I'm still a rather new Magic player and is slowly learning the various things in Magic.
1) I will like to ask what are the some good habits that you all can observe a good magic player doing or a good magic player will do or learn to do ( etc: keep records of their matches, always communicating what is done clearly, placing lands in a orderly manner and etc? )
2) I do know very well that the best magic players probably playtest and play alot with people in order to hone their skills, testdecks and etc but I would like to know as well how and what are some of things that one can do to improve their game when they are alone or not playing with people?
3) And also what are some of the bad things or bad habits that one should avoid doing during a game or outside the game as well?
4) And lastly, what are some advice that you guys can give to a new player who just started playing or learning magic as well?
I would like the above feedback to actually see how I can improve my own game and as well as learn to avoid the bad habits. I am of course by no means a good player but I do hope to improve my game and enjoy Magic better and so I thank you all in advance for any advices that you can teach or guide me with.
Two specific bad habits that new players tend to exhibit before they are corrected...
-"Still had all these": When you win, don't rub it in by showing your opponent all the sick cards you still had in your hand to crush them with. It is just straight up gloating and it is tacky and rude. Stop it.
-"If only I drew...": When you lose, learn from the experience and move on. Just because you didn't draw the 4th piece to your stupid combo or the 1-of answer in your deck at precisely the right moment doesn't mean you need to whine about it. Getting land screwed in your 20 land deck is going to happen a lot as well. When you don't draw the right cards, frequently, consider that maybe it is a deckbuilding problem. Also, shuffle more.
When keeping track of life always use a notepad.
This also allows you to jot down notes if you have the option to look at an opponents hand, or just remember certain cards they played
"Still had all these": When you win, don't rub it in by showing your opponent all the sick cards you still had in your hand to crush them with. It is just straight up gloating and it is tacky and rude. Stop it.
Also, if it's only the 1st or 2nd game of a match, don't show your opponent any more of your deck than you have to. Like Cranky said, don't show them how many more ways you could've won, and if you lose (especially if you concede), scoop your cards and don't show them any more than they already know. Giving your opponent free information is putting you at a disadvantage. I've had a few matches where I lost game 1 but my opponent still didn't know what deck I was playing, so they couldn't sideboard for game 2.
After the match is over, then whatever. I'll show my opponent how I sideboarded and whatever else they want to see.
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Modern: UR storm
Legacy: dragon stompy
Pauper: UG madness
MTGO: big_hat
So obviously the most important thing is to have fun and be courteous. You and your opponent are still playing a game, but you picked up magic because it's fun. If you lose, it'll happen sometimes shrug it off, and if you win be courteous. If you are enjoying yourself while playing, you'll just have a better experience.
Here's some things you can do to improve yourself as a magic player that are purely game related:
1) Always be clear about what you are trying to do. Magic is a confusing game and sometimes your intentions can confuse someone else. Be clear as to what is going on, and try to keep your field relatively uncluttered. Don't try to misrepresent when you have untapped lands, or weird things like that, not saying you would, but it's always nice to be clear. It helps you out as well.
2) In return, always understand what your opponent is doing. If you are confused, ask them. Ask judges as well. Magic is an extremely confusing game. Make sure you understand what your opponent is trying to do every time they do something. If you lose track or something again, ask them to repeat. You want to make sure you know what's going on at all times. If you're confused you can't make the right play all the time. Judges are more than happy to help out with these things as well, especially for newer players.
3) It's always best to playtest and get as many games in with your deck as possible. The more games you play, the more solid of an idea you have as to what your deck wants to do and how to best win. Not only should you play a lot of games with your deck, but you should play games against your deck as well. Switch decks with the opponent and play some games against your deck. You'll be surprised at how much you can learn from doing this.
4) If you can't playtest but still want something to do. Practice shuffling up your deck and drawing a hand. When looking at your hand ask yourselves these questions: Can this hand do anything? Can it cast spells? Can it deal with spells that they cast? Can I reasonably be in a winning position after two draws? Competitive magic is fast so ideally you need to do something on at least turn 2, if not both turn 1 and turn 2. This helps you learn what a good hand is and when you should mulligan a hand away.
That's just some general things you can do to get better at the game. Good luck! Remember to have fun because that's the most important part of the game.
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Currently Playing:
Modern: UWUW TronUW
Legacy: WDeath N TaxesW CEldrazi C
If you couldn't tell I hate greedy blue decks.
one I can think of off the top of my head that hasn't been mentioned is
-Don't forget you can cast after you attack, most creatures don't benefit from being out on main phase 1 so hold off. It's surprising how much untapped mana messes with your opponent's head
Here is my short list of "Good guy" things I try to do. These are my personal preference, and project myself as a person onto the "magic" battlefield.
Pre-Match:
1.) When sitting down for a match, extend your hand and introduce yourself. Ask how the opponent is doing today, or something about the weather. I hate when an opponent comes to a match, sits down, and impersonally plays a GAME with you! For those people, there is MTGO. For me, there is the personal aspect of M:TG paper. And lastly, wish them luck. You might not mean it, but it's such a normal, kind gesture. They might not need luck, they might need a ton - but it's the gesture of saying "I want to play this game with you, not win vs. mana screw" that goes a long way.
