Tolarian Tutor: How To Be A Better Control Player in Magic: The Gathering

[@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

[@Mihail4444]

How's Sprankle holding up?

[@sonictitan5604]

when will the winners be announced?

[@drag0nmancer]

Professor, I know you go through the trouble of trying to keep your identity hidden. Are you aware that Polygon name dropped you in their article about everything going on between jeremy and the MtG community.

[@troth3030]

thanks prof!

[@s4m3fu]

Tolarian Community College another great video, as always. Gotta show my control friend now :D

[@drew-horst]

I like to counter cards based on how much money the card costs

[@jeannebouwman1970]

Drew Horst YOU MONSTER

[@avatarofcloud]

You're a fuckin' savage mate. XD

[@jrs3739]

Love this idea.

[@johansermartinez9287]

😂

[@josiahbrown5960]

Woah there Satan.

[@Yakkosprite]

Blue Professor teaches about control. Pure synergy

[@geinerelizondo2019]

Control vs Control = Metapod vs Metapod

[@firstnamelastname489]

Monoblue uses harden

[@anna4aa570]

@@firstnamelastname489 monotwo responds with counterspell

[@linusschanreitner5825]

Monoblue used negate

[@c.d.dailey8013]

That is a good analogy. I do have a tip for you. Catch a caterpie first. Then evolve it into metapod. Metapod will still learn harden. Plus it can remember takle and string shot from the Caterpie stage. So the metapod can still useharden for defense and string shot for slowing the opponent down. Then the metapod can use tackle to finish the opponent off. It is not the fastest way to win the battle, but it is doable. It should go without saying, but one should evolve Metapod to Butterfree when given the chance. Butterfree is a much better Pokemon. It has access to many moves including plenty that deal damage. It also has two powerful control moves, stun spore and sleep powder. I am looking up Butterfree on Bulbapedia out of curiosity. Ooh! Butterfree has access to one of the most brutal control methods, paraflinch. Butterfree can use stun spore to paralyze the opponent. Then it can attack with air slash, which has a chance to flinch. Butterfree would likely get the first turn, due to paralysis. I recommend using a quick claw to help get the first move. When the opponent has to deal with both paralysis and flinch at the same time, it is very unlikely for them to get in a hit. I don't remember the exact chance. However I do know it is about as low as one hit moves like guillotine and horn drill.

[@kiersmith1115]

@@c.d.dailey8013Just use paraflinch jirachi, less than 20% chance for them to move

[@lucasmachado21387]

Keep hands with only lands. Then, leave 2 blue mana open and bluff until you have something...

[@mistertaz94]

I stay on the safe side and keep THREE blue mana open when I bluff.

[@_somerandomguyontheinternet_]

Yeah...no.

[@jdortiz86]

If his hand is full of land he's no doubt going to be leaving mana open

[@coreyswenson6027]

I've done that XD

[@halfjack2758]

@@jdortiz86 it's about how much you're playing

[@majoraslb4311]

Let’s play MTG. “How do I play?” Oh, you don’t, I negate everything you do and you get to watch me play.

[@josephzanes7334]

I would never do that to you

[@SparkShadow212]

@@josephzanes7334 Suuure, I'm sure you won't.

[@ender554-b8e]

Get better?

[@christianbatchelor1448]

This is how my cousin introduced me to MTG. Cousin: Let's play MTG, I'll use this deck, and you can use this one. Me: Okay. Cousin: Me: I'm never playing MTG with you again, douchebag.

[@brettyates7054]

@@christianbatchelor1448just started playing MTG and this was very much my experience, my friend played, I sat in silence watching him play by himself for a dozen or so games. Just stopped playing MTG.

[@alejandromartinez5907]

I just bumped into your channel a few days ago, and I’m knocking out your videos left and right. The content is magnificent, the approach is thorough, but YOUR PRESENCE and DELIVERY are astounding. I’m not sure if you were/are some type of instructor (outside this channel) but you are incredible and I just wanted you to know that you’re doing something really special man. Great job, and keep up the MAGNIFICENT work.

