My First Nationals Part 2, Cak’d Out
After starting off the event 6-1, how did Cak end up out of the money? Details are inside.
My First Nationals
I qualified for U.S. Nationals this year from the Pro Players Club. I got my first taste of the Pro Tour a long time ago when Tim Bulger (Tbulge), Nate Siftar, and myself won a team PTQ for Pro Tour: Boston, but I’d never been to Nationals before. Let me just say that this year was an interesting experience that started out quite well.
Uncommon Knowledge – Saviors Uncommons And Rares in Draft
Today, I’ll be going over the power of each uncommon and rare in the set, and possibly let you know about some hidden cards that people have not found to be good yet. Champions of Kamigawa was actually a fairly balanced set in terms of uncommons; it does have its Strengths of Cedars and Nagaos, but those are nowhere near to the power the Grab the Reins and Crystal Shard had in Mirrodin block. The best uncommon is Champions of Kamigawa is probably Honden of Infinite Rage, and there’s definitely something that tops that in Saviors of Kamigawa. Anyway, let’s look at the uncommons from Saviors…
Common Knowledge – Saviors Commons in Draft
While the rest of you are recovering from your Regionals hangover, we thought this would be a good time to remind you that Saviors of Kamigawa debuts on Magic Online this week. The Cak is there for you today, stepping up to the plate with a complete review of all Saviors has to offer in the commons slot as well as some advice on the Top 5 commons in each color and analysis of how the archetypes change in CBS.
Saviors in Kamigawa Block Constructed
While most of the world is discussing what impact Saviors will have on the Regionals season, The Cak peeks one step ahead and takes a shot at what the effect of Saviors will be on Kamigawa Block Constructed. Why should you listen to him? Well, he started the Taking Back Sunday mailing list and is teammates with the last Block Constructed Pro Tour winner.
The Back Door to E3 and Grand Prix: Detroit *16th*
Taking Back Sunday not only won a Pro Tour this weekend, but members of the team were posting solid results two weeks ago in Detroit as well. In today’s article, TBS member John Pelcak explains how the Online E3 tournaments helped him prepare for Detroit, and how he ended up fighting for the Top 8 after starting Day 1 with a loss and Day 2 all the way down in 63rd place.
Archetype Changes in Betrayers Limited
Originally, I wanted to write something about reviewing Betrayers of Kamigawa and all the cards that are going to have an impact on the new format. I knew that my teammates Gadiel and Tim Aten were going to write something about the new set, along with Zvi and many others. Thus I needed to work on something else that was also important that involved Betrayers. What about the different archetypes in Champions block and how they are going to be affected with Betrayers now in? Are there going to be new archetypes? Which archetypes get better? Which ones get worse? All of these questions haven’t really been answered yet, and I’m here today to start doing exactly that.
Knocked Out in Nagoya
Yeah, I scrubbed out in Nagoya after starting 3-1 and needing one more win to make Day 2. Here come the details…
Blessed! Part 2 – Team Rochester at GP: Chicago *Winner*
The final account of :B’s awesome finish at Grand Prix: Chicago.
Blessed! Grand Prix: Chicago *Winner* Part 1
It’s not every day that you win a Grand Prix, so Pelcak has decided to grace our site with another one of his wonderful reports. How did :B make it through Day 1 with a 7-1 record, setting them up for an undefeated Day 2? Details are inside!
The Cak’s Thoughts On… Champions – GP: Austin *T16*
Fresh off his top 16 finish in Austin, the man they call “The Cak” is back to share his experience and give his thoughts about the top 5 commons in each color. If you are looking for someone with a proven track record to give you his opinion on this fresh format, The Cak is your man.
Trains, Planes, and Air Bubbles – PT: Seattle *7th*
Normally, for an event like a Pro Tour, more time is spent onsite than traveling thanks to a little invention called the”airplane.” This time, however, was different. I woke up Monday morning (three days before I was supposed to leave for Seattle) with a searing pain in my chest, and my parents took me to the hospital. I found out that I have a recurring case of a pneumo thorax, which is an air bubble in between my lung and ribcage. Yeah, it hurts…