2.) Learn your opponents name. I personally write it down at the top of my score sheet so I don't forget. I use the opponents name as often as possible, it is just polite to do. If you forget, just ask them!
3.) If you are new, it is fine to tell your opponent this. As a new player, you will not be Top 8ing a PTQ anytime soon, so set the expectation that you will be trying to learn as you go, meaning you may play at a slower pace and need to read cards or ask for rules explanations.
Match:
1.) Communicate - Clearly define game elements, changes, and your own actions. This is the number one aspect that I focus on. ANNOUNCE (out loud) what you are doing at every step, and ask for the same in return. If an opponent is playing to fast, always remember that there are checks to you as well, and you can stop them at any time. Ask to read cards, call judge for rules explanations, and anything else you want to know.
2.) Practice shuffling, placing and holding your cards. This is somehting i'm not very good at, but have worked on over time to a point where i'm no longer a "sloppy player". Some players can shuffle one handed backwards while doing a handstand - not me! These days, my side of the table looks immaculate at all times, with a clear representation of graveyards, libraries, and board states.
3.) RTFC - Read the effing card - I can't tell you how many games I've won or lost because a card was played that I didnt understand or read thoroughly enough. It will benefit both you and your opponent if you understand what a card does, even if it takes a few moments to do so.
Post Match:
1.) Extend your hand to your opponent, and congratulate them on a well played game (regardless of outcome). They might not always be receptive to this (see #2 below:) - but showing the gesture can go a long way towards developing friendships etc.
2.) Do not get frustrated or angry. Easy to say, not easy to do for some. I am lucky in that I never get lost in the moment (or havent yet) and flipped a table or something. Some opponents are absolute dicks - just scoop your cards and walk away. Win or lose, this is still a game.
3.) Before reporting (if time allows), talk to your opponent about the match. Sideboards, decklists, and even scenarios during the match that could have played out differently. This is where much knowledge can be gained or shared regarding the specific match-up you both encountered. Of course, no player is obligated to do so - however this can again go a long way towards expanding your format knowledge as well as developing new relationships with other players.
Above all, remember that this is a game, and both people should be here to have fun. It is a competitive game, but should never be handled without the respect the opponent deserves.
1) Know when to think things through slowly and thoroughly and when not to. Good players think its through when it's important but don't waste time deciding to play a mountain on T1 in their mono-red deck. Not all decisions are made equal.
2) Have a plan. What's going to win you the game?
3) Even when thinking things through carefully, focus most on what is important. How are you going to win this game? Is it with that flier? If so, start your current-play analysis there. Use your plan to know when to think things through.
4) As the above said, read the cards. Especially with new sets. Its remarkably how many times i've screwed myself over because something was a sorcery instead of an instant.
Some people spend lots of time playing, practising and honing skills. Some people will tell you that good note taking, learning rules, sportsmanship etc... are good habit and they are... but that only gets you so far.
This isn't to discourage you from following habits, but they are just that. Habits.
What you should be concentrating on is the difference between a "good" Magic player and a "great" Magic player.
The answer is how "switched on" you are.
Truth be told, I've been outsmarted by a few players in my day. Playing a match, things going like clockwork... and then it happens.
You lose. Knowing instantly that you just got outplayed by someone who had more forethought, planned moves right from the start of the game. Anticipated your moves and put you in check mate when the time was right.
Maybe it was that I played the land I drew, when my opponent had Thoughtseized me two turns before, letting him know exactly what was left in my hand instead of playing the land he knew about. Small things like that.
You go over the game mentally. Was there something you could have done different? Yes, a few things. Did they matter? Yes, they mattered.
You could have defeated your opponent had you played differently. Played smarter, but you didn't. Your opponent knew it, but you didn't. Why? Because they were more "switched on" in ways that experience can't even teach. No amount of practising could have allowed you to come out of that game ahead.
It's like the first time you play against a deck that does something you have never seen. Remember the surprise? If you are smart enough, you realize just what happened there. You gain a little insight into the possibility of cards and player potential.
Everyone knows "That guy", the guy with all the cards but still loses enough to that he rarely makes Top 8 or Top 4 or what have you. "That guy".
"That guy" is the difference.
The local high school has a Magic club. I show up there periodically to talk to the kiddoes about rulings questions, deck building etc...
Most of them have a non-existent or shoe string budget for cards. I let them borrow my Modern decks to play with since they aren't as expensive as Legacy, but they are much more powerful than the Standard homebrews they get to play with.
It's really amazing to watch these kids learn by playing these decks. One kid, he might go places if he sticks with it. In a matter of a few months he's become a "good" player. I can only imagine how far he will go because he has the look. The look a player has when they "get it". The look a player gives you when they have just figured out how to win the game from a terrible board state.
That's what you should be concentrating on, the habits will come as you work on them.
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My Modern decks: B/R/G Living End G/R/B G/R Tron R/G U/W/G/R Gargageddon R/G/W/U R/W/G Naya Burn G/W/R
Good players will plan out their turns on their opponents turns, and will already decide whether or not they will play their spells in certain situations. For example, your opponent has a creature and you have a removal spell. If you are experienced, you will already think out whether you will cast the removal spell on that creature, before you pass your turn to your opponent.
