Jon doesn’t write often, but when he does you’re guaranteed good times. Today he shares his pre-Prague preconceptions, and explains how he was on the money with some opinions, but off the mark with others. He shares bad beat stories, bemoans the standard of spiders and toilet paper, and beats up the British in charismatic style. I’d take him to task over the last point… but as usual, he’s largely correct.
Jeroen delves deep into the mailbag, and answers some important questions on the subject of RGD Draft. When is it best to ignore a power-pick for a consistent workhorse? What are the benefits of signaling in Magic’s most colorful city? Handy hints and theories, plus the usual questions regarding the Pro Tour Lifestyle…
If you’re looking for Ravnica Block Limited or Constructed strategy, then scroll up to Quentin’s article or check our extensive back catalog. If, however, you’d prefer a piece that’s light on the tech but heavy on the good times, then Terry Soh’s Invitational report is the article for you!
Quentin Martin looks back at his successful season, littered with Grand Prix Top 8 appearences and capped by a Sunday showing at Pro Tour Prague, and shares the highs and lows of his wild ride. The Limited expert waxes lyrical on the RGD Draft format, and touches on the Block Constructed format for those attending Pro Tour Charleston.
Zvi Mowshowitz dubbed the Meandeck Tendrils deck “the fastest deck in the history of Magic.” Stephen Menendian, the original creator, has found a way to make it even faster. With a SCG Power 9 tournament looming on the Vintage horizon, is it time to revisit this archetype and brush it up for tournament play? Steve presents some sample goldfishes, and the power of the build is undeniable.
After a one-stop gap in Japanese Top 8 appearences, Pro Tour Prague saw two men from Japan grace the Sunday tables. While Takuua Oosawa went on to take the top prize, Shuhei Nakamura made the semi finals with the self-named “worst deck ever drafted.” Even so, it was an outstanding performace from Shuhei, and today he shares his patented RGD draft theories, and dares to suggest that the bouncelands aren’t all that…
In the third of our Regionals-based Premium articles, Richard takes us through the play-by-play with his Black/White Orzhova Maxima deck. It qualified three people for the Nationals… out of the four that played it. This proves it will be a force in the growing metagame, but was Richard one of the lucky three? Read on to find out!
While Nick is primarily known for his forty-card prowess, it wasn’t always that way… Constructed Magic played a big part in his development. Today, he gives us the lowdown on the base-Green Dovescape deck that propelled him to second place at Pennsylvania Regionals! In-depth game-by-game analysis, sideboarding tips, and a full matchup breakdown… what more do you need?
Mike Flores describes the deck he and apprentice Julian Levin use to a combined 12-2-2 Swiss record at Southern New England Regionals. This mysterious deck – which plays essentially no Guildpact or Dissension spells – was passed over for States when they finished first and second in New York… but was reappropriated for a tournament with two more sets added. The answers to all your questions and the round-by-round blow-by-blows are contained within!
John Friggin’ Rizzo took his Black/Green aggro-discard deck, sporting inexplicable Breeding Pools, to his Regional championships. The inventor of Friggorid had a merry old time, signing Ichorids galore and administering hardcore beats. He overcame a few personal barriers, including one that involved urinal abuse, and finished far higher than expected. A fabulous report, full of the fun that only Rizzo can command…
As one of the greatest players of Limited Magic the world has seen, Rich Hoaen was a surefire favorite to make Top 8 at Pro Tour Prague… and few would’ve bet against him taking top honors. With practice drafts galore before the event, he felt confident of success. While he performed well, it wasn’t quite enough. Where did he go wrong? Read on to find out…
Vintage is a format overflowing with powerful decks. While innovation is certainly possible, new decks invariably face a trial by fire as soon as they are suggested: after all, the established players are all adept at winning matches with their long-played creations. Today, Stephen introduces a quantifiable way of measuring playskill, and presents us with the tools to increase our understanding of the true nature of Vintage power.
The Cak travelled to Pro Tour Prague with high hopes. Unfortunately for him, those hopes proved fruitless, as he failed to make Day 2 play. Of course, this didn’t stop him from enjoying the Pro Tour Experience… And he has the pictures to prove it. His report is packed with fun stories and match runthroughs.
Jeroen went into Pro Tour Prague with a clear head and definite plans. He knew the colors he wanted, and he hoped to make Top 8. Unfortunately, his plans backfired… and his head wasn’t clear for long. In this enlightening report, Jeroen shares the sights, sounds, and smells from the Pro Tour Lounge. He also gives us some of the tips he picked up from rocking the side drafts. Wanna sample the true Pro experience? Then read on…
With Regionals now behind us, it’s time to turn to our Limited game. Qualifiers for Pro Tour Kobe are looming large, and the RGD Draft format is still a confusing miasma of ideas and themes. Today, Nick attempts to shine a torch through the fog, and shows us the strengths – and weaknesses – of basing your drafts in the traditionally control-crazy Blue White Azorius guild. Can the White guys live up to the crushing R/U/G archetype? Nick reveals all…
