MTG - A Beginner's Guide To The Competitive Magic: The Gathering Scene

[@TolarianCommunityCollege]

Pick up a Battle Deck of your choice for only $9.99 by going to www.cardkingdom.com/TCC and see my review on them here: Check out BATTLE Decks and my review here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqe8g6yir9Rona8 Looking for the best MTG decks for beginners? Check out my Rookie Deck review here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKCXoauZidN-odU Be sure to see my deck tech on Izzet Blitz! A $50 Pauper Deck: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpu2qqKaos2gnqc and watch 40 Simple Ways To Improve Magic: The Gathering Online: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWappn-LZtekldE

[@derekhwang7056]

hi

[@braxsensindelar1910]

I hope I win to become better at Magic

[@thecasualcanuckfox3836]

Tolarian Community College absolutely love the tie. Great video by the way. Keep the great content coming!

[@VFenris6184]

thanks for this vid, iv'e been trying to get back into magic and this helps a lot.

[@Gothdir]

I never won something so maybe this is the time!

[@velvetdrgn]

why am I watching this? it's 4 in the morning and I can barely beat my dog at magic. lmao I guess it's interesting atleast

[@SpamTheWonderful]

Step one, realize everyone is better than you Step two copy the person who wins Step three repeat steps 1-2

[@Chazreal]

But what about the heart of the cards?! ;3

[@JivanPal]

Hey Prof, any chance you'll do a revamp of this video given the new Mythic Championship / Magic Pro League system?

[@jasonbfleece9420]

Just about to head to my first GP on the 15th, wish me luck everyone.

[@jvolk2349]

Good Luck! If you are doing the main event make sure to eat before your first match. It helps keep you focused and helps with the nerves.

[@Nanofuture87]

Yes, be sure to eat breakfast. Also be sure to bring water and snacks for between rounds.

[@kevindinwoodie4141]

good luck! you got this.

[@n.b.9119]

Did you win it? 😀

[@clumsybandit6020]

How’d it go?

[@christopherholland7941]

I feel intimidated just by watching and trying to process this information. But your comment at the end professor, each person had to stop from the bottom at some point...was all the motivation I needed. When I get to the top, you will receive my personal thanks professor

[@Expropriator91]

Did you make it to the top yet?

[@Cyber.Dude.]

I was wondering the same thing.

[@axor]

3 years from this comment, I am wondering if you are in the top now

[@adamsjourney98]

Any progress yet?

[@osrsgold2547]

Yo

[@SpiceWeazel]

As soon as I get a few thousand disposable dollars, I’m there.

[@Manasurf]

Burn decks my friend burn decks can make can maks competitive ones for around 300

[@Tomathana]

I personally think this is your best video capturing the essence of your channel. Being subscribed for around 3 years, I believe this video does the best job of explaining some actual ''complicated'' knowledge and bringing it in one easy-to-open package. Cheers Prof!

[@Zer0kool1337]

Now this is the kind of video people needed! One of my all time favorites. I would love if you went more in depth with the competitive side of magic. Not just the basics, but the lifestyle itself for so many.

[@sagethegreat4680]

All you need is a pre made deck and the professor's lucky green tie.

[@FFXIK]

Bring your A game and keep an eye on your opponent. Cheating has become a problem in it's various forms

[@ClutchSituation]

This is a great video to explain the logistics of the process. Now, for all of you who really want to know what competitive gaming is like, run the other way. Competitive gaming brings out the worst in people. It brings out the egos. It brings out the bullies. It brings out a level of High School drama that you maybe didn't think is still possible in adult humans. It brings out the people for whom this is the only good thing going on in their life, so they don't care if they ruin your fun to get what they want. Have I made friends from competitive gaming? Yes. But I've met far more people who I wish I never would have met. The Professor is an internet personality. That means you really need to ask yourself the following questions: 1) Is he a genuine dude who has been shielded from a lot of the bull crap of competitive gaming because he happens to be KZbin famous? or 2) Is he aware of the bull crap of competitive gaming, but is choosing to sweep it under the rug in this video? I mean, a good axiom is to keep your KZbin videos positive where possible. But, this just isn't the whole story.

[@RightHandedMan25]

wow i didnt know this video was about real life

[@pkphantom]

@Enrique San Pedro PSH, just look at ANY contest where there's more than $500 to be gained. Hell, lower than that; like $100. And it doesn't just have to be magic or other games. People get ugly PERIOD once there's money on the line.