This not only avoids unintentional draws by increasing the pace of play, but it also helps conceal the information in your hand. If you pause whenever you have a tough choice, a clever opponent will be able to deduce what you are thinking about.
Thank you all for your replies. I do appreciate it and learn quite a few things as well. Do keep the feedbacks coming. Just a question though. Do you guys actually ask other people to pilot your deck while you watch them and see how they play your deck? And of course I am referring to asking more experienced players and better players than myself to pilot the deck to let me see how they use it.
Thank you all for your replies. I do appreciate it and learn quite a few things as well. Do keep the feedbacks coming. Just a question though. Do you guys actually ask other people to pilot your deck while you watch them and see how they play your deck? And of course I am referring to asking more experienced players and better players than myself to pilot the deck to let me see how they use it.
Yeah sometimes I like to watch it from a different perspective. People will always have a mix of opinions about how to play a deck. In fact, people will even play a deck differently against certain people given their tendencies. Seeing the deck played from every angle gives you more flexibility in how you play your games. There's a story Pat Chapin told where Wafo-Tapa was playing a deck against someone and chose to be on the play. When he later played against Pat, who was playing the same deck his opponent played, he chose to draw. Curiously Pat asked him (I mean what the heck) and he said "against you, I draw". Knowing your opponent is key here, he knows Chapin is a control player, so he can get away with the card advantage.
Even decks I know how to play really well, like UW Tron, I've seen people play them differently. I remember someone who's much better than me was piloting my UWR deck against Kiki Pod. He made a play I would never think to make on the basis that he knew how the opponent would play and knew he wouldn't win. Like he literally tapped out in response to Deceiver Exarch on the grounds that his opponent wouldn't have the combo, he'd have already gone for it. It was really strange but he knew the mindgames.
As far as a tactic goes, put a die on your deck when you have an upkeep effect to track. It's particularly good for Bob triggers so you don't accidentally miss them.
I'd say the most important thing is to NOT blame luck when you lose. It's one of the recurring themes among new players and sore losers and prevents you from improving.
Magic is a game of skill but has some variance, and you have to accept that. For that game that you got mana screwed, you will have another one when you topdeck the only card that would have made you win.
I even aknowledge to the opponent when I have inmese luck (the most insane thing I remember is drawing Deceiver Exarch AND Splinter Twin comsecutively after having my board wiped out. That is luck, and I accept it because in some other game maybe I won't draw either piece, ever
Always preferentially tap a basic over a dual. (except in the oddball cases of wasteland/tec edge, but this is not important for a new player)
If you're on the draw don't pick up your starting hand till your opponent has chosen whether to mulligan. Furthermore, watch their face and body language for info (notice counting? could be a combo deck)
Sequence your land drops effectively, don't play your dual over a basic early unless you need the mana.
More on that point, never needlessly give info to your opponent, make them guess what you're playing till the last moment.
Be polite, and yourself. I like to joke around and keep a casual atmosphere in most games I play. I'll never actually reveal any info about my deck or play and subtly try to find some about theirs until the game is over.
Always check the zones, know how much mana they could have of what kind. Know your hand, know your graveyard. Don't draw snapcaster mage and immediately check your bin, you should know whats there.
Always, always take a moment to think about your moves. Don't take the obvious one without considering your options, great players know how minimize the chance an opponent could get back into a game.
Shakes hands, and talk about the game after. It will help both you and your opponent get better, I usually show my boarding plan as well. Be nice, no one likes a gloating winner or a sore loser.
The local high school has a Magic club. I show up there periodically to talk to the kiddoes about rulings questions, deck building etc...
Most of them have a non-existent or shoe string budget for cards. I let them borrow my Modern decks to play with since they aren't as expensive as Legacy, but they are much more powerful than the Standard homebrews they get to play with.
It's really amazing to watch these kids learn by playing these decks. One kid, he might go places if he sticks with it. In a matter of a few months he's become a "good" player. I can only imagine how far he will go because he has the look. The look a player has when they "get it". The look a player gives you when they have just figured out how to win the game from a terrible board state.
That's what you should be concentrating on, the habits will come as you work on them.
Awesome. I'm in highschool and wish we had a club. I've thought about starting one. People play after school, but many people just proxy decks (which I think is ok). Until you have a tier 1 vintage deck going against tribal Vampires. It's chaos! You can tell who knows their deck inside and out and "gets it" I would often beat legacy decks with Esper Tokens (when it was in standard) because I knew how to play out my deck.
Ok that went way off topic but I felt like saying that.
I would put good habits into 2 categories. Habits that help you win and habits that are just nice and friendly. I think watching high level tournament play with commentators is the best way to learn the former. Playing against people helps you a bit in terms of how to be friendly.
For example I watched a modern match at my locales. There was an adult playing combo elves against a kid playing his shakey RDW standard deck. Before the match started the guy showed the kid how elves "combed off" so the kid had some idea how to beat it.
