Next weekend I am going to my first pre-release ever so I figured I would ask what the proper etiquette (for lack of a better word) is at these types of events. I figure they are fairly laid back but I don't want to make anyone angry/upset because of the way I play lol.
Etiquette, eh? I would say shower and brush your teeth. This may seem to go without saying, but you would be surprised how many people don't do those things, and you will make a great first impression if you exhibit good hygiene. Good luck and have fun!
When in doubt, ask the judge. NOT your opponent. NOT bystanders.
Bring your own pen, dice, sleeves and coins. It is very, very annoying when you're concentrating and the guy beside you is bumming for pen, dice or whatever. Don't be that guy. Have your own supplies.
Prerelease is fairly relaxed, but don't do the dance of joy when you open a money rare/mythic. For one thing, you might be asked to switch decks, which is a bummer. Another, some people are concentrating on writing and sorting cards.
Follow instructions. This is especially important in a pre release. Wait until you're told to open the pack rather than ripping them open the moment you get them.
If you have a checklist, fill up the checklist frst, rather than gawk at the cards or talk about how cool they are (happens a lot in prerelease). If it helps, read the spoilers so that you won't be too excited when you see the cards. Admire the cards LATER between rounds, not when you're opening the packs or filling the checklist.
Don't touch your opponent's cards except when presented to shuffle. Again, in a prerelease, this happens often. "Whazzat?" and picking up the card in question. Resist the urge.
After a match and you're signing the matchslip, it is customary for the WINNER to give the matchslip to the judge table.
Take a bath and an extra shirt. Depending on the venue, it can be a real stinker.
Don't eat at the table. Some venues have food. Don't eat it where you play. No matter how careful players are, someone, somewhere, will likely leave a mess. Don't be that guy who leaves a mess.
RELLLLLLAX and have fun. Just treat being in a prerelease like being in a friends house, but with his mom/dad hanging around in the kitchen and can hear you. Have fun, but don't break the furniture, and if you're going to do something you're not sure of, ask.
Bathe, brush your teeth, wear deodorant.
It's amazing how many MTG players can't handle that.
PS: Dousing yourself with Axe body spray is not "bathing".
It's pretty obvious but before you go... take a shower and brush your teeth and have deodorant on. And if you do need to eat, don't eat at the gaming tables and wash your hands afterwards. Those were my pet peeves... The pre-release lasts a long time, and if your LGS has multiple pre-releases one after another... things get bad really fast. Bring water and easy to carry food.
Stuff I'd bring are like lands, dices, paper/pen, a deck box. Don't be the guy losing track of your score.
It also helps if you know what the cards do beforehand so you can catch mistakes players make, and you won't have to spend a long time deciphering each card.
Beyond the smell, beyond the aloof dude that ignores me, beyond the 7 year old who has no idea what he is doing sits the dude I hate the most:the guy who asks for and/or assumes he can have takebacks. No, you made a ****ty block, too bad, sorry you didn't RTFC. No, you played that land, you took your hand off it, it has been sitting there for like 20 seconds. You aren't putting it back in your hand.
When in doubt ask the judge.
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I write about cube and run cube drafts on magic online.
I'm judging a charity event for the pre-release and I've been informed that I can wear a top hat. Take that as you will for "etiquette" of REL regular events.
I'm judging a charity event for the pre-release and I've been informed that I can wear a top hat. Take that as you will for "etiquette" of REL regular events.
Around here our judges are always required to wear top hats. That way they are easy to spot and appear classy and welcoming to new players that might be nervous.
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I write about cube and run cube drafts on magic online.
A lot of other people have said this already, but basic hygiene and basic manners are practically a must.
I was around for the m13 pre-release, so i have actually had one experience with it, and all i have to say is that i would have liked to have a checklist, more dice, paper, pencil, etc. Basic stuff you should already be taking with you to FNMs, minus the checklist, or any other tournaments (or casual at home magic, if you wish.).
Trading is going to be going on like crazy by the way. So make sure you keep an eye on all your extras that you're trading (not using in your deck currently) so that you don't end up letting people get free cards. (As much as i wish this didn't happen, i have experienced small theft during the pre-release, so make sure you keep track of what you've got.)
