I mean I love the worlds and the art on the cards. I started in Alara and loved it, especially the shard of Esper. I loved the whole metallic feel of the plane and the cards, the concept of etherium (even how the word sounds). Then from there I branched backwards into the Shadowmoor block and it was like falling in love (I'm assuming). The hybrid cards were cool looking and how they cared about colors, plus the spirit avatars, scarecrow cards, and the dark feeling of the whole plane. Something similar happened when it came to Scars with the discovery of Phyrexia and I went hard into that, still don't know why I love phyrexia so much (I was absolutely tickled when I saw New Phyrexia).
Point being is that I pretty much love everything about the game and how it plays, except having to play with other people. For some reason that aspect of Magic almost makes me want to quit the game. Everything from flicking their cards to their loud voices, the list goes on. The players make the Magic experience difficult to enjoy for me. I tried the video games, but they are rather limited in deck construction. So as it has always been since I started I play with others out of necessity and try my best to pretend they are some kind of AI or I focus on the cards that I have played and the "feel" (art and story wise) of them.
Maybe you need to find different people to play with. While many annoying people play the game, there are also many great folk I've become life long friends with because of MTG.
Or maybe you are insecure, anti-social, and hyper critical of other's idiosyncrasies. In which case get over yourself. I'm a boisterous individual, sorry if my volume offends, not!
The MTG community has all types, and some are obnoxious I will admit. But is it really that bad? You'll encounter all the same types in the real world, sometimes you have to buck up and deal. If the players in your area are truely insufferable you might need to find another place to play. And that sucks, it's a game and people should just be on good behavior in pubic. People, you can't live with them, and you can't kill them either.
That's why I turn to drugs and alcohol.
The problem though is that it's the same no matter where I go. The players are (ironically) the worst part of the game. If only you didn't need other humans to play the game, but alas you do. You say it has all types, but I think that's just something a community says to cover up how bad they are.
Of course I could apply the same logic when it comes to other people and playing any kind of game. I like the game, not the people. They are more like bodies one requires to get things rolling.
The problem though is that it's the same no matter where I go. The players are (ironically) the worst part of the game. If only you didn't need other humans to play the game, but alas you do. You say it has all types, but I think that's just something a community says to cover up how bad they are.
Of course I could apply the same logic when it comes to other people and playing any kind of game. I like the game, not the people. They are more like bodies one requires to get things rolling.
You can play Magic as a Solitaire game in a variety of ways. Alternatively, you can play more socially-oriented variant formats, and/or shop around for another group of people to play with. Finding the level at which you are comfortable is a process which it is on you to complete.
Are you also having player-based problems for MTGO? I mean, players trash-talk there, but that's a risk you take with online games. And of course, they're not sitting in front of you. Sorry if this was obvious, but MTGO wasn't brought up yet.
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EDH/Commander
UBR Sedris RG Omnath, Locus of Rage UB The Scarab God RUG Maelstrom Wanderer WU Dragonlord Ojutai
The problem though is that it's the same no matter where I go. The players are (ironically) the worst part of the game. If only you didn't need other humans to play the game, but alas you do. You say it has all types, but I think that's just something a community says to cover up how bad they are.
Of course I could apply the same logic when it comes to other people and playing any kind of game. I like the game, not the people. They are more like bodies one requires to get things rolling.
As an older player I kind of feel you. The issue I have is that the game attracts tons of high school / college age players, and they aren't known for good hygiene or manners in many cases. Case in point, if you saw me at the LGS I got a playmat, dice, and all the things people would expect a player to have, but I'm dressed up in business casual with a polo shirt, usually have some hand sanitizer, and if I bring food and drink I always have some way to clean it up.
The average player I see at my LGS is an 18-28 year old with a backpack wearing a T-Shirt with some kind of kitsch artwork plastered over it and sometimes wear a baseball cap or some other kind of hat. They generally eat food that travels easy (as in, the debris gets everywhere), such as Doritos, Cheetos, Uncoated chocolate candy, etc, and there seems to be a few vapes and bongs. These players rarely clean up after themselves and I've seen a couple come in sick as well.