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- Modern WBB/W TokensWB WUBAd NauseamWUB
- Commander WG Captain Sisay's LegendsWG
As has been mentioned before, try to make sure everything is clear. You can't really make informed decisions if the game state is ambiguous. The best way to make sure everyone is on the same page: announce your stages. It might feel a little weird, but say out loud "untap, upkeep, draw" on each of your turns. "Entering combat" is another important one.
Saying "untap" clearly signals that your opponent has yielded their turn and you are done with any end-of-turn shenanigans.
Every once in a while you'll have an opponent pull something during your upkeep. Especially if you have planeswalkers out. Annoucing "upkeep" gives them the opportunity before you start to draw. Plus it will sometimes remind you about an upkeep trigger you might have otherwise forgotten.
"Entering combat" is something that new players rarely do and experianced players almost always do. Say this if you have any creatures out, even if you are not going to attack. You never know when you'll bait out an odd Cryptic Command or something.
Just in general, err towards more communication rather than less.
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"Let us therefore begin by putting aside all facts, for they have no bearing on the questions." -Rousseau
If you have an upkeep trigger, put a dice or something on top of your library to remind yourself. In casual missed triggers usually aren't a big deal, but in any kind of serious tournament you can get infractions for it. The second you cast something that has an upkeep trigger, do this. If you have something with a recurring upkeep trigger, say Dark Confidant, keep the dice there. Every time you go to draw you'll think "why is this there? Oh, right!"
Learn to play in your second main phase when possible, even when doing things like playing a land. Denying your opponent information can encourage play mistakes. Say you draw your fourth land, you have a 3 drop out, a better 4 drop in hand, and your opponent has untapped lands. Attack first, and if they kill your 3 drop with instant speed removal, lay down your 4th land and play your 4 drop, rather than playing it first main and giving your opponent that information. It feels natural to just whip that land on the board as soon as you draw it, but you can give your opponent misinformation by holding onto it just a little bit longer.
Last one: call out your turn phases, even if you're just whispering to yourself. It's easy to just rip a card off the top, untap afterward, drop a land, and swing without thinking about what you've done. Say, either out loud or in your head: "untap, upkeep, draw, main, start combat, attack, block, end combat, second main, end" until you develop a rhythm for it. Sometimes there are plays you can make that you don't notice unless you pay attention to the phase, and even mistakes your opponents can take advantage of you on. Try tracking what your opponent is doing in a similar fashion. It's okay to ask them what phase they're in or entering, and it's also fine to say "I have something at the end of your upkeep" when the turn starts to keep them from drawing hastily and missing your opportunity to make a play.
Learn how to play fetchlands. Crack them at the right time (usually end of turn for a tapped shock). Fetch basics when you can, dont give away free infomation without needing to. Its a skill.
Learn a deck and tweak it. Modern really rewards players that stick to one deck as the pro tour showcased.
Hi,
Thank you for your advice. Can I clarify the above 2 points?
1) Why is fetching basics better than a tapped shock excluding using the basic to play around blood moon?
2) By sticking to a deck means just keep playing 1 main deck and learn how to response to any other decks just by using that deck?
Plan out everything you're going to do in your turn after your draw step and before playing anything.
That's down to the sequencing, like playing spells that draw cards before playing other spells if you know you're going to play spells that draw cards. Others like whether you want to play a land or not play a land before attack step, which land to play (fetch, shock, basic, etc.), playing a spell pre-combat, post-combat, or during combat, etc.
Learn how to play fetchlands. Crack them at the right time (usually end of turn for a tapped shock). Fetch basics when you can, dont give away free infomation without needing to. Its a skill.
Learn a deck and tweak it. Modern really rewards players that stick to one deck as the pro tour showcased.
Hi,
Thank you for your advice. Can I clarify the above 2 points?
1) Why is fetching basics better than a tapped shock excluding using the basic to play around blood moon?
2) By sticking to a deck means just keep playing 1 main deck and learn how to response to any other decks just by using that deck?
1.) Fetching basics to keep from dying to blood moon is good enough reason if your playing modern :). But its not just that, its knowing when to fetch a basic and when the coast is clear to fetch a dual. Legacy players especially will tell you that if you aren't prepared for cards like wasteland, it doesn't really matter what your strategy is. The opponents goal is to deny your resources, dont let him! If you can put your opponent on a certain deck then it makes this decision easier. Its important that your land base is covered so you dont just loose to a fulminator mage.
2.) To answer this question of why its important to play one deck and master it, Im going to refer to Reid Duke's article on cfb last week, the one where he was gushing over Joe Lossett. Joe has been playing legacy miracles forever, and hes the best at it. See the scg points leaderboard for all the proof you need.
As far as good habits, I would say just act like a professional, even though you aren't one. Pros do't cry about luck, or whine when mana screwed...nor do they critisize their opponents play. They are friendly, and they act like they have "been there before." Build a deck you like and can see yourself playing for awhile, and test it against anything. Someone mentioned this earlier, but try to figure out what your opponent is on as soon as possible. Once you have that figured out, you already know your game plan against that deck is. if you have been playing yours for quite some time.
Thank you all for your replies. I do appreciate it and learn quite a few things as well. Do keep the feedbacks coming. Just a question though. Do you guys actually ask other people to pilot your deck while you watch them and see how they play your deck? And of course I am referring to asking more experienced players and better players than myself to pilot the deck to let me see how they use it.