If you pull a good card, and everyone is rushing around, don't let other people take it/hold it/etc. First of all, they could damage it, second of all, it's your card. Intimidate them saying you'll use it or something.
Don't make simple mistakes. And don't let other people break rules. It's simple. Call Judges when you need them, because that's what they are there for.
So, generally, that's kinda what you need. Oh, and if you have a trade binder, throw in a couple extra sheets of card holders. You can easily just put in a couple more and fill up your trade binder so you show more than just what you pulled that day (maybe trade some of your other cards.)
Hope this helps.
Don't skip phases of your turn.
You don't have to go over board and pause between, uptap, upkeep, draw. Just make it clear which phase you are in, and respect any relevant cards that are in play. Basically, make sure you do all your actions individually and not as some jumbled mess all at once.
Nothing is more frustrating than the guy who just goes from main phase straight to tapping creatures to attack when you have a blinding mage in play. This is inevitably the same guy who throws a fit when you want him to back up to before his declare attackers step.
Don't skip phases of your turn.
You don't have to go over board and pause between, uptap, upkeep, draw. Just make it clear which phase you are in, and respect any relevant cards that are in play. Basically, make sure you do all your actions individually and not as some jumbled mess all at once.
Nothing is more frustrating than the guy who just goes from main phase straight to tapping creatures to attack when you have a blinding mage in play. This is inevitably the same guy who throws a fit when you want him to back up to before his declare attackers step.
About the skipping phases, yeah, That's happened to me an alarming amount of times, I keep saying "You have to give me a chance to respond, I'm playing this game too..." And they always come back with "But...I already tapped to attack, you can't do that" ...It's despressing to do, but make sure you do it, MAINTAIN your current game state! Although, if the opposing player gets out of hand (also, it's happened to me too) call a judge, don't get dragged into a shouting match at a prerelease, It's very unpleasant and people start herding towards you shouting rulings and such that they heard, always get an official ruling.
Not sure what else there is, I'm sure you'll be fine, just, don't shout at the top of your lungs that you got the money mythic, you'll have vultures swooping in on you in seconds.
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About the skipping phases, yeah, That's happened to me an alarming amount of times, I keep saying "You have to give me a chance to respond, I'm playing this game too..." And they always come back with "But...I already tapped to attack, you can't do that" ...It's despressing to do, but make sure you do it, MAINTAIN your current game state! Although, if the opposing player gets out of hand (also, it's happened to me too) call a judge, don't get dragged into a shouting match at a prerelease, It's very unpleasant and people start herding towards you shouting rulings and such that they heard, always get an official ruling.
Not sure what else there is, I'm sure you'll be fine, just, don't shout at the top of your lungs that you got the money mythic, you'll have vultures swooping in on you in seconds.
Yup. It's usually sufficient to say that you are going to combat, then confirm exactly which creatures attack. If either player flashes creatures or plays instants, it's mandatory to say what combat step is going on:
For one, I once flashed Yeva, and when asked, I said it's the declare blockers -step. Needles to say, I made a misplay and his guys went unblocked. Not going to make that mistake again.
Well generally, prerelease is an environment that is pretty friendly to new players. The TO or Head Judge should probably give a little speech before things begin giving you all the basic instructions to open packs and possibly register your deck etc.
It can be slightly more competitive based on how big the event is. Back in the day, the prerelease events I attended always had about 500 people, one time I think we got 800 and the prerealeases always took place at a rented out convention center. In the later rounds of the first few flights (tournaments) it would get sorta competitive, especially for the average magic player who does not attend anything like GPs,PTQs, PTs as this was the most competitive thing they play in.
Now the prerelease I go to gets about 60 people but is REALLY competitive cause the store is mostly casual players and this is the "big event" they like to play in. Or maybe everyone takes these slightly more serious now a days?
Anyways, try to avoid any rager drama, sit down and make a point of it to have fun, as this is what these things are supposed to be.
