very competitive store. Kyle formed friendships with players close to his ages. From there they played and traveled together and started talking to the better players.

Worst Magic Moment

2011-the whole year. Kyle had great success in 2010 and all the benefits rolled over to 2011. However, he did horribly all year long. It was tough to have so many people follow him and then not do well.

Proudest Magic Moment

Winning GP Cincinnati in 2014. It was his first top 8 after coming back and it was a win so it was a big deal.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Kyle has been able to work hard out at something and see tangible results.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players don't understand side boarding. People over the sideboard. Have a focused game plan in game 1. Then, post-sideboard, you can be more targeted.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

For Limited, Kyle plays as many sealed events as he can because he recognizes that's his weakness. He talked a lot with friends about his pool.

Parting Guidance

Everyone has different goals when playing Magic. What are your goals? Know them and operate within that.

Magic Resource

Draftsim.com, GatheringMagic.com

Connect With Kyle Boggemes

Kyle 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

237: Top 16 at His First Pro Tour - Sergio Ferrer Shares His Secrets Sep 22, 2017

Show notes

Sergio Ferrer made top 16 of his first Pro Tour in Kyoto 2017. He's also made top 64 at GP Barcelona and dominates his local scene as two-time Amonkhet Game Day Champion and the Theros block league champion of his city. Sergio lives in Valencia, Spain.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Sergio Ferrer when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep237

First Set

Darksteel

Favorite Set

Amonkhet

Favorite Card

Ashiok, Nightmare Weaver

Early Challenge

Sergio struggled to win a Game Day. Sergio would test a lot on MTGO and with friends. Through constant practiced Sergio improved.

Worst Magic Moment

The near misses along the way taught Sergio to enjoy Magic as a game and remove the pressure of doing well.

Proudest Magic Moment

Pro Tour Kyoto 2017 Top 16.

What Have You Learned From Magic

'If you lose today, you can win tomorrow.'

Biggest Mistake Players Make

When players make a mistake they tend to dwell on it and cause a chain reaction of bad decisions. When you make a mistake just tell yourself to move on. Breathe and focus on the situation now.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Practice, practice, practice. Sergio drafted online with a friend a ton! They discussed picks and lines of play.

Parting Guidance

Practice a lot and discuss games with your friends.

Magic Resource

Optimism versus Delusion article on CFB, Show, and Telling of moxes.com, CFB, SCG, Team La Comarca

Connect With Sergio Ferrer

Twitter:@noesmitipo ‏

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

236: It Doesn't Matter What Others Think, Play YOUR Game with Theophile Delavy Sep 19, 2017

Show notes

Theophile Delavy is a Swiss Magic: The Gathering player living in Geneva and has 1 Grand Prix top 8 at GP Metz 2017 - Hours of Devastation Limited.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Theophile Delavy when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep236

First Set

Champions of Kamigawa

Favorite Set

Champions of Kamigawa

Favorite Card

Dark Confidant

Early Challenge

The stress of attending his first PTQ. Theo felt pressured to prove to people he belonged at Magic events.

Magic Milestones

Theo's first PTQ top 8 was a big moment. He followed that up with making day 2 at his first Grand Prix.

Worst Magic Moment

At GP Utrecht, Theo was really hoping for a certain archetype to be viable. He was building on past knowledge and learned to consider each new set on its own.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 at GP Metz.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Theo has learned to just be himself and play how he wants. Not to worry about what others think. In life, he does the same.

Tips for Beginner Limited Players

Study the spoiler and read set reviews. Pay attention to cards that have large varying opinions.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Being too aggressive when they are winning.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Theo plays Limited with friends twice a week. Through this process, he gets to know the cards and discuss the picks with his friends.

Parting Guidance

It doesn't matter what people think of you as a Magic player.

Magic Resource

CFB, Twitch, Magic Operation

Connect With Theophile Delavy

Theo 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

235: The Power of Positivity with Kris McCord Sep 15, 2017

Show notes

Kris McCord is a Magic grinder from Switzerland who currently lives in Auburn Alabama (attending Auburn University). He's reaching for Silver or better by the end of the 2017/18 season and is off to a good start with one Grand Prix top 8.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Kris McCord when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep235

First Set

Champions of Kamigawa

Favorite Set

Time Spiral

Favorite Card

Cryptic Command

Early Challenge

Losing. Kris learned that you can't win every time. He realized he wasn't having fun anywhere and decided to focus on having fun and accepting the variance.

Worst Magic Moment

Top 8 of a PTQ when Kris felt favored but choked and took it hard. He decided to play more casually and reconnected with the fun of Magic.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 at GP Indianapolis 2017 and qualifying for his first Pro Tour through an RPTQ earlier in the year.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Accepting that things don't always pan out as planned. Make the best of every situation given to you.

Magic Mentors

Kris observed all the top players and learned from them.

Success Habits

Read articles, discuss Magic with friends.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Mulligan decisions.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

For Limited, Kris practiced with a team and drafted a lot.

What's in Your Tournament Bag

Kris takes a carry on so he doesn't have to check in the bag. Deck box, life pod, pen, dice, water, snacks

Parting Guidance

Stay positive. Negativity serves o one and has a poor effect on your game. Positive attitudes help you whether many bad situations.

Connect With Kris McCord

Kris 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

234: Improve Yourself, Don't Prove Yourself with Gregory Michel Sep 12, 2017

Show notes

Gregory Michel is a graduate student and competitive Magic player in Minneapolis MN. He mostly plays Limited but also dabbles in Standard and Commander as well. He recently made Top 8 for the first time at a Grand Prix by piloting UW Monument to 7 places at GP Denver!