So yeah, I do regret my job doesn't let me go to FNM as much as I used to, but at the same time I can't really say I miss it all that much with a crowd like that. I feel that there are quite a few players who are in the work world that are in their 30s to 50s, but the quality of the typical LGS just doesn't lend itself to the sort of environment that attracts that age group. If wizards wants paper magic to thrive they probably need to encourage a better gathering than the LGS of the 90s. Maybe run weekend MTG conventions that are a little more upscale and are for casual format runners.
1. (Ravnica Allegiance): You can't keep a good esper control deck down... Or Wilderness Reclamation... or Gates...
2. (War of the Spark): Guys, I know what we need! We need a cycle of really idiotic flavor text victory cards! Jace's Triumph...
3. (War of the Spark): Lets make the format with control have even more control!
I 100% understand. I've long said that "I love Magic, but I hate Magic players." many people in my area are just...trashy. I would not play Magic at the comic book store where I used to work. It was infested with slobs and juggalos.
That's why I'm glad I've found a new comic book store. The owner has put a ton of effort into making the store look nice and well put together, and it's attracting that sort of customer base. The shop where I used to work wasn't like that. It had poor lighting, ratty carpet, etc. I call stores like that "comics dungeons".
I would have never gone to a party hosted by anyone at the old shop, but when the owner of the place I go now hosted a New Year's party, I went and had a good time.
I guess see if there's a nicer location convenient to you. This isn't exclusive to this shop where I go now. I went to a Legacy tournament at one of the larger shops in Georgia a few months ago, and almost everyone there was friendly and pleasant. I had a lot of fun because the people were nice, and once again, a store where the owners are putting obvious efforts into appearance attracted a more tolerable group of players.
Stop duelling at FNMs. Prizes can bring out the worst in people, especially if they suffer delusions of grandeur.
Find a like-minded group of gamers and play multiplayer with them.
Cheers!
The problem is that even when there aren't prizes on the line it still becomes intolerable. I say that after having "played for fun" a few times before.
i think you cannot think about playing magic in a solitaire way because magc IS the players. It is a battle of wits and experience shared. Pretty much like chess, you can play against yourself but it will never be as interesting.
If you don't want to play mtgo (and I perfectly understand and agree with what you're saying about it) my advice would be to look for other player. People who don't flicker cards, quiet and respectful people. I want to reassure you by reminding you that the sample of people you met so far is very low, try searching a bit more and i'm sure you'll find someone you feel comfortable playing with.
I too don't like people who are loud and have an arrogant demeanor. I usually try to avoid them, and if I meet them in tournaments I'm glad to beat them as it's a double victory, both against their deck and them.
But there are quiet and relaxed people. They are just difficult to hear over the loudness of the others, and to notice over their exuberance.
The sample I have is from going to over 4 different gaming stores in my area. They tend to be the same kind of folks.
Also the game is not the players. It's the story, the art, the feel, and worlds they weave. Sharing that with others is what diminishes the value of the game and all that it brings, at least to me. Trading has to be the worst. If I could play with bots I would.
Well, here's my plug for Perfect Hand Magic! It's a forum game played here at MTGSalvation, in which you select a Vintage-legal hand (subject to a restriction chosen each week, like "4 Card Enchantments" or "5 Card Manaless") and play it against other people on the forums! It encourages metagaming and rewards knowledge of the game and of the card pool, and sees really interesting and deep play.
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():
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"It is better for all the world if, instead of waiting to execute degenerate offspring for crime or to let them starve for their imbecility, society can prevent those who are manifestly unfit from continuing their kind. The principle that sustains compulsory vaccination is broad enough to cover cutting the Fallopian tubes... Three generations of imbeciles are enough."
--Buck v Bell, 1927. This case, regarding the compulsory sterilization of inmates at mental institutions, has -- somehow -- never been overturned. Just a wee PSA for ya.
i think you cannot think about playing magic in a solitaire way because magc IS the players. It is a battle of wits and experience shared. Pretty much like chess, you can play against yourself but it will never be as interesting.