[@thedislikebutton3425]

Nah. The Professor is honest.

[@MrBolec91]

Been on LCQ for Poland's Nationals yesterday, that was my 1st big event. Damn, really huge event. Ive made my best but I didn't get throught. Anyway, as U said, great community makes those several games great. Thx Proffesor for giving me all those tips how to play! U're great teacher!

[@triple_gem_shining]

The quality of your content is second to none. Bravo! Love your channel prof. :)

[@snirky]

While I will not be embarking on the journey to become a pro player, this video was very insightful for showing me the efforts put in by the pros and grinders who are on that journey.

[@luliby2309]

This is a great topic for you to cover. This scene can be very confusing and the terminology can be hard for people to parse (like what is a PPTQ and a RPTQ? How are they different?) so explaining this all in one place is very helpful.

[@PlaneswalkerProject]

Right off my shift at work, this is quite the treat! And a very relevant topic as well. Much love bro :D

[@XSE1m]

been waiting for this forever!

[@Doddleran]

Wow it feels like I've been watching forever, that was an information dump on a whole new level... Thanks for taking your time doing this it's truly been educational!

[@mattm7798]

Long story short, if you're not consistently winning tournaments or hired by a MTG related website, very very unlikely you can make a living at this.

[@karmahstronghold4801]

The Professor was rocking the suit today. Nice combo of lime green tie and suave dark attire!

[@AJewBag89]

Thank you professor I'll have to ramp up my modern deck and give it a try one of these days next year

[@Dalamr]

managed to reach top 8 of every PPTQ and GPT i joined but the top spot still eludes me. but then, those who do i know work harder and play harder than i do, so they truly deserve it.

[@tdlavam1413]

Me (a baby mage) at 3 am during crackhead hours: What if I could qualify for a pro tour...

[@urielrosendosantossalinas6777]

You should make a video about the new competitive scene on Magic in general and in Arena, What is a Qualifier Invitational GrandPrix Championship Rival Challenger League?

[@Xepscern]

Okay so I have some Planeswalker Points, from playing Modern at my store. What are they good for besides byes?

[@TolarianCommunityCollege]

Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/moG7n5qAa6lgg7c

[@Xepscern]

Tolarian Community College well that's unfortunate.

[@MrRuff-cc3lg]

Reminders of corporate neglect.

[@kereminde]

Welcome to Friday Night Magic, where Unstable makes sense and the points don't matter.

[@thefieryllamas]

Thank you so much Prof! I'm going to my first gp in February, and I have been searching high and low for videos like this to help me out.

[@benoitpissardo4997]

Try also magic.wizards.com/en/content/grand-prix-event-types-events

[@ethanthurman5748]

GP Memphis?

[@thefieryllamas]

Ethan Thurman Gp Toronto

[@ethanthurman5748]

thefieryllamas ah, gl with it

[@maroonwarlockgaming]

I think my first GP the guy that does that into the battlefield series or whatever it's called did a one off video on GPs as a what to expect kind of thing very helpful. Not sure if I can find it again though but it might even be on wizards site with the GP stuff.

[@DyckGrl]

I started playing modern Friday, and I've been playing for 4 weeks. I managed to go 3-1, getting second out of 15 w/ skred and lost to valakut. R1 was against some burn deck that I just out tempo'd, R2 was against affinity which I was able to sideboard to win games 2 and 3, and round four was against a white humans deck that I managed to beat (game 2 went to one health but they won), round three was a complete dominance by my opponent. I didn't really know how to play skred red, however, I can say that independent of how well I did it's valid and good experience to enter tournaments, possibly borrowing a deck from a friend, even if you've never played it as I did.

[@daemonCaptrix]

Many Magic: The Gathering players lose their fucking mind when they find out you're playing for fun and don't automatically make the choice they would have made. (such as not attacking a player with no blockers or untapped lands just so they don't get kicked out of a multiplayer game too early)

[@ZaxploitationFilms]

According to this video many Magic players lose their minds when they find out people take the game seriously and play for competition. Just live and let live, the game is great because it caters for so many different types of players.