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Gregory Michel when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep234

First Set

Portal

Favorite Set

Battle for Zendikar

Favorite Card

Munda,Ambush Leader

Early Challenge

The first competitive event was a Grand Prix in D.C. 2014. Gregory cashed this event and the next 3 GP's. However, he hit a low and that was the struggle he faced.

Worst Magic Moment

Experiencing the stress of putting too much pressure on himself. Greg learned that Magic is a hobby and should be an escape.

Proudest Magic Moment

GP Omaha where Greg played Multiple Platinum Pros and was one win start of making top 8.

What Have You Learned From Magic

When Greg applies himself to something he likes with a friend he can succeed.

Magic Mentors

Andrew Elenbogen of Episode 108.

Growth As A Player

Playing a bunch of formats has improved Greg's Magic instincts.

Shortcoming

Self-confidence pops up for Greg. He doesn't think of himself as a great player.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

People feel a need to prove they are good. In reality, they should listen to others and learn as much as they could.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Greg found a deck that he liked and took it to events and practiced a lot with friends.

Parting Guidance

Have fun when you play. Magic is a hobby so have fun.

Magic Resource

MTG Goldfish, Reddit, SCG

Connect With Gregory Michel

Twitter:@Magic_Michelp ‏

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

233: Don't Wait To Go To Tournaments with Joao Lelis Sep 08, 2017

Show notes

Joao Lelis is a Timmy/Vorthos player who loves eternal formats and had never made a Grand Prix day 2 until he became the Champion of GP Sao Paulo 2017! Joao lives in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Joao Lelis when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep233

First Set

Mirrodin

Favorite Set

Kamigawa

Favorite Card

Gifts Ungiven

Early Challenge

Learning to play many rounds in a single day and playing against people who aren't your friends. Joao learned the rules very well, so people can't use that against him. He also decided the Magic was a big part of his life and he wanted something more.

Worst Magic Moment

After the Shadowmoor set, there were no local players still into Magic. Joao didn't have any one to play with. It was a lonely time for him.

Proudest Magic Moment

Becoming Champion of GP Sao Paulo 2017.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Joao learned that maximizing your chances to win is the best you can do, whether you win or lose.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players don't get the full value of their spells and creatures. They don't wait for the best time.

Parting Guidance

If you're just starting out, go to tournaments. They're fun. You'll learn and grow and maybe get lucky and win.

Connect With Joao Lelis

Joao 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

232: Preparation Is Worth More Than Results with Steve Hatto Sep 05, 2017

Show notes

Steve Hatto is 34 years old and started playing Magic in Mirage. He played off and on like many do until he came back for good in Scars of Mirrodin. His goal was clear at that point - make it to the most prestigious events that Magic had to offer. There was, however, one problem: at his first FNM there were only 3 players… Steve lives in Luxembourg.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Steve Hatto when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep232

First Set

Mirage

Favorite Set

Urza's Saga

Favorite Card

Cryptic Command

Early Challenge

Finding players to test with. Steve finished in the top 8 of his first PTQ after coming back. Finding players with similar goals was rough. He focused on being polite and making friends at events.

Magic Milestones

First GP top 8 in 2015. Steve learned that mindset is huge to traveling up. Steve accepted that he's pretty terrible at Magic. He also realized that he focused too much on doing well.

Worst Magic Moment

Travelling to Pro Tour Nashville, Steve's flight was delayed several times and then canceled. He made the best of it by sneaking into the business hugely.

Proudest Magic Moment

Luxembourg doubled its player base and went from 1 store to 3.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Approaching situations with the acceptance that you don't always have total control over the outcome.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Forgetting to lay lands. But beyond that people will follow up a mistake with another mistake out of embarrassment.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

For Modern, Steve knows his deck and can pick it up and go. This is only possible by practicing a lot in between events.

Parting Guidance

Figure out what your goals and then see what's missing to get you there. Play Magic a level you enjoy.

Magic Resource

SCG, CFB

Connect With Steve Hatto

Twitter:@SteveHatto

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

231: Believe It's Possible and Practice! with Vitor Grassato Sep 01, 2017

Show notes

Vitor Grassato has a couple Grand Prix top 16s and finished 6th at Grand Prix San Antonio with Jon Stern and Alex Majlaton. He recently got 2nd place at GP Sao Paulo 2017! Vitor lives in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Vitor Grassato when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep231

First Set

Prophecy

Favorite Set

Ravnica

Favorite Card

Meloku the Clouded Mirror

Early Challenge

Vitor constantly wanted to improve and would always talk to players who were better than him.

Worst Magic Moment

In 2010, Vitor was coming off one of his better results at the time. But he was young and angry and got in fight with a judge. He got banned for 3 years! After cooling off he talked to the judge and got his banning cut in half. Vitor took this time to change his entire mindset.

Proudest Magic Moment

Making 6th place with Jon Stern and Alex Majlaton.

What Have You Learned From Magic

If you want results, you need to focus at the maximum level.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Miscalculating win percentages and choosing to draw when you should play.

Parting Guidance

If you want to reach the Pro Tour, you have to think it's possible and practice.

Connect With Vitor Grassato

Twitter:@VitorGrassato ‏

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

230: Face to Face with Robert Anderson - Don't Get Discouraged Aug 29, 2017

Show notes

Robert Anderson has played on several Pro Tours and is the Champion of Grand Prix Toronto 2017. Robert works at Face to Face Games and lives in Canada.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Robert Anderson when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep230

First Set

Revised

Favorite Set

Innistrad

Favorite Card

Calcite Snapper

Early Challenge

The mental game. It's easy to be negative so Robert has focused a lot on keeping a positive attitude.

Magic Milestones

His first PTQ win.

Level Up Moment