If you don't want to play mtgo (and I perfectly understand and agree with what you're saying about it) my advice would be to look for other player. People who don't flicker cards, quiet and respectful people. I want to reassure you by reminding you that the sample of people you met so far is very low, try searching a bit more and i'm sure you'll find someone you feel comfortable playing with.
I too don't like people who are loud and have an arrogant demeanor. I usually try to avoid them, and if I meet them in tournaments I'm glad to beat them as it's a double victory, both against their deck and them.
But there are quiet and relaxed people. They are just difficult to hear over the loudness of the others, and to notice over their exuberance.
The sample I have is from going to over 4 different gaming stores in my area. They tend to be the same kind of folks.
Also the game is not the players. It's the story, the art, the feel, and worlds they weave. Sharing that with others is what diminishes the value of the game and all that it brings, at least to me. Trading has to be the worst. If I could play with bots I would.
How do I put this, the strategic part of the game is the players, what you described was the flavor, which is a coat of marketing paint. Considering some players play the game solely for its strategic value and don't care for the flavor at-large (which is probably the kind of people you don't like and find sharing with diminishing) and a larger majority do appreciate the flavor but still prioritize the strategic value above it, there isn't much you can do about it.
The flavor part isn't what really drives the game (which is essentially cardboard marketed with strategy and a coat of flavor), the main inspiration for that coat of flavor comes from D&D and there is where flavor plays a more important role (although the basic functions must still work otherwise it still breaks into boring degeneracy apparently - I don't play D&D don't take my words too seriously). Your ideal concept of a game seems to rely on flavor over strategy as a "base mechanic", which Magic doesn't really do so.
The sample I have is from going to over 4 different gaming stores in my area. They tend to be the same kind of folks.
I'd say they tend to be the kind of folks you dislike, otherwise it would be a very naive generalization. Still, 4 stores is a small size, it still could be that you're on the wrong side of variance. Or, your standards about people could be too high for most to be adequate.
Also the game is not the players. It's the story, the art, the feel, and worlds they weave. Sharing that with others is what diminishes the value of the game and all that it brings, at least to me. Trading has to be the worst. If I could play with bots I would.
Then if you want a game without players (!) just collect cards you like in terms of flavour and story and don't play games. Magic is both about playing with others and collecting cards, and you clearly seem to like only the second.
Well, Magic Duels allows you to play against AIs for free, and the card pool is growing. This is about the only thing I can't think of for someone who finds the other options lackluster. Aside from this, i fear there aren't many solutions, and i'm sorry for that.
I still disagree that Magic is about playing with others. I think if they knew what people were like they wouldn't say that.
Also you're trying make up excuses to cover up how bad the player base is for Magic. Ending up on the wrong side of variance is a weak response to was seems to be an obvious reality.
i think you cannot think about playing magic in a solitaire way because magc IS the players. It is a battle of wits and experience shared. Pretty much like chess, you can play against yourself but it will never be as interesting.
If you don't want to play mtgo (and I perfectly understand and agree with what you're saying about it) my advice would be to look for other player. People who don't flicker cards, quiet and respectful people. I want to reassure you by reminding you that the sample of people you met so far is very low, try searching a bit more and i'm sure you'll find someone you feel comfortable playing with.
I too don't like people who are loud and have an arrogant demeanor. I usually try to avoid them, and if I meet them in tournaments I'm glad to beat them as it's a double victory, both against their deck and them.
But there are quiet and relaxed people. They are just difficult to hear over the loudness of the others, and to notice over their exuberance.
The sample I have is from going to over 4 different gaming stores in my area. They tend to be the same kind of folks.
Also the game is not the players. It's the story, the art, the feel, and worlds they weave. Sharing that with others is what diminishes the value of the game and all that it brings, at least to me. Trading has to be the worst. If I could play with bots I would.
How do I put this, the strategic part of the game is the players, what you described was the flavor, which is a coat of marketing paint. Considering some players play the game solely for its strategic value and don't care for the flavor at-large (which is probably the kind of people you don't like and find sharing with diminishing) and a larger majority do appreciate the flavor but still prioritize the strategic value above it, there isn't much you can do about it.
