What To Do To Prepare For Your First Tournament

There are many steps to insure that you have a good time at your first tournament.

• Do not expect to win. Especially since this is your first tournament, there will be many seasoned veterans at that tournament who are much more experienced at playing and deck building. On the other hand, play every game hard. Only by pushing yourself will you become a better player.

• Playtest. I hear complaints from numerous people who say that they built their deck the night before and now it doesn't work. No kidding. One of the keys to better deck building and better playing is to playtest. Playtesting will give you the understanding of how cards interact, and will also teach you how to use cards most efficiently.

• Keep your eyes and ears open. Most of the important lessons on how to build and play will be learned at tournaments. Don't be afraid to ask advice from your opponent at the end of the match. One thing I ALWAYS do is after a match (round), I ask my opponent what he/she sideboarded in against me, and I show them what I sideboarded in as well. This will give you a better understanding of how to beat your deck, and hence you will be able to strengthen those weaknesses.

• Enjoy yourself. Whether it is just playing the game, or the competitive level, or the comradery, you MUST enjoy yourself. The moment you stop enjoying the tournament is the moment you start to lose. Keeping your morale up is crucial to playing at a competitive level.

• Be gracious. If you lose, congratulate your opponent. If you win, thank your opponent. It will keep the game more enjoyable if you can walk away from the table without a chip on your shoulder.

• Never cheat. It ruins the integrity of a fine game. People will also find out, and soon you will be shunned.
• Bring something to eat. Too many times have I seen my opponent lose their concentration to their growling stomach. Your mind cannot function properly if your body is in pain. Also, take advantage of lunch and dinner breaks.

• Bring cards to trade. Tournaments are THE BEST place to trade. There will be many people there, and more than likely some of them will have what you want for some of what you have. As well, an early departure from the tournament will give you a chance to stay at the tournament, soak in the atmosphere, and trade.

  For example, I was playing at a qualifier tournament for the Origins Professional Tournament. I came in 10th. Since I was not in the finals (top 8), I was out. I then proceeded to finish my set of black-bordered dual lands (4 of each) and pick up some other cool stuff. I would not have had the opportunity to do this if I had not dropped out.

Seyil Yoon wings@io.org