In his first article for StarCityGames.com, Naoki Shimizu – fresh from his Top 8 performance at Japanese Nationals – takes us through the step-by-step process behind the creation of one of the standout decks in the Standard metagame – the fantastic Solar Flare. If that isn’t enough, he also shares his tournament report with style and humor. The best writers, the best players… only at StarCityGames.com!
There are a lot of tournaments involving complex games. Chess, Starcraft, Scrabble, you name it — someone is struggling to be the champion. The mechanics of the game vary, but the mentality it takes to master those mechanics (and then consistently convert strategies into wins) remains constant.
What David Sirlin is trying to do in this slim tome is to define that constant – to define the core elements that make someone a champion in any field. And what he discovers is both enlightening and frustrating….
Josh continues his enlightening series on the Standard metagame both pre- and post-Time Spiral. Today, he tackles a number of the stronger archetypes in the current Standard, presenting updated non-Champions skeleton builds in preparation for the coming of the new set.
This week’s edition of The Magic Show – Magic’s only regular video-based article – takes a look at some of the less tangible aspects of our great game: Culture, Community, and Reaction. What makes up the Magic Culture? What importance should we place on the Community? All this, plus a discussion on some of the coming cards from TIme Spiral. There be spoilers here… you have been warned.
Blisterguy gives us the low-down on the Magic Online Standard metagame, and an overview of the card prices available in the Marketplace. As usual, there’s the unmissable “blister-banter” (his words, not mine), including his personal opinion of Snakes on a Plane…
Rich continues his excellent Draft series. The Canadian maestro turns his back on the cooling Coldsnap, and heads for the balmy waters of Ninth Edition. From now until the online release of Time Spiral, Rich will draft a number of formats, from RGD to 999 to CBS to CCC… whatever takes his fancy at the time. He’ll supply each pick, from pick one to pick forty-five, and pen a brief commentary on hs deck and performace. For more detailed comments, visit the forums!
Dan Paskins, the Red mage personified, brings us an entertaining article on the noble art of swindling your opponent. Don’t worry, Dan hasn’t defected to the Dark Side… there’s no cheating here. Rather, Mr Paskins takes us step-by-step through the methods required to force your opponent into bad play.
It’s Wednesday, and we all know what that means… another mailbag article from everyone’s favorite Rock-playing Pro, Jeroen Remie. Today’s reader-posed topics include the process behind preparation for Premier Event in a fledgling format, the proper place of rituals and luck in Magic, plus a grab-bag of miscellany to round it all out!
After his nearly-man performance at the Swedish Nationals, Gadiel decided to give Grand Prix: Phoenix a miss. Then, after contemplating his pro statistics, he changed his mind… and it’s safe to say that he was glad he did. This entertaining report covers the highs and lows of the tournament, written in his usual acerbic and humorous style…
In the first of what promises to be an excellent series, Richard examines the process behind building the perfect manabase. In today’s introductory article, Mr Feldman takes a look at some of the strongest Aggro decks produced in the current Standard metagame. Why do some decks require a mere 21 land, while some flounder on a more cumbersome 23?
Today’s installment of From Right Field returns to Chris’s popular Quick Hits article format. He covers a myriad of Magical topics, presents an innovative Mono-Blue decklist, and shares some cheerleader cheesecake…
Rich continues his excellent Draft series… but today, there’s something different! The Canadian maestro turns his back on the cooling Coldsnap, and heads for the balmy waters of Ninth Edition! From now until the online release of Time Spiral, Rich will draft a number of formats, from RGD to 999 to CBS to CCC… whatever takes his fancy at the time. He’ll supply each pick, from pick one to pick forty-five, and pen a brief commentary on hs deck and performace. For more detailed comments, visit the forums!
After a hiatus caused by over-zealous falconry, the good doctor is back! As usual, he answers emails and questions from spell-slingers across the world. Today, he casts his medical eye over a few of Magic’s more casual formats, and has a little advice for a certain shuffle-shy Frenchman…
Zac has something he needs to get off his chest… why are some players such idiots? Today, he points out some of the fatal social flaws displayed by a segment of the Magic populous. Are you guilty of these sins?
Craig “The Professor” Jones entered this year’s English Nationals as the probable favorite. Unfortunately for Mr Helix, things went very badly. Today’s article explores the nature of “Playing on Tilt,” with reference to his horrendous day at the office. Are you a player that succumbs to emotion? Are you a player that lets the heart override the head? Never fear. Craig Jones can help.