[@McStarkiller666]

I remember playing yugioh at a high competitive level YCS Nationals playing rogue decks and beating better players because they couldn’t handle a non meta deck and was ranked in the top 100 in the state of Illinois out of about 15k registered in my state was freaking crazy but it’s toxic environment is not really encouraging

[@daemonCaptrix]

The mindset of competitive is "git gud, noob. fun is for NERRRDS". The mindset of casual is "Let's have fun, and don't be a shit." It's possible to be a competitive player and still respect other players, but it's not the prevailing attitude.

[@ZaxploitationFilms]

daemonCaptrix Do you not think that stereotyping Spikes is exactly what you are accusing competitive players of? I'm not a pro but I find games where both players take it seriously way more fun and rewarding to play. I don't enjoy EDH or multiplayer because it's not competitive , the game offers different things to different peoole

[@deadpool1162]

Could you make a video about the different formats because I hear a lot of talk about formats yet I know little of them. I’ve tried asking around my local shop but I’m still very confused

[@InfinitySkyMusicYT]

Hey, thank you for your guide. I am attending my first standard local tournament on the 22nd of July.

[@tkshillinz9334]

Lovely video. I've had a lot of questions about all of this for awhile. Excellent video as always professor. Thank you for the great work.

[@zombie-v9i]

The moment you said it could be 100s or 1000s I was like nah I'll buy a planeswalker deck and the occasional booster pack

[@drunkenwhaler6890]

Thank you! Been wanting to get competitive and had no reliable resource to tell me where to begin!

[@braxsensindelar1910]

i want to be a competitive player. i dream of being like you professor. you're so inspiring and its amazing to see you doing what you love. this summer (or earlier), im gonna start part-taking in competitive play. Professor, you opened my eyes to a greater place. I'm going to take notes to become as good as you!!! - B.S

[@gemofmagic9436]

Great video, helped make sense of the different elements and show how they fit together. This video makes me want to research how it is in Australia.

[@gemofmagic9436]

pattywatty hey yup I am a Brisbanian :) I thought that discussion in general was very civil.

[@jamiegardiner6135]

It is difficult in australia especially with the scarcity of GPs

[@connormcguffin6246]

Great video! Can you do a day in the life of the professor?

[@SuperFpac]

holy shit. @7:10, the guy sitting to the left of "green headphone guy" is my exact doppelganger if i had hair. unbelievable!

[@braxsensindelar1910]

I LOVE YOU PROFESSOR! YOUR THE BEST MTG KZbin CHANNEL! YOU GIVE GREAT ADVICE!

[@luvBREASTICLES]

Fair warning if you decide to watch Unsleevedmedia: -Very click-bait(y) videos -Videos are unnecessarily longer than they need to be; due to 10-15min openers of pure unrelated dialogue. -Guy awkwardly looks into/away from the camera the ENTIRE videos' length -Not NEARLY as entertaining as TCC or Professor +His product openings are legit and kinda informative Good luck!

[@jonathanthomas2171]

thanks for the information, basically competetive mtg is a lifestyle choice, which i can understand.

[@_GandalfTheGrey_]

Extremely well put together video!

[@benbutler8980]

I would like to add that starting in 2018, GPs are 8 rounds on Day 1 and 7 rounds on Day 2, as opposed to 9 and 6.

[@Perf0Cell]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you for all of that useful information.

[@TolarianCommunityCollege]

Glad you found it useful!

[@andremehan4293]

Is it just me or does anyone else wonder what books are on those book shelf’s? I see Kavalier and Clay, as well as Carter beats the devill, and I think I see something from Weis Hickman’s Death Gate Cycle on the next shelf up, but I can’t make out the rest. Instead of asking for a deck list from you Professor, do you have your reading list from the bookshelves that you have in the studio?

[@Derpyguy-vt5wd]

Prof could you please do one of these videos dedicated to the commander format

[@oom-3262]

Ethan Schultz indeed! Best casual format!

[@maroonwarlockgaming]

Love the video worth noting though I think others mentioned it. GPs are moving to 8 rounds on day 1 from 9. 6-2 record or better to progress. Also more for the Opens. For those curious, the GPs wizards run I find are primarily standard and limited save for a couple the entire year. If you want to go with Modern as your format of choice for tourney grinding the SCG Opens are your best bet for paper since they are mostly Modern events. Some standard occasionally and like 2 legacy the entire year and like a team constructed every so often. But that's my findings when planning events since I prefer modern I wind up at more SCG events than wizard events.