Yes. This is a good idea. It's a quick way of going about learning the intricacies of the deck.
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Level 1 Judge - Altruistic Community Service.
My Modern decks: B/R/G Living End G/R/B G/R Tron R/G U/W/G/R Gargageddon R/G/W/U R/W/G Naya Burn G/W/R
Not sure if this was mentioned but this falls into the category of "knowing/preparing for the meta". Not everyone is able to fully grasp the way a deck plays simply by looking at a decklist or playtesting against it. I'm definitely in this group of people, and I've found that sometimes, in order to understand the stuff I'll be playing against, I need to play with the deck itself to really get a feel for it. I think this has the added benefit of teaching you about a wider variety of plays the deck can make. Instead of being on the receiving end of a single line of play, you consider multiple lines and pick one to use. The latter situation feels like getting a more comprehensive look at a deck.
This might be obvious to most people but I felt like pointing it out.
Mostly, I'd say what the others have said in regards to good sportsmanship and being friendly. Being a pleasure to play against gives you a good reputation and will make it more likely that others will share their knowledge with you and help you become a better player. Also, it's just being a good person.
As far as strictly becoming a better Magic player: there's a theory out there that says to become in the top 1% of any field, you need to put in 10,000 hours under constant correction. I underlined the last part because it's the most important. You can play Magic all day long and you won't improve that much if you don't constantly evaluate your play. It's the logic behind a lot of the suggestions others have made: don't blame luck, because you might've lost due to a mistake, which you could learn from; don't whine that you lost, that loss might've been because you sideboarded incorrectly; don't complain about manascrew, maybe you're playing too few lands; etc, etc. My group of friends tries to live by this rule, so we're always ruthlessly evaluating each others' play. We point out any mistakes we see and constantly discuss the strengths/weaknesses of lines of play, both in playtesting and at tournaments (obviously after the match at tournaments!).
I'm still a rather new Magic player and is slowly learning the various things in Magic.
1) I will like to ask what are the some good habits that you all can observe a good magic player doing or a good magic player will do or learn to do ( etc: keep records of their matches, always communicating what is done clearly, placing lands in a orderly manner and etc? )
2) I do know very well that the best magic players probably playtest and play alot with people in order to hone their skills, testdecks and etc but I would like to know as well how and what are some of things that one can do to improve their game when they are alone or not playing with people?
3) And also what are some of the bad things or bad habits that one should avoid doing during a game or outside the game as well?
4) And lastly, what are some advice that you guys can give to a new player who just started playing or learning magic as well?
I would like the above feedback to actually see how I can improve my own game and as well as learn to avoid the bad habits. I am of course by no means a good player but I do hope to improve my game and enjoy Magic better and so I thank you all in advance for any advices that you can teach or guide me with.
Best regards,
Deathsycthx
-"Still had all these": When you win, don't rub it in by showing your opponent all the sick cards you still had in your hand to crush them with. It is just straight up gloating and it is tacky and rude. Stop it.
-"If only I drew...": When you lose, learn from the experience and move on. Just because you didn't draw the 4th piece to your stupid combo or the 1-of answer in your deck at precisely the right moment doesn't mean you need to whine about it. Getting land screwed in your 20 land deck is going to happen a lot as well. When you don't draw the right cards, frequently, consider that maybe it is a deckbuilding problem. Also, shuffle more.
This also allows you to jot down notes if you have the option to look at an opponents hand, or just remember certain cards they played
Also, if it's only the 1st or 2nd game of a match, don't show your opponent any more of your deck than you have to. Like Cranky said, don't show them how many more ways you could've won, and if you lose (especially if you concede), scoop your cards and don't show them any more than they already know. Giving your opponent free information is putting you at a disadvantage. I've had a few matches where I lost game 1 but my opponent still didn't know what deck I was playing, so they couldn't sideboard for game 2.
After the match is over, then whatever. I'll show my opponent how I sideboarded and whatever else they want to see.
Legacy: dragon stompy
Pauper: UG madness
MTGO: big_hat
Here's some things you can do to improve yourself as a magic player that are purely game related:
1) Always be clear about what you are trying to do. Magic is a confusing game and sometimes your intentions can confuse someone else. Be clear as to what is going on, and try to keep your field relatively uncluttered. Don't try to misrepresent when you have untapped lands, or weird things like that, not saying you would, but it's always nice to be clear. It helps you out as well.
2) In return, always understand what your opponent is doing. If you are confused, ask them. Ask judges as well. Magic is an extremely confusing game. Make sure you understand what your opponent is trying to do every time they do something. If you lose track or something again, ask them to repeat. You want to make sure you know what's going on at all times. If you're confused you can't make the right play all the time. Judges are more than happy to help out with these things as well, especially for newer players.
3) It's always best to playtest and get as many games in with your deck as possible. The more games you play, the more solid of an idea you have as to what your deck wants to do and how to best win. Not only should you play a lot of games with your deck, but you should play games against your deck as well. Switch decks with the opponent and play some games against your deck. You'll be surprised at how much you can learn from doing this.