Open your packs when told. Don't be (too) loud when you open "that card you wanted." Make your sealed deck. Sleeve if it suits you and relax till the pairings are posted.
Pairings are posted. Chant out your round 1 opp till you lock eyes. Pick a suitable battlefield. Playmat as necessay. Shuffle if not done enough. Present deck. Cut deck. "High roll to see who goes first?" Sure. *roll 3/8/11* Say "Cool beans" no matter the outcome. Mull/don't mull (who mullgians in limited!?!). Proceed to:
a) play creatures and swing till either your creatures or dead or your opponent stops moving b) You get 'screwed' on your main land you need ("There are 9/17 in the deck and I just need one!") c) Watch your opp draw the god-hand and streamroll you with all the mythics in the set (Yes. ALLOFTHEM!).
Sign the slip. Ask (or don't) if you wanna play casual games to test the sealed decks more. Win/lose those. Find buds who are sucking/doing alright/stomping face and proceed to tell them they don't have a chance. In my case I skim each game to make sure no one is confused on the new cards. And to scope out all the sweet pulls.
Rinse and repeat till tournament is over. Collect sweet loot. End program.
(There are too many tongue faces in there. Too late now!)
Next weekend I am going to my first pre-release ever so I figured I would ask what the proper etiquette (for lack of a better word) is at these types of events. I figure they are fairly laid back but I don't want to make anyone angry/upset because of the way I play lol.
Bring your own pen, dice, sleeves and coins. It is very, very annoying when you're concentrating and the guy beside you is bumming for pen, dice or whatever. Don't be that guy. Have your own supplies.
Prerelease is fairly relaxed, but don't do the dance of joy when you open a money rare/mythic. For one thing, you might be asked to switch decks, which is a bummer. Another, some people are concentrating on writing and sorting cards.
Follow instructions. This is especially important in a pre release. Wait until you're told to open the pack rather than ripping them open the moment you get them.
If you have a checklist, fill up the checklist frst, rather than gawk at the cards or talk about how cool they are (happens a lot in prerelease). If it helps, read the spoilers so that you won't be too excited when you see the cards. Admire the cards LATER between rounds, not when you're opening the packs or filling the checklist.
Don't touch your opponent's cards except when presented to shuffle. Again, in a prerelease, this happens often. "Whazzat?" and picking up the card in question. Resist the urge.
After a match and you're signing the matchslip, it is customary for the WINNER to give the matchslip to the judge table.
Take a bath and an extra shirt. Depending on the venue, it can be a real stinker.
Don't eat at the table. Some venues have food. Don't eat it where you play. No matter how careful players are, someone, somewhere, will likely leave a mess. Don't be that guy who leaves a mess.
RELLLLLLAX and have fun. Just treat being in a prerelease like being in a friends house, but with his mom/dad hanging around in the kitchen and can hear you. Have fun, but don't break the furniture, and if you're going to do something you're not sure of, ask.
"Sometimes, the situation is outracing a threat, sometimes it's ignoring it, and sometimes it involves sideboarding in 4x Hope//Pray." --Doug Linn
It's amazing how many MTG players can't handle that.
PS: Dousing yourself with Axe body spray is not "bathing".
Stuff I'd bring are like lands, dices, paper/pen, a deck box. Don't be the guy losing track of your score.
It also helps if you know what the cards do beforehand so you can catch mistakes players make, and you won't have to spend a long time deciphering each card.
When in doubt ask the judge.
peasantcube.blogspot.com
Around here our judges are always required to wear top hats. That way they are easy to spot and appear classy and welcoming to new players that might be nervous.
peasantcube.blogspot.com
I was around for the m13 pre-release, so i have actually had one experience with it, and all i have to say is that i would have liked to have a checklist, more dice, paper, pencil, etc. Basic stuff you should already be taking with you to FNMs, minus the checklist, or any other tournaments (or casual at home magic, if you wish.).
Trading is going to be going on like crazy by the way. So make sure you keep an eye on all your extras that you're trading (not using in your deck currently) so that you don't end up letting people get free cards. (As much as i wish this didn't happen, i have experienced small theft during the pre-release, so make sure you keep track of what you've got.)
