First off, I'm a 13-year-old who play competitive magic pretty frequently. I'm not great, but I'm getting better, and I want to up my game. Would it be strange and weird for me (a kid) to go to college students and adults to ask to playtest and whatnot? In general, can you just go up to people and strike up a conversation then play some matches?
I also encounter a lot of prejudice due to my age. What is the best way to introduce myself and become a part of the community without looking like a kid? I want to be treated as an equal, and want to be able to come regularly and see people who will know my name and want to play with me.
I realize these are specific questions, but any help is greatly appreciated.
Ask questions, but think a bit before you open your mouth. Ask good questions
Seek out the best players in the shop, ones that will beat you 9/10 times. After the match, ask them why they won, and what you could have done better.
Learn tournament play and mindset. Play your cards close to your chest and be savvy.
Shower and wear deodorant. It's that time if you haven't started already. Don't overdo it with the body spray.
Treat people with respect, as you would like to be treated. Be kind and gracious. Learn to lose well.
I play with the 13 yo son of the owner of the shop and he's been one of the best players in the area since he was 11, it's really fun watching him crush pro players three times his age at GPs and Opens.
There are two ways to gain the respect of local players. One is to be friendly and pleasant to play against. The second is to be good at magic. Play more and follow good strategy advice to get better at magic. Don't act like a kid and people wont treat you like one.
There are two ways to gain the respect of local players. One is to be friendly and pleasant to play against. The second is to be good at magic. Play more and follow good strategy advice to get better at magic. Don't act like a kid and people wont treat you like one.
There is one way to not lose respect from local players. Allow your employees to treat less competitive players like crap. The LGS I used to go to lost a lot of business from me because of that.
Give your opponent some credit when you lose. I hear this conversation almost every week:
"How'd you do in your match?"
"Meh, he won but I got mana screwed."
When the player who wins overhears that, the implication is they could have never won except for your bad luck. If you truly did get mana screwed, they'll likely recognize that and hopefully be gracious about it. If you actually had 5 lands of all your colors in play but wished you'd had 6 or missed a drop along the way, you didn't really get mana screwed, you just got beat. Deal with it and make your deck capable of functioning under slightly suboptimal conditions and accept that some of your own crushing victories were due to variance getting the best of your opponent.
Instead of the "I got screwed" excuse, try:
"He won--he had a good deck. Never seen [insert card] hit so hard before." or "He had an answer to everything I played--watch out for him!" You know, find something positive to say--that will help make people want to be around you and play against you.
Also, yeah, observe basic rules of hygiene and don't waste people's time by not being ready for your match, not leaving your stuff sprawled all over a table someone else needs, and sideboarding/shuffling/playing at a reasonable pace.
Just keep going to events at the same shop and don't be "that guy*"
1. Don't complain after matches
2. Don't rip people off in trades
3. Take a shower
4. Ask people after matches who are better than you what to do differently
Play in FNM's/Draft's, and when you play against players you enjoy/respect then continue talking to them after the match. Be friendly, learn names, talk to them about playtesting. If they are interested then get #'s so you can text em and try to get a group together.
Ideally there is already a good existing group of competitive players you can join. In that case you might need to "prove yourself" to some degree by doing well in tourneys, depending on the group.
Just dont be a jerk, be intelligent and be clean and people will tend to like you thats all I can say. Same things for any time you are trying to fit in someplace.
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Currently Playing:
Modern: RUGScapeshift[RUG...Occasionally with goyfs RUGTarmotwinRUG(RIP)
Legacy: UWxuwr miracles and stonebladeUWx
Commander: UWRShu Yun/Ruhan SmashUWR
The fact of the matter is, you are going to look like a kid because you are one. In my area there is a store popular with younger kids, and they can be a pain to have to play with. Between being unprepared, not understanding interactions, and just generally not knowing how to behave in public, it makes playing there less than outstanding.
Now I don't say this to be insulting, but simply to state the facts that others may not want to address. If you want to be someone people will want to associate with, you can't be that guy. You can't win over everyone, some people simply won't want to hang out with you because of your age, and you know what? That is ok.
Be positive, be respectful, be a gracious loser and winner, have good hygiene.
I've been going to the same store for about two years now. I have also visited a few different stores (just to check things out). I've found that Magic communities are "insulated" in the sense that some people won't be nice to you until you have been there a few times, and "proven" yourself by winning a few matches, and demonstrating that you're a fair, honest, player.
My tips:
1. Show up to events on a regular basis, and introduce yourself to people between rounds (ideally not people who are in middle of a game). Make friendly conversation like asking them how their last round went.
2. Have good hygiene. Don't be the guy who eats a pizza/McDonald's while in a draft, and gets the cards greasy.
3. Be pleasant to be around. Don't be loud/obnoxious, or complain constantly. I avoid people who exclaim "nice topdeck!" or "I'd be winning if I wasn't mana screwed". Also don't do the "winner GG" thing (ie. say good game when you're winning, especially if the game isn't actually over yet).