[@AffinityforMTG]

First you tell us we need to come together as a community, then you make a video about blue control. You're sending mixed messages, sir! :P

[@blaakmage]

Affinity for MTG alright, I give you full props for that one.

[@TheYeller7]

I don't think I want you comment to resolve...

[@miguelsiguenza7213]

😂😂😂☝🏽

[@gehlanbowker1765]

*you're

[@welfmattern1200]

**your

[@bradringhausen8671]

I have to say your lighting is excellent. Beautiful job.

[@PlaneswalkerProject]

Brad Ringhausen I second that, and I adore that lamp in the background.

[@MiloDaGreat1]

This is such a great video for a lot of players. As someone completely out of touch with new sets, your examples gave me a pretty decent idea of what to look out for in Standard. Also, this video actually makes me want to play constructed, which is crazy.

[@TolarianCommunityCollege]

Milo!

[@cas126]

Use every counter and kill spell, then always threaten with 2 open blue mana.

[@Hosoeh]

This is so true

[@mistertaz94]

You know, back when I was first starting back in 2003 during elementary school this was essentially my whole strategy. Bluff bluff bluff ----> play Storm Crow ---> Profit

[@zachmcmillan4060]

The classic blue bluff;I've used that trick in the past,as your opponent will always be leery to cast an important card only to see it get countered. What most players don't take into account is that you're forcing the control player to burn up a counterspell.

[@BestShorts9999]

Gotta love this guy

[@y3tti627]

What about the purest form of control; land destruction?!

[@brittanynguyen3794]

We do not speak of that. ‘‘Tis breaks the social contract. If you break the social contract, prepare for an unanswerable meta game.

[@ignacius8466]

With some hand destruction thrown in for good measure. Ignore social contracts, friends just get in the way of world domination.

[@Luna19912]

My stepdad made a land destruction deck

[@TiredinIT]

But Control Mirrors are the purest form of Magic, and the way Richard Garfield envisioned his game being played :)

[@ajburgess6843]

Marc Western boooo

[@jasonmolisani1864]

Prof's first comment at 11:48 was accurate. Control mirrors are a nightmare. When the win con becomes who decks first, it is no longer magic as Garfield intended.

[@wearealreadydeadfam8214]

He made Counterspell common for a reason...

[@draxthemsklonst]

+Coffeemancer Richard Garfield is a mathematician that made games, he has little to do with current MTG...at all. Sold MTG to those than want to run it as a business.

[@hiphop2u]

@@wearealreadydeadfam8214 and 10 versions of counters for that matter

[@suhr12]

Man the theme, the production quality, and content of these Tutor videos are excellent!

[@MaceValor]

Love the improvement in the production quality while keeping the same feel - keep up the good work

[@buzz4162]

Been watching for a while but just noticed now how good you are are looking at the script on the side. Can barely tell you’re looking away almost like your using one eye lol. Impressive.

[@crasher1429]

I like the concise nature of your tutor videos. It's always nice to have a quick guide to refer to. Are you going to talk about the ramp matchup at all? I feel like it's a lot more important for EDH players and is worth mentioning but I get that it's a lot less common in standard and limited which are used in most of your examples. Thanks!

[@driftercomic6857]

Dear Professor, I enjoyed learning with this video, as I have only been playing for 3 months and didn't quite know when it was right to play certain counter spells and this video helped out a lot. I just want to say that I began as a Pokemon TCG Collector and stumbled upon one of your Pokemon Booster Box Game videos months ago and really enjoyed what i saw. Then, a few months ago a friend talked me into learning how to play Magic and I remembered your videos and I just want to say I've been a fan ever since and I love what you do for the Community. Thank you good sir, for your contributions.

[@josephb1884]

As always, well presented and worth-while content. Thank you, Professor!

[@whowhat1158]

Is anyone else in love with the professor's tie? It's amazing just like him.

[@bmartin2624]

Love it. Proud to be a patron, even if it's a small one!