The flavor part isn't what really drives the game (which is essentially cardboard marketed with strategy and a coat of flavor), the main inspiration for that coat of flavor comes from D&D and there is where flavor plays a more important role (although the basic functions must still work otherwise it still breaks into boring degeneracy apparently - I don't play D&D don't take my words too seriously). Your ideal concept of a game seems to rely on flavor over strategy as a "base mechanic", which Magic doesn't really do so.
I disagree with that as I think that the flavor is the game and what makes it more appealing then something like chess or checkers. It might be that it's useful in marketing but without that flavor nobody would bother with the game.
The story, feel, flavor and just the way it is are what make up the game. It's what makes it different then yugioh or Pokémon and part of why people play. It may vary from player to player but it is a large part of why people pick Magic and not other games.
Not sure this is trolling or not by the responses but my take on it...
I'd tend to agree the overall player base can be pretty rough. Unfortunately, nerdy things tend to bring out the socially inept or flat out mental health. Not all hit this spectrum of course and many people I've played with are cool, hell cooler then me, but I seem to see it all the time regardless. This multiples if prizes are involved. People who were originally cool go insane if I start winning.
I'd say play edh or multiplayer. Takes the pressure off and often times the stupider the game gets, the more fun people have. Got to find the right people of course. Months of weeding people out until I found my group.
AzureDuality, l've been playing since '94. I've played in places all over Nor. Cal, Seattle, Portland and the Oregon Coast. They vast majority of people I've met and played with have been awesome. I've also encountered every negative sterotype out there as well. Maybe the area where you live has an overabundance of the latter. I've also noticed that the people who claim "it's everybody else, not me", it really is just them. No offence but maybe you're hyper sensitive a d hyper judgemental at the same time. Sorry if people don't conform to your unrealistic expectations. Sometimes you have give folks the benefit of the doubt. I'm an obnoxious extravert, but I'm hella fun to hamg with and have many great peeps to play Magic with. If you were to judge me by my loud exterior you'd miss the opportunity of get to know me. Many people fit that category. So maybe you're arrogant and insecure, that's how your posts come across to me. People, you cam't live with them and you can't kill them, so might as well learn some social skills and get along. There are people who I don't enjoy playing with, and I have no problem letting them know it, but I'm also civil about it. I mean really, how cool do you think you are?
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Warning for trolling/flaming
i think you cannot think about playing magic in a solitaire way because magc IS the players. It is a battle of wits and experience shared. Pretty much like chess, you can play against yourself but it will never be as interesting.
If you don't want to play mtgo (and I perfectly understand and agree with what you're saying about it) my advice would be to look for other player. People who don't flicker cards, quiet and respectful people. I want to reassure you by reminding you that the sample of people you met so far is very low, try searching a bit more and i'm sure you'll find someone you feel comfortable playing with.
I too don't like people who are loud and have an arrogant demeanor. I usually try to avoid them, and if I meet them in tournaments I'm glad to beat them as it's a double victory, both against their deck and them.
But there are quiet and relaxed people. They are just difficult to hear over the loudness of the others, and to notice over their exuberance.
The sample I have is from going to over 4 different gaming stores in my area. They tend to be the same kind of folks.
Also the game is not the players. It's the story, the art, the feel, and worlds they weave. Sharing that with others is what diminishes the value of the game and all that it brings, at least to me. Trading has to be the worst. If I could play with bots I would.
How do I put this, the strategic part of the game is the players, what you described was the flavor, which is a coat of marketing paint. Considering some players play the game solely for its strategic value and don't care for the flavor at-large (which is probably the kind of people you don't like and find sharing with diminishing) and a larger majority do appreciate the flavor but still prioritize the strategic value above it, there isn't much you can do about it.
The flavor part isn't what really drives the game (which is essentially cardboard marketed with strategy and a coat of flavor), the main inspiration for that coat of flavor comes from D&D and there is where flavor plays a more important role (although the basic functions must still work otherwise it still breaks into boring degeneracy apparently - I don't play D&D don't take my words too seriously). Your ideal concept of a game seems to rely on flavor over strategy as a "base mechanic", which Magic doesn't really do so.