4. Don't talk smack about your opponent after a match (especially if they're within earshot). Don't say things like "my opponent played horribly".
5. Be a fair trader, not a "value" trader who always has to profit from trades. I know "Pack to Power" is a thing, but don't ask to trade your two Alpine Grizzly for my Ashiok. It just insults my intelligence. Also don't make fun of the cards someone has in their binder. People put cards in their binder for a reason, and insulting their cards just insults them.
One thing I've realized with Magic (or nerdy hobbies in general) is that it attracts people with poor social skills. So even if you're polite, greet your opponent in a friendly manner, and empathize with them when they're getting mana screwed, they might not react in a positive way, just because they don't know how to. Don't let that get you down, and just keep getting your name out there.
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Focused on limited for now. Occasionally play some standard/modern as well.
Yeah, I think the horrible hygiene meme on magic players has kind of gone the way of the dodo. I mean sure 5-10 years ago I noticed more players fitting the bill of needing to take better care of themselves hygienically but now I am actually surprised when I am around any player that fits the smelly mtg player profile.
I'm in my 30's and have been playing for around 15 years (with some breaks) and this has begun to happen to me a lot more than it did when I was in my 20's. I have no problem with it - in fact, it's really cool to talk to younger people who have an interest in what I have to say. I say, watch people until you find a few guys who are laid back and but responsible, and then just be up front about needing/wanting some help. Be reasonable, though - don't invite yourself to hang out with an older guy outside of the store (and if they invite you, GTFO). No need to be weird. Older players don't need young men as friends, exactly, but being in a mentoring position can be very rewarding. Just make sure you find someone who establishes boundaries that you're comfortable with.
Dont take things too seriously. Contrary to popular belief this game is meant to be enjoyed. Also if you are just not a jerk it is probably easy to make some decent friends.
Dont throw hissy fits if you loose. Being a gracious looser will win much respect. Just accept that mana floods and screws happen. Take it on the chin.
I started playing at my old LGS when I was 15. I won my first event there playing Wildfire and somehow I still made a lot of friends, despite being poorly-dressed, inappropriate, and loud.
I did try my best to never smell bad, though, so that could be it. Never smell bad. You should take a shower every day whether you need one or not.
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These days, some wizards are finding they have a little too much deck left at the end of their $$$.
MTG finance guy- follow me on Twitter@RichArschmann or RichardArschmann on Reddit
Treat other people well, be kind to the store employees.
Know that unscrupulous trader will be friendly to you but it's no reason to give them a "friendly" trade. People might be kind to you if you give them value in trade but they'll see you as a fool. Be wary of lending cards. Don't insist on being part of a group if others don't want you. Accept the fact that you're not 20 years old, you won't be friend with adults and never be alone with someone much older than you elsewhere than the store. Not all pedophiles are sleazy, they might act super nicely, act like a big brother, offer you some cards or invite you to come home to see their collection.
Select who you want to play with. Are you interested in a more casual crowd, a more competitive one? A group might welcome you to join their multiplayer games but might not be interested to play with you when they playtest for their next Grand Prix if you don't have interesting input.
Know that older people think differently than you and that they're not your parents. They might want to play Magic with you but might not want to hear you talk about the latest comic you watched, how cool your dad's new Porsche is or that your the best bug hunter of your street.
When someone offers constructive criticism about your deck build or your plays, don't jump to defend it immediately. Ask for advice but don't be put off by people who aren't talkative.
A good ice-breaker is to ask about sideboard choices after the round is over. It is easier to talk about choices among a few cards then to examine an entire deck.
That's a good one. After each match, unless my opponent is obviously upset, I like to show what I sided in and out. I don't ask to see their changes, necessarily, but by offering my changes I usually get them to open up about theirs.
I do this whether I win or lose... at this point in my life I don't care about losing so I just roll with it and try to be friendly.
First off, I'm a 13-year-old who play competitive magic pretty frequently. I'm not great, but I'm getting better, and I want to up my game. Would it be strange and weird for me (a kid) to go to college students and adults to ask to playtest and whatnot? In general, can you just go up to people and strike up a conversation then play some matches?
I also encounter a lot of prejudice due to my age. What is the best way to introduce myself and become a part of the community without looking like a kid? I want to be treated as an equal, and want to be able to come regularly and see people who will know my name and want to play with me.
I realize these are specific questions, but any help is greatly appreciated.
Seek out the best players in the shop, ones that will beat you 9/10 times. After the match, ask them why they won, and what you could have done better.
Learn tournament play and mindset. Play your cards close to your chest and be savvy.
Shower and wear deodorant. It's that time if you haven't started already. Don't overdo it with the body spray.
Treat people with respect, as you would like to be treated. Be kind and gracious. Learn to lose well.
I play with the 13 yo son of the owner of the shop and he's been one of the best players in the area since he was 11, it's really fun watching him crush pro players three times his age at GPs and Opens.
"How'd you do in your match?"
"Meh, he won but I got mana screwed."
