Subject:      Re: Sealed Deck Strategy
From:         trucb@support.ucla.edu (Truc Bui)
Date:         1997/04/23
Newsgroups:   rec.games.trading-cards.magic.strategy

Seriously though.  I think that the best way to approach a sealed
deck tournament is to not have a specific strategy in mind.  The
first thing you have to do is to recognize the set you are playing
with since they are all completely different in the sealed
environment. Once you receive your cards you have to determine which
cards are playable and which cards just suck.  I usually separate my
cards into three catagories "starters", "first of the bench", and
"cheerleader".   From these cards I will determine the colors I am
playing with. Important thing to remember at this point is you do
not HAVE TO PLAY with any card. Play with the cards that best suites
the deck.

After you have detmined the cards you are playing with you have to
go get the lands you will use.  This is were I believe separated the
good, the bad, and the ugly players.  The most important thing is to
recognize where the mana curve of your deck is (when you can cast
most of your spells).  From this you can determine how many lands
you should use. For example the mana curve for a Mirage sealed deck
is 4 mana thus you should generally use 17-18 lands depending on
other mana sources. As for how many of each color that needs to be
done on a case by case basis.

From here you just have to use your playing experience and knowledge
to defeat your opponent. I also think it is very important to
acknowledge how or why you win or lose a match. Mana screwed and
your opponent top-decked you to death is not a excuse for losing.
You can take this knowledge and beat the hell out of the next guy.


Truc
Team Dickhead
trucb@support.ucla.edu
"don't push us cuz were close to the eeedge, were just trying not to
lose our heads.   Huhh huh, Huhh huh, Huh"- Puff Daddy & Mase