I disagree with that as I think that the flavor is the game and what makes it more appealing then something like chess or checkers. It might be that it's useful in marketing but without that flavor nobody would bother with the game.
The story, feel, flavor and just the way it is are what make up the game. It's what makes it different then yugioh or Pokémon and part of why people play. It may vary from player to player but it is a large part of why people pick Magic and not other games.
Meanwhile, I couldn't care less about the flavor or storyline.
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Standard: UR Blue-Red Control
Modern: UBR Grixis Control UWR Jeskai Control
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I mean I love the worlds and the art on the cards. I started in Alara and loved it, especially the shard of Esper. I loved the whole metallic feel of the plane and the cards, the concept of etherium (even how the word sounds). Then from there I branched backwards into the Shadowmoor block and it was like falling in love (I'm assuming). The hybrid cards were cool looking and how they cared about colors, plus the spirit avatars, scarecrow cards, and the dark feeling of the whole plane. Something similar happened when it came to Scars with the discovery of Phyrexia and I went hard into that, still don't know why I love phyrexia so much (I was absolutely tickled when I saw New Phyrexia).
Point being is that I pretty much love everything about the game and how it plays, except having to play with other people. For some reason that aspect of Magic almost makes me want to quit the game. Everything from flicking their cards to their loud voices, the list goes on. The players make the Magic experience difficult to enjoy for me. I tried the video games, but they are rather limited in deck construction. So as it has always been since I started I play with others out of necessity and try my best to pretend they are some kind of AI or I focus on the cards that I have played and the "feel" (art and story wise) of them.
Anyone have a similar experience?
Or maybe you are insecure, anti-social, and hyper critical of other's idiosyncrasies. In which case get over yourself. I'm a boisterous individual, sorry if my volume offends, not!
The MTG community has all types, and some are obnoxious I will admit. But is it really that bad? You'll encounter all the same types in the real world, sometimes you have to buck up and deal. If the players in your area are truely insufferable you might need to find another place to play. And that sucks, it's a game and people should just be on good behavior in pubic. People, you can't live with them, and you can't kill them either.
That's why I turn to drugs and alcohol.
Of course I could apply the same logic when it comes to other people and playing any kind of game. I like the game, not the people. They are more like bodies one requires to get things rolling.
You can play Magic as a Solitaire game in a variety of ways. Alternatively, you can play more socially-oriented variant formats, and/or shop around for another group of people to play with. Finding the level at which you are comfortable is a process which it is on you to complete.
UBR Sedris
RG Omnath, Locus of Rage
UB The Scarab God
RUG Maelstrom Wanderer
WU Dragonlord Ojutai
Magic the Gathering Online (MtGO) is not limited in deck construction, and you can easily ignore or turn off the chat feature.
This link gives a bunch of solitaire Magic formats.
There is also playing solo against a Horde deck or one of the similar decks from prerelease stuff, like the hydra.
As an older player I kind of feel you. The issue I have is that the game attracts tons of high school / college age players, and they aren't known for good hygiene or manners in many cases. Case in point, if you saw me at the LGS I got a playmat, dice, and all the things people would expect a player to have, but I'm dressed up in business casual with a polo shirt, usually have some hand sanitizer, and if I bring food and drink I always have some way to clean it up.
The average player I see at my LGS is an 18-28 year old with a backpack wearing a T-Shirt with some kind of kitsch artwork plastered over it and sometimes wear a baseball cap or some other kind of hat. They generally eat food that travels easy (as in, the debris gets everywhere), such as Doritos, Cheetos, Uncoated chocolate candy, etc, and there seems to be a few vapes and bongs. These players rarely clean up after themselves and I've seen a couple come in sick as well.