[@ericburnett8163]

My brother suggested listening to TCC videos at 1.5 speed. Life changing advice.

[@TolarianCommunityCollege]

Yeah, I cannot recommend this enough. This was me trying to speak more quickly, too! I just can't seem to break my natural rhythm.

[@jdunlapmusic]

Tolarian Community College I noticed the improvement! I listen to your videos at 1.25x, but I do that with coverage archives too so it's not unique to TCC. :)

[@88Hyo]

I do it because it's funny.

[@russellanderson8844]

How does one do this type of thing

[@jimmycraig9502]

Play at .5 or .25 to unlock The Drunkian Tutor. Aaaalllwwwaaaayyysss ssaaayyyiinnngggg nnnooooooooo :D

[@ReleinNMS]

Thanks Prof for the video. I love playing control in pauper and standard i have just gotten back into the game after a long hiatus and these Tolarian Tutor episodes have been great to relearn the game. Keep up the great videos.

[@NinjaLobsterStudios]

Today I learned I've been playing a control deck in MTGA "Jump In" I'm very new to Magic and these videos have been very helpful in allowing me to become more thoughtful when I play. When I started I lost pretty much every game I played, but after some tips from this channel I've been on a long win streak. The most helpful one has been to wait to cast my Instants, but holding onto mana so I can react to my opponent has also been very important. My favourite play so far is casting Burrog Befuddler when my opponent attacks, using it to crash into their 2 toughness creature and weaken their other creature (usually allowing me to safely crash into that creature with something else). 2 mana and I end up +1.

[@skullstorm8574]

Professor, it is your channels like this that will help keep MTG alive, as a new player I love watching your videos!! Keep up the amazing work!

[@teamppappi2526]

thank you very much!, most of my tcg life has been yugioh and now playing magic with friends and being a complete noob trying to upgrade my deck, it rly helps to discover new cards every single video that you make :P :)

[@gr3ndl3r]

I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed this video. You sir are one of the people who I'd love to play against. Win or Lose, I feel like I'd have a great time, and that's what this crazy game is all about. I have always avoided playing control in standard because it doesn't match my playstyle. I've tried it and gotten outplayed time and time again. That is until I started looking at playing control in EDH. I turned my Geist of St. Traft deck from a Voltron to a control deck and I followed most of the points you made in this video.

[@MrKennethb83]

Hello professor iv been following you most recently and I’m very happy to have found these videos. The video on the dice was interesting and I even purchased the monster rocks dice after watching your video. Keep up the good work!!

[@KyokushinFighter229]

Glad you got to make your control video, Prof. Thanks for all you do for the community

[@TristamWolf]

Even as someone who no longer plays Magic the Gathering, I've been enjoying watching these videos quite a bit. They do ask you to have a general understanding of MtG, but beyond that it's been super useful (although sometimes not easy) to parse the information you give us into other games.

[@jamesmaster3333]

This was very helpful Prof! I planned on taking a mono blue control deck to FNM tomorrow so this was a much needed refresher course!

[@0megamanX]

Thanks prof. I'm an aggro player at heart but decided to learn to play control and built a dimir control deck for pauper. This video has helped a lot!

[@banditdotart]

This is the one I was waiting for. Keep it coming Professor, your videos are what got me started.

[@troymcalister5000]

You nailed it by pushing the control mentality, because everything else with control is situational; you really can't draw out a flowchart on how to react to what because it depends on your build, the match-up, what's on board, etc. Ultimately, if one wants to be good at control, they need to put in the rounds with the deck until they're familiar.

[@bassmastastan24]

I absolutely love all of your fantastic content! I recently purchased some eclipse sleeves after watching your review. I tried the rip test myself they really held up! Thank you so much professor. Keep up the fantastic work.

[@aubreywhite3190]

Great video and breakdown of the control archetype. As a lover of control decks, it's nice to hear this all laid out in a succinct fashion.

[@feline011]

Alright back to the magic!!!

