My Team Standard Pro Tour Qualifier didn’t turn out too well. I just found out that I won’t be doing Regionals because it’s on the exact same day as my sister’s wedding. Playing qualifiers in That Other Game tends to put me on full-blown, yelling-at-people-for-no-good-reason tilt. So how do I get enthusiastic about gaming again? Why, at a Grand Prix Trial for Toronto, of course!
Abe ventures into the Magic Online Casual Room, and comes out smelling of roses. Three new decks, all examined with his critical Casual eye… Want some fresh ideas? Look no further.
“When you play out a match, you should have some idea within the first few turns of what you want the end of the game to look like. Then you need to do everything you can to ensure that the game ends up that way.” – Matt Schmaltz
I find this quote from Schmaltz particularly insightful because, in my mind, it’s what separates the good players from the great ones. MS is a great player, and most of us are not, because he thinks of these types of things. I want to figure out how to do that.
Raphael returns with another edition of Hidden Gems. As with his previous article, Raph examines a number of supposedly weak cards in the Ravnica Limited arena, and talks us through the pros and cons of each. His recent form on the Limited GP circuit is second to none… his advice will help improve your game. Plus drafting tips from Olivier Ruel and Anton Jonsson!
In the second of his weekly columns, Jeroen answers some strategic questions on Ravnica Limited. We all know that a strong manabase is important… but how can we maximize our color-producing potential? Also, when is the optimal time to start thinking about our splash options? All this, plus a Team Standard decklist!
It’s Wednesday, it’s Magic Online… it’s blisterguy! More tournament data and card prices from one of the funniest writers around. Plus a card designed for Wrath-happy Timmies everywhere…
We’ve had some excellent pieces on how to know when to mulligan, why bad players often don’t mulligan enough, etc. Those were all quality articles. But what I want to figure out, or at least raise for inquiry, is how to balance the impact of losing an extra card against the possibility that another random hand of six cards will actually help you “win more.”
Today I’m going to bring you immeasurable joy, like nothing you’ve seen before.
How’s that for a tagline? Read on, and soon you too will be a believer…
PDC means you play with online commons only. It’s such a thriving format that it has two subformats, and a community on MODO waiting for you to join. In an attempt to lure you into the fold, Alex has provided winning decklists, card listings, and strategies – so what are you waiting for? Hop on in!
In a few weeks, Rizzo turns 37. As a popular elder statesman of our wonderful game, it’s only right and proper that we should sup deep from the well of his knowledge. So, what’s this article about? Let’s see… it touches on the future of Magic… I think. He shares his thoughs on Dissension… somewhere. And there’s a decklist… almost. Classic JFR: Rizzo being Rizzo, as only Rizzo can…
The forums clamored for it… and Richard obliged! A comprehensive primer article on the entertaining Enduring Ideal deck in Standard. Cards dissected, sideboards analysed, plays and strategies shared for all… can this unsung archetype be a force in the Standard metagame? Can it make waves in the murky waters of Team Standard? Read on to find out…
Chris rounds off his series on the Orzhov preconstructed deck by taking a spin in the Tournament Practice room on Magic Online. After posting 6-0 in the Casual Room, can the Black and White Beatsticks rumble with the big boys?
For those of you that know me at all, you know me as the Legacy guy. Maybe you’ve been paying attention and you’ve seen my litany of projects: Three-Color Astral Slide, Mono-Blue Control, Flame Vault Stax, and Doomsday. Even Ichorid. So today, the Legacy author most known for tricky and controlling decks is going to show you how to swing with creatures.
Zac continues his exploration of Team Standard with another deck from his recent PTQ-winning team… this time, it’s G/W Greater Good. It successfully qualified Zac and his pals… now it’s your turn.
In a recent article, Teddy Cardgame said, “everybody wins [in the Tournament Practice room on Magic Online]. I now understand Flores’s addiction to testing here.” Everyone wins? Let me check my Websters — yup, I’m included in “everyone.” Ted says I will win — me, with my decks! Hey — he’s a Premium writer — could he be wrong? Let’s find out.
