Subject: Drop Cash Prizes - What is the point of them anyhow? Date: Tue, 14 Jul 1998 17:23:20 -0700 From: "Sadeghian, Kevin" To: "'fkusumot@ix.netcom.com'" Frank, First of all, great job on the web-site. Can't tell you how many hours I've spent perusing over all the various strategy articles, deck lists, and commentary that you post every day. Keep up the good work. Just a few thoughts in regards to cheating in M:TG tournaments. Sorry to perpetuate the beating of a dead horse.... It's pretty sad that cheating is apparently so rampant at many of the larger M:TG tournaments. That some of these so called "professionals" have to resort to cheating in the first place is laughable. Why do they do this? The money of course. Now the majority of Pro Tour players undoubtedly earn decent salaries at their regular jobs - so why even bother giving out cash prizes for major tournament wins? It isn't like anyone actually makes a living from this game. Is there a concern that we are going to be taking food off of someone's dinner table by withholding cash prizes at tournaments? For me the bottom line is simple: If an individual really wants to prove that they are good at this game, they should be willing to play for no money whatsoever. The recognition and respect of one's peers should be enough for any "true" player (not to mention the thrill of competition). Perhaps removing the cash incentive from major tournaments would encourage less of the "professionals" to show up at tournaments in the first place. I know it would have the beneficial side effect of encouraging people to actually play some *original* decks instead of the same tired ones that always seem to pop up (sligh anyone?) Not that I blame the players for using the standard deck archetypes in the current competitive environment - hell, if there is money on the line, you go with what will ultimately bring you victory. As it stands now, I actually have more respect for your average scrub than the typical pro tour player. At least the scrub (a) seems willing to try new deck ideas out, (b) strives to play cleanly, and (c) derives joy out of actually playing the game rather than cashing in the winner's check. Not that some of these pro players actually care what I think, they are undoubtedly too busy figuring out how to scam their way to victory at the next major tourney. Regards, -Kevin Sadeghian