[@TolarianCommunityCollege]

[@galleadden]

Thank you so much professor! I have been trying to get my dimir treasure control deck to go off in standard but didnt know how to deal with aggro decks. Like cats and mono red. I shall put your lesson to heart!!

[@SH1014]

As a relatively new control player I found this video very informative. I'm going to start taking a lot more care in being selective with what I remove or counter!

[@prufrock1977]

Loving these tutor videos!

[@meatloafman91]

I really enjoyed the portion of the video where you quiz the audience. That was both fun and informational. I'd like to see more practical applications of he principals you are discussing. Could you do these practical applications perhaps for each format? Perhaps a primer for the archetype in each format...? I am also going to take the opportunity to express my appreciation for the pauper deck techs, they're great!

[@jackdodgen3582]

Appreciate the effort put into these videos Prof. Very well done! Thank you for your hard work.

[@dillonfrederick8712]

Glad to see you back! I was wondering where you've been the past couple of days.

[@snappycaster]

This is a great start for new aspiring control players. I like how you explain that you need to counter or remove threats for a reason, although I disagree with some of your examples. Sometimes its good to try to get your opponent to "overextend" into your sweepers or other 2+ for 1 scenarios for example. Or even to sandbag counters for an obvious threat to trick your opponent into thinking you have none. For more advanced players they need to be very astute to perform well. You can't cover every situation and really. Good control players know what their line is to win, and are planning many many turns ahead. That being said I'm a mediocre control player so take this with a grain of salt.

[@russellee5216]

Going to have to go back and catch up on the rest of the Tutor series. This was so good.

[@cataclysmunknown7110]

Amazing video Professor, I love this one, Alot. It will help me a ton in concidering when not to counter. I have an itchy counter finger, but thanks to this I'll be a lot more analytical in trying to determine my opponents strategy. I play blue black control for the most part in modern and commander. I'm always calculating life because of this, but now I'll be alot less itchy in my counterspell trigger finger. Love the vid. Very very helpful, ty.

[@LuizGMohallem]

The video has just started and I already know it's going to be your best one

[@arenkai]

I love those videos. Now Tempo needs its own video too ;) But I really think you should use Modern decks as case studies for the archetypes, it would make more future-proof videos since the decks and cards you are talking about here won't exist anymore in a year or two (for the most part). Or you could also give a selection of decks following the archtypes you're presenting in different formats ! Anyway, thank you for the constant stream of quality content Prof !

[@LorcanaControl]

As a control only player over 20 years great job on the video. Should definitely help beginning control players. You can also see and hear the influence of the great Emma Handy.

[@philaspen6569]

I have that exact tie! It's my favorite. Looks good on you, Prof!

[@Hypwriter]

This is a wonderful video. Thank you! I personally love playing tribal decks, and am looking to play a B/U Faeries deck in Modern, and just traded for the last few pieces a few days ago. This video is a fantastic guide to control as I usually go for more aggro Elves and Goblins and Slivers. Thank you so much for all the info!

[@StarcoreLabs]

Thank you for another great video in the Tolarian Tutor series. I always learn something new. Can't wait for the next episode.

[@raymondpalmer6208]

Awesome vid prof. I was looking forward for more advice on being a better control player. My very first deck i ever made was mono blue counter deck. Nothing but control and denial. Great combo.

[@kapittsalt]

Man, this new set was worth it. So happy for you---and us. :)

[@KyleMaxwell]

I love when the Professor gets fully into character.

[@flailingweasel8541]

Great video Prof. Working on a control build right now and got some solid tips. Thanks!

[@ConsoleCleric]

Excellent video. Just one important note: Hand disruption spells like Thoughtseize, Duress and Collective Brutality are a control player's kryptonite. Cast Thoughtseize, pull a removal spell out of their hand and put out your threat that they can't answer.

[@maxbloomfield540]

ConsoleCleric you're forgetting the ultimate discard spell- mind twist

[@Ripoff74]

Love the merfolk art in the background. Fishy ponder is a good ponder.

