Subject: Re: JSS Draft
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1998 22:56:27 EST
From: Jewinspace@aol.com
To: fkusumot@ix.netcom.com, dci@wizards.com, jasar@al-andaluz.com

As much as I absolutely agree with Ja[sar]??? on the issue that there needs to
be an age group separate ranking page on wizards, which is soooo important and
obviously an immediate necessity, I feel that draft at high level JSS events
is not an existing event for a few good reasons.  First of all, for example,
if you would have had a rath cycle draft the week after PT Chicago, any chumly
kid on the JSS (myself for example) would have known to draft red/white just
from reading the Dojo.  Unfortunately, copying of netdecks is just as common
as copying draft styles.

Question: Quick-In rath cycle, what two colors does (did) Jon Finkel ignore?
Answer: Easy...Black and green.

His drafting style was publicized and practically famous by the time worlds
came around.  Its similar to Standard.  In Pro tours and grand prix(s)? that
are constructed events, do they go to draft after 14 rounds of constructed
play???  GOD NO!  It just doesn't make sense.  There must be some consistency
on the protour-somewhere.  If the JSS is no longer standard, than the only
time T2 will be a factor is at one day of worlds.  And is that enough for the
most commonly played form of the game?
Also, as much as I agree that the criticism from higher levels isn't pleasant,
its a great feeling seeing some innocent 9 year old kid at a JSS event playing
turbo Pegasus/imaginary pet/grafted skullcap-and be totally into it!

Fact: The dojo effect is never going to go away.
Fact: As long as the JSS exists, you will run into kids playing so-and-so's
deck from worlds card for card.  Its your job as a GOOD PLAYER to metagame
against expectations.  If the best players are inventive, creative, and smart,
they will always win.

But honestly, I know that those little Malaysian/French and Italian kids they
have working in the sweatshops at wizards for 22 hours a day, 67 cents/hour do
the best job they can to keep the database up to date.  But if you pay
attention to the fact that 'the top 15 ranked players in their division that
are not already invited qualify for the JSS championship' you will realize
that 15-18 and U14 rankings need to be instituted on wizards really soon.

Comments?  Ideas?  Criticisms?

Evan Stern
Team not Cooperine

And BTW Jay, you NEVER man'o'war a man'o'war, idiot.