I have played and done well in a lot of local tournaments but playing in a large tournament I am sure is much different.. People being jerks/sticklers for small rules etc..
For a first timer.. What are some things that you wish you would have known or done prior to going into that first tournament?
Take only your deck, extra sleeves, pencil, paper, and cash. How I loathe having to find the closest damn atm just to play. Also, watch your opponent like a hawk. Most huge tourneys I've been to there will be lots of people there trying to get an edge in by any means. Count your opponents deck. Do not be afraid to call a judge, for anything (i.e. deck checks, ackward behavior from your opponent, rules clarifications). Talk to the judges before the tournament. Let them know that you are new-ish to this scene. Ask for one to watch a match or two.
This may sound counterproductive, but DO NOT GO IF YOU INTEND TO PLAY FOR FUN. Major tourneys are a major pain in the arse, but are worth it if you can make day2, top8, yadda yadda. There will be people there that you will want to punch in the face.
Your milage may vary, but good luck nonetheless.
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"Failing to Find" Since March 2010.
Current Capt. of Team "Ju"
I play this:
Standard:
Rotation is coming...
Modern: GGGSTOMPY
ZOO (Goyf-less)
Legacy:
Brewing
EDH:
Too many to name.
There are, unfortunately, many home rules that people think are true but aren't and they get a nasty surprise. Mulliganing and shuffling is the most common home rules that people think are right (such as "oops, I have no land, I get to mulligan for free")
#2 -- when in doubt call a judge
Call a judge. Don't ask your opponent (even if he is your friend; he might be wrong), don't ask other players, ask a judge.
What are some things that you wish you would have known or done prior to going into that first tournament?
By the time I attended my first tournament, I had friends with lots of prior experience with them, so not much really other than limited strategies (my first pre release I was gawking at cards rather than building a deck).
People being jerks/sticklers for small rules etc..
Rules are rules, "small" or not. I fully expect anyone who is playing competitively to obey the rules, and in fact appreciate a stickler for small rules rather than one that gets pissed off when I call attention to them. Sure, I might let some things slide if the person is someone I know, but do not expect people (especially strangers) to ignore mistakes and call them jerks because they don't.
Unpleasant behavior another question entirely, and has little to do with being strict with rules.
I would also say, pay attention to the game, and don't play too fast. People may try to act slyly and try to distract you. Its usually a small little thing that is going to change the outcome of a game and not some big outrageous play.
Also as people have already said, if you are not sure or in doubt of how something should happen, call a judge. The worst that happens is, you we're wrong in how you thought something worked/interacted. There's nothing wrong with wanting things to be done correctly.
For a first timer.. What are some things that you wish you would have known or done prior to going into that first tournament?
This may sound counterproductive, but DO NOT GO IF YOU INTEND TO PLAY FOR FUN. Major tourneys are a major pain in the arse, but are worth it if you can make day2, top8, yadda yadda. There will be people there that you will want to punch in the face.
Your milage may vary, but good luck nonetheless.
Current Capt. of Team "Ju"
I play this:
Rotation is coming...
Modern: GGGSTOMPY
ZOO (Goyf-less)
Legacy:
Brewing
EDH:
Too many to name.
There are, unfortunately, many home rules that people think are true but aren't and they get a nasty surprise. Mulliganing and shuffling is the most common home rules that people think are right (such as "oops, I have no land, I get to mulligan for free")
#2 -- when in doubt call a judge
Call a judge. Don't ask your opponent (even if he is your friend; he might be wrong), don't ask other players, ask a judge.
By the time I attended my first tournament, I had friends with lots of prior experience with them, so not much really other than limited strategies (my first pre release I was gawking at cards rather than building a deck).
Rules are rules, "small" or not. I fully expect anyone who is playing competitively to obey the rules, and in fact appreciate a stickler for small rules rather than one that gets pissed off when I call attention to them. Sure, I might let some things slide if the person is someone I know, but do not expect people (especially strangers) to ignore mistakes and call them jerks because they don't.
Unpleasant behavior another question entirely, and has little to do with being strict with rules.
"Sometimes, the situation is outracing a threat, sometimes it's ignoring it, and sometimes it involves sideboarding in 4x Hope//Pray." --Doug Linn
Also as people have already said, if you are not sure or in doubt of how something should happen, call a judge. The worst that happens is, you we're wrong in how you thought something worked/interacted. There's nothing wrong with wanting things to be done correctly.
WBG Karador GBW
R Daretti R
RG Omnath GR
WRG Modern Burn GRW
WB Modern Tokens BW
DCI Rules Advisor as of 5/18/2015