[@narutoslideshowmasta]

Although I know my experience may be unique and not the norm I will say entering into the competitive scene was a move I avoided for years and hesitantly got into. Maybe my LGS's just stink but most of them are very harsh to newbies and will turn a nose to anyone who can't tell you what goes into a Tron deck or what color combination equals what name. I also find my LGS's communities to scoff at anyone who DARES try to homebrew or hell even diverge slightly from the established netdecks of whatever pro tour/set just came out. I love this game, and I love competitive gaming in all of its forms, but even to this day some of the most fun I've ever had was that first night I played magic where Nightmare hitting the field was often times reason enough to scoop and my army of Kor felt like a massive swarm of well trained soldiers with me at the command. Obviously not all cards are equal and obviously there are very established archtypes and established good cards but sometimes the competitive and overall elite nature of the community can just make it flat out a chore to play. Regardless, great video and it does inspire me to take my decks to the next level.

[@alexandercruz2]

I was literally hoping there was a video about this lol been wanting to get into magic with the long term goal of going to a pro tour thanks for all the info!!

[@DamonXWind]

My Second SCG IQ I played I got 10th, and now I'm hooked, coming back to this video to plan my roadmap to Worlds

[@soggycardboardbox]

Love seeing my boy Lord of Atlantis hanging out

[@bibigabuyo1654]

Dear professor, thank you so much for this!

[@tfarley104]

thank you for all of your content professor. i am new to the game and have been binge watching your incredible back log. i will be the first to win it all with the merfolk!!

[@bobbytwoshades9986]

This video is great and has crushed my dreams.

[@darthwingnut]

Remember, starting in January, GPs are generally 8 rounds on Day One, with 7 Rounds plus Top 8 on Day 2

[@xFitzMan91x]

When I entered the world of trading card games, I will say it was intimidating for me since I'm so used to playing video games, which I've been doing since I was a little kid. When I first started playing it did make me nervous and overwhelmed since there were a whole bunch of cards that I've never even heard of before. However I have thought about playing competitively, despite that it gets ridiculously expensive, since it seems like a healthier, or a better hobby for than playing video games.

[@henrymildenstein81]

Not to be rude just curious. What experience do you have with competive magic?

[@emilianosparaco8546]

I ve restarted again two month ago since 2004, thx to my new friends 😎 First deck aggro White/Green.. but for tournament Approach White/Blu... I m very Happy because in my city (Rome, Italy) i can have 3 standard tournament in a week, It s awesome!

[@galahadtg7884]

Im really starting to like magic the gathering. I just started playing last saturday and i love the game

[@evanmagness7346]

I would love an updated video on this

[@sweetkicksvideos7566]

6:29 man I wish my LGS could get at least half as packed on that during a game night. We're lucky to fill one table let alone a whole store. :(

[@Josh_Fredman]

I like the idea of taking my Chandra's Spitfire deck and conquering the world, but my nerves would prolly get the better of me. I make a lot of loose plays! Also...I love the music you used in this episode.

[@nathangoddard01]

prof, have you ever tried to go pro?

[@gregdavis6071]

Thanks for this video been looking for something like this for some time

[@michaelmontalto]

Good video Prof. Long overdue and well delivered. -mM

[@TolarianCommunityCollege]

Thanks, friend.

[@buzzglasses]

I've been strongly considering pursuing this and I'm glad you made this video! I do have a question though. Is there a website where I can go to find out the date and locations of all the tournaments and how to register for them?

[@Izhuark]

You can find them on the wizard website in the event section. I think the best way to get started is to go to a grand prix or pptq near you.

[@TheRealPlato]

wizards dot com slash locator

[@TheRealPlato]

wizards.com/locator/

[@TheDennisch]

scry dot land is awesome

[@adamnickel8223]

Very informative Prof! I always wondered about this.

[@bunnycatch3r]

Ok, I like that suit. Where do you shop?

[@TolarianCommunityCollege]

Thrift stores mostly, but also Macy's when they have a clearance sale.