[@xupimoflag]

Having good answers are the best way to interact in a magic game. Great video prof.

[@pathtoeternity]

"You may also want to sideboard out draw spells in a control matchup." So this whole video has been great. I've personally been trying to get a better grip on control/tempo lately. While all of the information in this video has been useful, I would say this one line is perhaps what was most useful to me. I see a lot of deck techs which go into really granular detail explaining exactly how many if this card get sided in or out, and that can certainly be helpful, but I'd really like to see more sideboarding "rules of thumb." You're playing control and your opponent is playing combo? Side out draw spells. If you could make a tutorial video on sideboarding and cover what to side in and out for each of the archetype matchups, I think I would personally find that super helpful. Thanks for all the great videos over the years!

[@stevemont7022]

Emma and the Prof always do such a great job on these!

[@Daldi564]

Hey Prof. Thanks for the lesson. I think I now understand what kind of deck my commander deck is. It's blue/black affinity with milling being the main strategy. I think though that my deck is a little bit more aggro than control because I got creatures that are better at attacking than defending. I'm going to test it out at this tournament this weekend. I understand that Commander can utilize multiple strategies so it'll be educational to see how my home brew works out.

[@jeffhagerstrom9628]

Love the video and the suit, Prof! Great synergy with the threads! Love all your hard work! Keep it up!

[@glenolarita7258]

This video encourages control players to be thoughtful in reacting to unknown threats on board. Great job prof! !

[@laramieh44]

I love your videos rather it's a experienced are a new player you always have good sound advice to spice up the game thanks

[@mattarcarese6136]

This was exactly what i needed as a control player. Maybe next you could do a strategy guide about playstyles like ramp or graveyard recursion.

[@BrianKrohn]

Thank you for this. Been wanting a good control primer. Really dig the tie too.

[@clagen86]

Had an amazing game last night vs another control deck. I was down to 4 life and every turn I kept thinking it was my last but with some careful execution I was able to stall turn after turn until I got my win conditions in place and my opponent conceeded.

[@logangrandle9210]

I like Mill and counter mono blues one of my favorite ways to beat someone is Traumatize into keening stone

[@snowhusk]

Great video, Professor, as always. If anyone in the comments wants to see control vs control matchup, I recommend watching the world championship video that's mentioned in MagicManSam's video "Bolt". That was real hardcore stuff, total carnage

[@FATmonkeyCHRIS]

LOVE LOVE LOVE this series. Great job, keep it up, and more PLEASE!

[@dan_hahn]

Do you think you could do one on drafting? Love these videos and hope they just keep comin.

[@MTGUnpacked]

Had to laugh at the Control vs Control mirror match section. That’s a big part of our local meta, so it always turns into a bit of a slugfest that usually heads into overtime. The winner is usually the one who can get their Scarab God on the battlefield and make it stick!

[@JackY-qn9fd]

That's the true Professor of Tolarian community college.

[@YayMKayay]

Hey, this was a SOLID video prof, bravo

[@nicholasdepew7330]

Back to buisness as usual, glad to see your control video

[@iwantcheesypuffs]

Control vs. Control is a game of attrition. Akin to whittling seasoned oak with a spoon. Control doesn't necessarily mean they will be playing Blue, but it's the most common. Ex: 8 Rack decks are mono black but are extreme control in a fun (IMO) and very unique build.

[@WesTheGiant]

A perfect example of using your life total as a resource is in Victor Silva's game against Vagnar Casatti in GP Porto Alegre 2017. Temur Tower going down to 2 life vs Mardu Vehicles! Hey, Prof, it would be cool if you gave us some "homework" in the description in the form of good example matches to watch for the various matchups you discuss in the video.

[@Vininn126]

Why are your fingertips constantly touching?

[@TolarianCommunityCollege]

I was trying to look like a control freak.

[@connorhamilton5707]

Tolarian Community College I like to think you are casting Spell Crumple.

[@JBBost]

When you want to Mr. Burns but you come off as Waylan Smithers.