4) If you can't playtest but still want something to do. Practice shuffling up your deck and drawing a hand. When looking at your hand ask yourselves these questions: Can this hand do anything? Can it cast spells? Can it deal with spells that they cast? Can I reasonably be in a winning position after two draws? Competitive magic is fast so ideally you need to do something on at least turn 2, if not both turn 1 and turn 2. This helps you learn what a good hand is and when you should mulligan a hand away.
That's just some general things you can do to get better at the game. Good luck! Remember to have fun because that's the most important part of the game.
Modern:
UWUW TronUW
Legacy:
WDeath N TaxesW
CEldrazi C
If you couldn't tell I hate greedy blue decks.
Vintage
WWhite Trash
-Don't forget you can cast after you attack, most creatures don't benefit from being out on main phase 1 so hold off. It's surprising how much untapped mana messes with your opponent's head
Pre-Match:
1.) When sitting down for a match, extend your hand and introduce yourself. Ask how the opponent is doing today, or something about the weather. I hate when an opponent comes to a match, sits down, and impersonally plays a GAME with you! For those people, there is MTGO. For me, there is the personal aspect of M:TG paper. And lastly, wish them luck. You might not mean it, but it's such a normal, kind gesture. They might not need luck, they might need a ton - but it's the gesture of saying "I want to play this game with you, not win vs. mana screw" that goes a long way.
2.) Learn your opponents name. I personally write it down at the top of my score sheet so I don't forget. I use the opponents name as often as possible, it is just polite to do. If you forget, just ask them!
3.) If you are new, it is fine to tell your opponent this. As a new player, you will not be Top 8ing a PTQ anytime soon, so set the expectation that you will be trying to learn as you go, meaning you may play at a slower pace and need to read cards or ask for rules explanations.
Match:
1.) Communicate - Clearly define game elements, changes, and your own actions. This is the number one aspect that I focus on. ANNOUNCE (out loud) what you are doing at every step, and ask for the same in return. If an opponent is playing to fast, always remember that there are checks to you as well, and you can stop them at any time. Ask to read cards, call judge for rules explanations, and anything else you want to know.
2.) Practice shuffling, placing and holding your cards. This is somehting i'm not very good at, but have worked on over time to a point where i'm no longer a "sloppy player". Some players can shuffle one handed backwards while doing a handstand - not me! These days, my side of the table looks immaculate at all times, with a clear representation of graveyards, libraries, and board states.
3.) RTFC - Read the effing card - I can't tell you how many games I've won or lost because a card was played that I didnt understand or read thoroughly enough. It will benefit both you and your opponent if you understand what a card does, even if it takes a few moments to do so.
Post Match:
1.) Extend your hand to your opponent, and congratulate them on a well played game (regardless of outcome). They might not always be receptive to this (see #2 below:) - but showing the gesture can go a long way towards developing friendships etc.
2.) Do not get frustrated or angry. Easy to say, not easy to do for some. I am lucky in that I never get lost in the moment (or havent yet) and flipped a table or something. Some opponents are absolute dicks - just scoop your cards and walk away. Win or lose, this is still a game.
3.) Before reporting (if time allows), talk to your opponent about the match. Sideboards, decklists, and even scenarios during the match that could have played out differently. This is where much knowledge can be gained or shared regarding the specific match-up you both encountered. Of course, no player is obligated to do so - however this can again go a long way towards expanding your format knowledge as well as developing new relationships with other players.
Above all, remember that this is a game, and both people should be here to have fun. It is a competitive game, but should never be handled without the respect the opponent deserves.
2) Have a plan. What's going to win you the game?
3) Even when thinking things through carefully, focus most on what is important. How are you going to win this game? Is it with that flier? If so, start your current-play analysis there. Use your plan to know when to think things through.
4) As the above said, read the cards. Especially with new sets. Its remarkably how many times i've screwed myself over because something was a sorcery instead of an instant.
This isn't to discourage you from following habits, but they are just that. Habits.
What you should be concentrating on is the difference between a "good" Magic player and a "great" Magic player.
The answer is how "switched on" you are.
Truth be told, I've been outsmarted by a few players in my day. Playing a match, things going like clockwork... and then it happens.
You lose. Knowing instantly that you just got outplayed by someone who had more forethought, planned moves right from the start of the game. Anticipated your moves and put you in check mate when the time was right.
Maybe it was that I played the land I drew, when my opponent had Thoughtseized me two turns before, letting him know exactly what was left in my hand instead of playing the land he knew about. Small things like that.
You go over the game mentally. Was there something you could have done different? Yes, a few things. Did they matter? Yes, they mattered.
You could have defeated your opponent had you played differently. Played smarter, but you didn't. Your opponent knew it, but you didn't. Why? Because they were more "switched on" in ways that experience can't even teach. No amount of practising could have allowed you to come out of that game ahead.
It's like the first time you play against a deck that does something you have never seen. Remember the surprise? If you are smart enough, you realize just what happened there. You gain a little insight into the possibility of cards and player potential.
Everyone knows "That guy", the guy with all the cards but still loses enough to that he rarely makes Top 8 or Top 4 or what have you. "That guy".
"That guy" is the difference.