[@shadyshrek3294]

I'm diggin the background prof

[@patricknelson1751]

Of note relating to GPs, the rounds structure is changing slightly for 2018. 8 rounds day 1, 7 rounds day 2 for most constructed events. For most Limited GPs, Day 1 will be 8 rounds of sealed, a cut will occur, round 9 will be played. those that played in round 9 are welcome back to continue to draft on Day 2.

[@Brony2onDA]

Professor, I honestly want to try my best to become great at this game. One day i hope to be on par with the pro players, and this video has given me a lot of motivation and drive to reach that goal! Thank you so much for what you do for the community! Keep on keeping on!

[@MementoMori1001]

Skunkwitch you also need money to be competitive.

[@xXWolf8098Xx]

Really digging the suit!

[@jeffytanuwidjaja5680]

Been looking for a video like this, you are hands down my favorite MtG content creator

[@dylanstewart4871]

awesome video Prof.

[@charlesmagno28]

how soon did you guys enter Magic Tournaments? been playing just for a few months now

[@pops91]

Unless edh becomes a competitive format, I will stay far away from this

[@Themrfuzzypants]

Its game time buddy

[@davenirline]

Hey Prof. Would love for you to make a video about having a team because it is are essential if you want to go pro.

[@siLence-84]

When is the next standard rotation? Thinking of maybe getting back into magic. What decks are good currently?

[@coltonsmith6908]

google?

[@sirgrantelton1081]

Went to my first FNM yesterday and needless to say I messed up bad because I thought you could change decks but nope, you gotta stick with one.

[@superglue2252]

I super new and this was really helpful!!

[@FusterIsBased]

I and a few friends have tried playing competitively for a while, and I do have to say from experience it is significantly harder than it looks to get the required winning records needed, even for people like us with years of experience. That said, I personally don't think it's worth it because even if you're a seasoned HOF'er prize pools alone are nowhere near good enough to make a living, especially when you compare it to the monetary investment you have to make. In addition, any format outside of Standard or Limited doesn't have a lot of support at the moment which kills it for me specifically since I would love to play competitive REL Legacy more often. Most people who do this for a living also get sponsorships or write articles in addition to grinding tournaments.

[@phantompop3192]

Currently working on Slivers.. they’re... fun to say the least

[@WinterknightSC]

Love that suit

[@jamesthebody4071]

This is very helpful thank you

[@TheSmokeinya]

Considering that one of my friends treats every game like its the final game of the World Championship I think I'll stick with the kitchen table; however, as always Professor, great video!

[@coltonsmith6908]

so you're gonna judge the entire competitive scene based off one person? you're not very bright.

[@crabcar536]

How do you keep track of you plans walker points

[@MrGUY-gu5rc]

I’m making a competitive deck based on playing my whole hand quickly. It’s all artifacts and more artifacts, any recommendations?

[@Jaguar2100]

If I were to attend a GP in another country, say China, where the cards would be in another language, would any concessions be made for me if I cannot read that language? When I attend drafts in China, I usually print off the cards in English to use as a cheat sheet of sorts, but I am not sure how this would be viewed at a higher end event.

[@jaafarmhasan8713]

I might come back for this

[@animal_wilson7391]

These tournaments sound so fun. Is the Magic World Cup televised?

[@Jack-zi6tl]

Can you redo this video for the new system when the details come out

[@tackywacky99]

the video we all needed

[@MR1337SKI]

Let's get an updated Pro Tour video for 2023!!!

[@Bored_Barbarian]

Would be fun to try. Was state/regional level Pokemon for a while

[@Bored_Barbarian]

HowToHydroponics obviously XD is just saying I used to be competitive in pokemon, so it would be fun to try MtG at that level

[@Trump-hi1kp]

Thanks for this! I’m somewhat new to playing and have never played outside casual.

[@alestremeviktora5218]

Does most or all of this information apply to competitive EDH as well? [Or at least as far as the various events and ways to qualify]

[@AceMathias]

Thanks professor

[@jamesgonzales2285]

For now I'm gonna take baby steps and stick to modern tournaments at my local games tore on FNM.

[@stupidrock0153]

Note I belive the byes that you can earn come along with good tie breakers. I know that at the local level winning a game 2-0 is better than a bye.

[@hollowhughes198]

I won last weeks SCG invitational, but I did not have time to make it to this seasons event. Can I cash it in next year prof?

[@LakeVermilionDreams]

I thought they changed day 2 cutoff to 7-2 for Grand Prix?