If you pull a good card, and everyone is rushing around, don't let other people take it/hold it/etc. First of all, they could damage it, second of all, it's your card. Intimidate them saying you'll use it or something.
Don't make simple mistakes. And don't let other people break rules. It's simple. Call Judges when you need them, because that's what they are there for.
So, generally, that's kinda what you need. Oh, and if you have a trade binder, throw in a couple extra sheets of card holders. You can easily just put in a couple more and fill up your trade binder so you show more than just what you pulled that day (maybe trade some of your other cards.)
Hope this helps.
FULL TIME FAERIES
Selvala
peasantcube.blogspot.com
You don't have to go over board and pause between, uptap, upkeep, draw. Just make it clear which phase you are in, and respect any relevant cards that are in play. Basically, make sure you do all your actions individually and not as some jumbled mess all at once.
Nothing is more frustrating than the guy who just goes from main phase straight to tapping creatures to attack when you have a blinding mage in play. This is inevitably the same guy who throws a fit when you want him to back up to before his declare attackers step.
RGStandard Gruul AggroRG
About the skipping phases, yeah, That's happened to me an alarming amount of times, I keep saying "You have to give me a chance to respond, I'm playing this game too..." And they always come back with "But...I already tapped to attack, you can't do that" ...It's despressing to do, but make sure you do it, MAINTAIN your current game state! Although, if the opposing player gets out of hand (also, it's happened to me too) call a judge, don't get dragged into a shouting match at a prerelease, It's very unpleasant and people start herding towards you shouting rulings and such that they heard, always get an official ruling.
Not sure what else there is, I'm sure you'll be fine, just, don't shout at the top of your lungs that you got the money mythic, you'll have vultures swooping in on you in seconds.
[W]FREE STONEFORGE MYSTIC and JACE THE MINDSCULPTOR[/W]
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Yup. It's usually sufficient to say that you are going to combat, then confirm exactly which creatures attack. If either player flashes creatures or plays instants, it's mandatory to say what combat step is going on:
For one, I once flashed Yeva, and when asked, I said it's the declare blockers -step. Needles to say, I made a misplay and his guys went unblocked. Not going to make that mistake again.
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It can be slightly more competitive based on how big the event is. Back in the day, the prerelease events I attended always had about 500 people, one time I think we got 800 and the prerealeases always took place at a rented out convention center. In the later rounds of the first few flights (tournaments) it would get sorta competitive, especially for the average magic player who does not attend anything like GPs,PTQs, PTs as this was the most competitive thing they play in.
Now the prerelease I go to gets about 60 people but is REALLY competitive cause the store is mostly casual players and this is the "big event" they like to play in. Or maybe everyone takes these slightly more serious now a days?
Anyways, try to avoid any rager drama, sit down and make a point of it to have fun, as this is what these things are supposed to be.
Standard - N/A
Modern - Infect, Scapeshift
Legacy - TES, High Tide
Yup, this about covers it. Good manners goes a long way!
But yes, it's going to be about the most casual "tournament" you're ever going to fnd.
Pairings are posted. Chant out your round 1 opp till you lock eyes. Pick a suitable battlefield. Playmat as necessay. Shuffle if not done enough. Present deck. Cut deck. "High roll to see who goes first?" Sure. *roll 3/8/11* Say "Cool beans" no matter the outcome. Mull/don't mull (who mullgians in limited!?!). Proceed to:
a) play creatures and swing till either your creatures or dead or your opponent stops moving
b) You get 'screwed' on your main land you need ("There are 9/17 in the deck and I just need one!")
c) Watch your opp draw the god-hand and streamroll you with all the mythics in the set (Yes. ALLOFTHEM!).
Sign the slip. Ask (or don't) if you wanna play casual games to test the sealed decks more. Win/lose those. Find buds who are sucking/doing alright/stomping face and proceed to tell them they don't have a chance. In my case I skim each game to make sure no one is confused on the new cards. And to scope out all the sweet pulls.
Rinse and repeat till tournament is over. Collect sweet loot. End program.
(There are too many tongue faces in there. Too late now!)
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