The local high school has a Magic club. I show up there periodically to talk to the kiddoes about rulings questions, deck building etc...
Most of them have a non-existent or shoe string budget for cards. I let them borrow my Modern decks to play with since they aren't as expensive as Legacy, but they are much more powerful than the Standard homebrews they get to play with.
It's really amazing to watch these kids learn by playing these decks. One kid, he might go places if he sticks with it. In a matter of a few months he's become a "good" player. I can only imagine how far he will go because he has the look. The look a player has when they "get it". The look a player gives you when they have just figured out how to win the game from a terrible board state.
That's what you should be concentrating on, the habits will come as you work on them.
My Modern decks:
B/R/G Living End G/R/B
G/R Tron R/G
U/W/G/R Gargageddon R/G/W/U
R/W/G Naya Burn G/W/R
This not only avoids unintentional draws by increasing the pace of play, but it also helps conceal the information in your hand. If you pause whenever you have a tough choice, a clever opponent will be able to deduce what you are thinking about.
Yeah sometimes I like to watch it from a different perspective. People will always have a mix of opinions about how to play a deck. In fact, people will even play a deck differently against certain people given their tendencies. Seeing the deck played from every angle gives you more flexibility in how you play your games. There's a story Pat Chapin told where Wafo-Tapa was playing a deck against someone and chose to be on the play. When he later played against Pat, who was playing the same deck his opponent played, he chose to draw. Curiously Pat asked him (I mean what the heck) and he said "against you, I draw". Knowing your opponent is key here, he knows Chapin is a control player, so he can get away with the card advantage.
Even decks I know how to play really well, like UW Tron, I've seen people play them differently. I remember someone who's much better than me was piloting my UWR deck against Kiki Pod. He made a play I would never think to make on the basis that he knew how the opponent would play and knew he wouldn't win. Like he literally tapped out in response to Deceiver Exarch on the grounds that his opponent wouldn't have the combo, he'd have already gone for it. It was really strange but he knew the mindgames.
As far as a tactic goes, put a die on your deck when you have an upkeep effect to track. It's particularly good for Bob triggers so you don't accidentally miss them.
Grixis Death's Shadow, Jund, UW Tron, Jeskai Control, Storm, Counters Company, Eldrazi Tron, Affinity, Living End, Infect, Merfolk, Dredge, Ad Nauseam, Amulet, Bogles, Eldrazi Tron, Mono U Tron, Lantern, Mardu Pyromancer
Magic is a game of skill but has some variance, and you have to accept that. For that game that you got mana screwed, you will have another one when you topdeck the only card that would have made you win.
I even aknowledge to the opponent when I have inmese luck (the most insane thing I remember is drawing Deceiver Exarch AND Splinter Twin comsecutively after having my board wiped out. That is luck, and I accept it because in some other game maybe I won't draw either piece, ever
Always preferentially tap a basic over a dual. (except in the oddball cases of wasteland/tec edge, but this is not important for a new player)
If you're on the draw don't pick up your starting hand till your opponent has chosen whether to mulligan. Furthermore, watch their face and body language for info (notice counting? could be a combo deck)
Sequence your land drops effectively, don't play your dual over a basic early unless you need the mana.
More on that point, never needlessly give info to your opponent, make them guess what you're playing till the last moment.
Be polite, and yourself. I like to joke around and keep a casual atmosphere in most games I play. I'll never actually reveal any info about my deck or play and subtly try to find some about theirs until the game is over.
Always check the zones, know how much mana they could have of what kind. Know your hand, know your graveyard. Don't draw snapcaster mage and immediately check your bin, you should know whats there.
Always, always take a moment to think about your moves. Don't take the obvious one without considering your options, great players know how minimize the chance an opponent could get back into a game.
Shakes hands, and talk about the game after. It will help both you and your opponent get better, I usually show my boarding plan as well. Be nice, no one likes a gloating winner or a sore loser.
Awesome. I'm in highschool and wish we had a club. I've thought about starting one. People play after school, but many people just proxy decks (which I think is ok). Until you have a tier 1 vintage deck going against tribal Vampires. It's chaos! You can tell who knows their deck inside and out and "gets it" I would often beat legacy decks with Esper Tokens (when it was in standard) because I knew how to play out my deck.
Ok that went way off topic but I felt like saying that.
I would put good habits into 2 categories. Habits that help you win and habits that are just nice and friendly. I think watching high level tournament play with commentators is the best way to learn the former. Playing against people helps you a bit in terms of how to be friendly.
For example I watched a modern match at my locales. There was an adult playing combo elves against a kid playing his shakey RDW standard deck. Before the match started the guy showed the kid how elves "combed off" so the kid had some idea how to beat it.
WBB/W TokensWB
WUBAd NauseamWUB
- Commander
WG Captain Sisay's LegendsWG
Saying "untap" clearly signals that your opponent has yielded their turn and you are done with any end-of-turn shenanigans.
Every once in a while you'll have an opponent pull something during your upkeep. Especially if you have planeswalkers out. Annoucing "upkeep" gives them the opportunity before you start to draw. Plus it will sometimes remind you about an upkeep trigger you might have otherwise forgotten.