[@JBBost]

JK, prof, good video.

[@93izak]

Isn't to avoid to magic to leave the body unwilling?

[@kereminde]

Oh Control . . . how I really hate playing against you, but you're so damn effective in the right hands.

[@johansermartinez9287]

kereminde reason why I’m trying to master control

[@seaniburg4271]

This video was insanely helpful! As someone who just recently started dabbling in control I found it very insightful. Is there any way you could make a video about the best way to sideboard in control when you are running a creature heavy aggro style of play with splash control?

[@ChandraWayfarer]

You might find it helpful looking for tempo deck guides. That sounds sort of like what you are doing.

[@seaniburg4271]

It's a merfolk deck so tempo is the main idea. I have alot of control in my sideboard though (and a few control spells in the main deck) and I wanted to get an idea for the best way to sideboard

[@alexrea123]

Yes Prof! Great to see the channel return to it's former glory. More videos like Tolarian Tutor please. Over the last 6 months or so, the channel has lost its way and your style of presentation has not matched that which we used to enjoy. This is Prof we know and love!

[@JDN0524]

Never been much for commenting, but i watched his video on KZbin policy so commenting to support.

[@haydenjenken1213]

I love this series. You are awesome prof!!

[@Wulfsmasher]

this will come in handy for my ub pauoer control, thx Professor

[@Rmw033]

I'm playing a white black stax voltron its so much fun and this has given me more ideas

[@BagelFrog]

Love the tie in this video prof!

[@bluejay9361]

Roses are red Violets are blue Opt is reprinted like new and OP in blue! Awesome video as always Prof, keep it up! Don’t let the drama get to you, I believe in you! BTW I am a grixis control player with my win condition being Primal Amulet doubling Torment of Hailfire

[@sneakysquid9917]

Bluejay Grixis for life Also Newish Bolas is fantastic weee lol

[@mistertaz94]

Oh gods tri color control...

[@MikeWasThere]

Same

[@robintarket6844]

I never really got into more than 5 colors in terms of control... xD

[@OstrichSoup]

You filthy, filthy human

[@Darkanimeking23]

I made a controle deck black blue Standard and I love how it works, but still i have some trouble when to say yes or no to some things. I think by looking at this video I might get to play better with my control deck, thank you agian for this Lesson

[@PepperJAQ]

Amazed that I was right. XD (took your popquiz on twitter). I don't think I'll ever be much of a blue player, but I'm glad I could at least grasp that lesson X3

[@klowngaming4507]

I decided to change things up with my taste in magic for the last few months of this standard scene, and played blue black control. Having done this and discovered I am not a terrible control player, I can say with complete confidence that control is so ungodly mean to your opponent lol. I find myself unintentionally/preemptively apologizing before I play answer cards like Vraska's Contempt

[@HenryHubPlatts]

Thanks prof been playing a rackdos control deck this helped a lot

[@oliverg.1537]

Very interesting and informative! I wish my teachers at school were all like that 😅

[@kevinwhite1188]

I've been playing magic since high school in 2014 and I would consider myself to be a C- player. But your videos and tips really helped me pull myself up to a B player. Plus it's kinda hard to listen to people if their voice is annoying. Yours isn't and I actually like hearing your videos when I'm at work.

[@patriarch739]

Dude! Keep doing this I really liked it you should do one about burn decks

[@TheoFrastB]

Great video prof! Also, sharp tie!

[@GeminiGaming26]

Thanks for the video. Actually interested on where you got that tie. It's awesome!

[@TolarianCommunityCollege]

It's a Van Heusen silk.

[@GeminiGaming26]

Tolarian Community College that was quick. Thank you sir. Thank you for the content. Me and the wife look forward to them.

[@kevigjoka]

Thank you sir, this is Great content. I 'm a long time control player and I think this video is a very good starting point for a curious blue sympathizer

[@fakechemicals]

I never realized how into Magic the Gathering Jeff Daniels was! Big fan!