When the player who wins overhears that, the implication is they could have never won except for your bad luck. If you truly did get mana screwed, they'll likely recognize that and hopefully be gracious about it. If you actually had 5 lands of all your colors in play but wished you'd had 6 or missed a drop along the way, you didn't really get mana screwed, you just got beat. Deal with it and make your deck capable of functioning under slightly suboptimal conditions and accept that some of your own crushing victories were due to variance getting the best of your opponent.
Instead of the "I got screwed" excuse, try:
"He won--he had a good deck. Never seen [insert card] hit so hard before." or "He had an answer to everything I played--watch out for him!" You know, find something positive to say--that will help make people want to be around you and play against you.
Also, yeah, observe basic rules of hygiene and don't waste people's time by not being ready for your match, not leaving your stuff sprawled all over a table someone else needs, and sideboarding/shuffling/playing at a reasonable pace.
1. Don't complain after matches
2. Don't rip people off in trades
3. Take a shower
4. Ask people after matches who are better than you what to do differently
It's really easy.
Play in FNM's/Draft's, and when you play against players you enjoy/respect then continue talking to them after the match. Be friendly, learn names, talk to them about playtesting. If they are interested then get #'s so you can text em and try to get a group together.
Ideally there is already a good existing group of competitive players you can join. In that case you might need to "prove yourself" to some degree by doing well in tourneys, depending on the group.
Modern:
RUGScapeshift[RUG...Occasionally with goyfs
RUGTarmotwinRUG(RIP)
Legacy:
UWxuwr miracles and stonebladeUWx
Commander:
UWRShu Yun/Ruhan SmashUWR
Now I don't say this to be insulting, but simply to state the facts that others may not want to address. If you want to be someone people will want to associate with, you can't be that guy. You can't win over everyone, some people simply won't want to hang out with you because of your age, and you know what? That is ok.
Be positive, be respectful, be a gracious loser and winner, have good hygiene.
My tips:
1. Show up to events on a regular basis, and introduce yourself to people between rounds (ideally not people who are in middle of a game). Make friendly conversation like asking them how their last round went.
2. Have good hygiene. Don't be the guy who eats a pizza/McDonald's while in a draft, and gets the cards greasy.
3. Be pleasant to be around. Don't be loud/obnoxious, or complain constantly. I avoid people who exclaim "nice topdeck!" or "I'd be winning if I wasn't mana screwed". Also don't do the "winner GG" thing (ie. say good game when you're winning, especially if the game isn't actually over yet).
4. Don't talk smack about your opponent after a match (especially if they're within earshot). Don't say things like "my opponent played horribly".
5. Be a fair trader, not a "value" trader who always has to profit from trades. I know "Pack to Power" is a thing, but don't ask to trade your two Alpine Grizzly for my Ashiok. It just insults my intelligence. Also don't make fun of the cards someone has in their binder. People put cards in their binder for a reason, and insulting their cards just insults them.
One thing I've realized with Magic (or nerdy hobbies in general) is that it attracts people with poor social skills. So even if you're polite, greet your opponent in a friendly manner, and empathize with them when they're getting mana screwed, they might not react in a positive way, just because they don't know how to. Don't let that get you down, and just keep getting your name out there.
(And lol, everyone always says to shower and whatnot. I know how it can be playing against certain players, and its not me.)
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GWU Bant Manifest - The Future Is Here. Or it will be at the end of turn. GWU
Dont throw hissy fits if you loose. Being a gracious looser will win much respect. Just accept that mana floods and screws happen. Take it on the chin.
I did try my best to never smell bad, though, so that could be it. Never smell bad. You should take a shower every day whether you need one or not.
MTG finance guy- follow me on Twitter@RichArschmann or RichardArschmann on Reddit
Know that unscrupulous trader will be friendly to you but it's no reason to give them a "friendly" trade. People might be kind to you if you give them value in trade but they'll see you as a fool. Be wary of lending cards. Don't insist on being part of a group if others don't want you. Accept the fact that you're not 20 years old, you won't be friend with adults and never be alone with someone much older than you elsewhere than the store. Not all pedophiles are sleazy, they might act super nicely, act like a big brother, offer you some cards or invite you to come home to see their collection.
Select who you want to play with. Are you interested in a more casual crowd, a more competitive one? A group might welcome you to join their multiplayer games but might not be interested to play with you when they playtest for their next Grand Prix if you don't have interesting input.
Know that older people think differently than you and that they're not your parents. They might want to play Magic with you but might not want to hear you talk about the latest comic you watched, how cool your dad's new Porsche is or that your the best bug hunter of your street.
A good ice-breaker is to ask about sideboard choices after the round is over. It is easier to talk about choices among a few cards then to examine an entire deck.
Check out Odds//Ends - My articles on Quirky Cards and Oddball Builds
Long-time PucaTrade member and sometime author. Send me cards!
Currently playing Knight of the Reliquary - Retreat to Coralhelm Combo
I do this whether I win or lose... at this point in my life I don't care about losing so I just roll with it and try to be friendly.
GWU Bant Manifest - The Future Is Here. Or it will be at the end of turn. GWU