Kyle Edwards
Added 9-4-09 Getting into tournament Magic might seem difficult at first, but the biggest hurdle is getting pointed in the right direction. Yes, it can be expensive and time consuming; however, by utilizing the time you do have in the correct way and using your money wisely through smart spending can make the step into tournament magic simpler. Minimizing Traveling Costs and Playtesting Go Hand in Hand First you need to establish a local player base. This might range from forming a group from scratch by recruiting players to get interested in the tournament scene, to making contact with local players who already participate in big tournaments. Once you have your group, you need to establish a time for playtesting. How often you playtest really depends on how much time you want to put in it. I would say optimally to start off with twice a week. An example would be to playtest at "Jim's" house every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:00 pm. By establishing a regular schedule people know what to expect. If your playtesting is random and no one has initiative to say when you will, it will tend to not get done. Also as humans, once we get in the habit of doing something on a regular basis, we incorporate it into our lives and will schedule other things with it in mind. Things to keep in mind when playtesting: 1) Have someone keep records of what deck beats what and how much. 2) Players should switch decks so that they can get the feel for both sides of the matchup. 3) Assign players to proxy decks ahead of time, that way you can make sure to have a copy (preferably 2) of every popular deck and that not everyone brings the same deck. 4) Make sure that there are no distractions such as video games or the TV going on. 5) Practice like you play. Don't allow takebacks and try to mimic the enviroment of a tournament as much as you can. 6) Playtest more sideboarded games than unsideboarded. In a tournament you play 2/3 of your games sideboarded. You also have to win 2/3 of the games you play against a deck. SIDEBOARDING IS VERY IMPORTANT! In addition to playtesting, getting with local player can help you car pool to events and share costs. This not only pertains to out of town tournaments, but even going to FNM. Sharing costs means you can spend more money on other things such as cards for decks and bills. You are going to need extra cash taking out all the ladies you will get by winning tournaments! (Kidding) Also, spend smart. When getting cards for playing, just get what you need. Playtest with proxies so that you know what deck you want to play beforehand and then get the cards. DON'T open booster packs! Save them for drafting, and you are able to get what you need much more readily by buying singles. Most importantly, remember that the whole point is to have fun! Winning is fun and so is playing magic. The most fun part about magic is that it is fun to interact with other players. Roadtrips and making new friends can be the most fun of them all. Kyle Edwards
Email me at: Kyle_Jacob_Edwards@yahoo.com