"Entering combat" is something that new players rarely do and experianced players almost always do. Say this if you have any creatures out, even if you are not going to attack. You never know when you'll bait out an odd Cryptic Command or something.
Just in general, err towards more communication rather than less.
If you have an upkeep trigger, put a dice or something on top of your library to remind yourself. In casual missed triggers usually aren't a big deal, but in any kind of serious tournament you can get infractions for it. The second you cast something that has an upkeep trigger, do this. If you have something with a recurring upkeep trigger, say Dark Confidant, keep the dice there. Every time you go to draw you'll think "why is this there? Oh, right!"
Learn to play in your second main phase when possible, even when doing things like playing a land. Denying your opponent information can encourage play mistakes. Say you draw your fourth land, you have a 3 drop out, a better 4 drop in hand, and your opponent has untapped lands. Attack first, and if they kill your 3 drop with instant speed removal, lay down your 4th land and play your 4 drop, rather than playing it first main and giving your opponent that information. It feels natural to just whip that land on the board as soon as you draw it, but you can give your opponent misinformation by holding onto it just a little bit longer.
Last one: call out your turn phases, even if you're just whispering to yourself. It's easy to just rip a card off the top, untap afterward, drop a land, and swing without thinking about what you've done. Say, either out loud or in your head: "untap, upkeep, draw, main, start combat, attack, block, end combat, second main, end" until you develop a rhythm for it. Sometimes there are plays you can make that you don't notice unless you pay attention to the phase, and even mistakes your opponents can take advantage of you on. Try tracking what your opponent is doing in a similar fashion. It's okay to ask them what phase they're in or entering, and it's also fine to say "I have something at the end of your upkeep" when the turn starts to keep them from drawing hastily and missing your opportunity to make a play.
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Hi,
Thank you for your advice. Can I clarify the above 2 points?
1) Why is fetching basics better than a tapped shock excluding using the basic to play around blood moon?
2) By sticking to a deck means just keep playing 1 main deck and learn how to response to any other decks just by using that deck?
If your opponent make you discard and see that you have a full art Island left And you drop a normal Island, he know exactly what is in your hand.
That's down to the sequencing, like playing spells that draw cards before playing other spells if you know you're going to play spells that draw cards. Others like whether you want to play a land or not play a land before attack step, which land to play (fetch, shock, basic, etc.), playing a spell pre-combat, post-combat, or during combat, etc.
1.) Fetching basics to keep from dying to blood moon is good enough reason if your playing modern :). But its not just that, its knowing when to fetch a basic and when the coast is clear to fetch a dual. Legacy players especially will tell you that if you aren't prepared for cards like wasteland, it doesn't really matter what your strategy is. The opponents goal is to deny your resources, dont let him! If you can put your opponent on a certain deck then it makes this decision easier. Its important that your land base is covered so you dont just loose to a fulminator mage.
2.) To answer this question of why its important to play one deck and master it, Im going to refer to Reid Duke's article on cfb last week, the one where he was gushing over Joe Lossett. Joe has been playing legacy miracles forever, and hes the best at it. See the scg points leaderboard for all the proof you need.
As far as good habits, I would say just act like a professional, even though you aren't one. Pros do't cry about luck, or whine when mana screwed...nor do they critisize their opponents play. They are friendly, and they act like they have "been there before." Build a deck you like and can see yourself playing for awhile, and test it against anything. Someone mentioned this earlier, but try to figure out what your opponent is on as soon as possible. Once you have that figured out, you already know your game plan against that deck is. if you have been playing yours for quite some time.
BUGShardless SultaiBUG
Modern
URSplinter TwinUR
BWGAbzan MidrangeBWG
Standard
URWJeskai TokensURW
Yes. This is a good idea. It's a quick way of going about learning the intricacies of the deck.
My Modern decks:
B/R/G Living End G/R/B
G/R Tron R/G
U/W/G/R Gargageddon R/G/W/U
R/W/G Naya Burn G/W/R
This might be obvious to most people but I felt like pointing it out.
UWRUWR Midrange/GeistRWU
Retired
GWBMelira PodBWG
As far as strictly becoming a better Magic player: there's a theory out there that says to become in the top 1% of any field, you need to put in 10,000 hours under constant correction. I underlined the last part because it's the most important. You can play Magic all day long and you won't improve that much if you don't constantly evaluate your play. It's the logic behind a lot of the suggestions others have made: don't blame luck, because you might've lost due to a mistake, which you could learn from; don't whine that you lost, that loss might've been because you sideboarded incorrectly; don't complain about manascrew, maybe you're playing too few lands; etc, etc. My group of friends tries to live by this rule, so we're always ruthlessly evaluating each others' play. We point out any mistakes we see and constantly discuss the strengths/weaknesses of lines of play, both in playtesting and at tournaments (obviously after the match at tournaments!).
Modern: GW Hatebears/midrange, WGU Knightfall/evolution midrange stuff
Standard: nope
Legacy: W Death & Taxes
EDH (not Commander!): W Avacyn, Angel of Hope, GR Ruric Thar, the Unbowed, WGB Anafenza, the Foremost, WU Hanna, Ship's Navigator