So yeah, I do regret my job doesn't let me go to FNM as much as I used to, but at the same time I can't really say I miss it all that much with a crowd like that. I feel that there are quite a few players who are in the work world that are in their 30s to 50s, but the quality of the typical LGS just doesn't lend itself to the sort of environment that attracts that age group. If wizards wants paper magic to thrive they probably need to encourage a better gathering than the LGS of the 90s. Maybe run weekend MTG conventions that are a little more upscale and are for casual format runners.
1. (Ravnica Allegiance): You can't keep a good esper control deck down... Or Wilderness Reclamation... or Gates...
2. (War of the Spark): Guys, I know what we need! We need a cycle of really idiotic flavor text victory cards! Jace's Triumph...
3. (War of the Spark): Lets make the format with control have even more control!
Find a like-minded group of gamers and play multiplayer with them.
Cheers!
Krichaiushii on PucaTrade.
That's why I'm glad I've found a new comic book store. The owner has put a ton of effort into making the store look nice and well put together, and it's attracting that sort of customer base. The shop where I used to work wasn't like that. It had poor lighting, ratty carpet, etc. I call stores like that "comics dungeons".
I would have never gone to a party hosted by anyone at the old shop, but when the owner of the place I go now hosted a New Year's party, I went and had a good time.
I guess see if there's a nicer location convenient to you. This isn't exclusive to this shop where I go now. I went to a Legacy tournament at one of the larger shops in Georgia a few months ago, and almost everyone there was friendly and pleasant. I had a lot of fun because the people were nice, and once again, a store where the owners are putting obvious efforts into appearance attracted a more tolerable group of players.
The problem is that even when there aren't prizes on the line it still becomes intolerable. I say that after having "played for fun" a few times before.
The sample I have is from going to over 4 different gaming stores in my area. They tend to be the same kind of folks.
Also the game is not the players. It's the story, the art, the feel, and worlds they weave. Sharing that with others is what diminishes the value of the game and all that it brings, at least to me. Trading has to be the worst. If I could play with bots I would.
--Buck v Bell, 1927. This case, regarding the compulsory sterilization of inmates at mental institutions, has -- somehow -- never been overturned. Just a wee PSA for ya.
How do I put this, the strategic part of the game is the players, what you described was the flavor, which is a coat of marketing paint. Considering some players play the game solely for its strategic value and don't care for the flavor at-large (which is probably the kind of people you don't like and find sharing with diminishing) and a larger majority do appreciate the flavor but still prioritize the strategic value above it, there isn't much you can do about it.
The flavor part isn't what really drives the game (which is essentially cardboard marketed with strategy and a coat of flavor), the main inspiration for that coat of flavor comes from D&D and there is where flavor plays a more important role (although the basic functions must still work otherwise it still breaks into boring degeneracy apparently - I don't play D&D don't take my words too seriously). Your ideal concept of a game seems to rely on flavor over strategy as a "base mechanic", which Magic doesn't really do so.
(Also known as Xenphire)
Humans are pretty intolerable
I still disagree that Magic is about playing with others. I think if they knew what people were like they wouldn't say that.
Also you're trying make up excuses to cover up how bad the player base is for Magic. Ending up on the wrong side of variance is a weak response to was seems to be an obvious reality.
I disagree with that as I think that the flavor is the game and what makes it more appealing then something like chess or checkers. It might be that it's useful in marketing but without that flavor nobody would bother with the game.
The story, feel, flavor and just the way it is are what make up the game. It's what makes it different then yugioh or Pokémon and part of why people play. It may vary from player to player but it is a large part of why people pick Magic and not other games.
I'd tend to agree the overall player base can be pretty rough. Unfortunately, nerdy things tend to bring out the socially inept or flat out mental health. Not all hit this spectrum of course and many people I've played with are cool, hell cooler then me, but I seem to see it all the time regardless. This multiples if prizes are involved. People who were originally cool go insane if I start winning.
I'd say play edh or multiplayer. Takes the pressure off and often times the stupider the game gets, the more fun people have. Got to find the right people of course. Months of weeding people out until I found my group.
Meanwhile, I couldn't care less about the flavor or storyline.
UR Blue-Red Control
Modern:
UBR Grixis Control
UWR Jeskai Control