Subject: Grand Prix Lisbon report from a newcomer Date: Sat, 19 Sep 1998 02:07:35 +0100 From: "Joćo Paulo F. A. Carvalho" To: fkusumot@ix.netcom.com Joćo Paulo -------------------------------------------------------------------- Grand Prix Lisbon Report My final standing 106 out of 500-600 players attending the event. Hi, Frank. I did not make it to the last day, but I cut it close, therefore this report. I got together with a number of friends to figure out what was the probable best decks for the tourney; after playtesting, I ended up with a deck that was easy enough for me, because I'm a newcomer to Magic (1 year playing), and being older (40) than the majority of MtG players, I have less time to devote to this fascinating hobby. I went to the GP with mixed feelings: Hacker and Buehler were attending plus a bunch of other foreign players with top rankings and byes. Round #1 - Carlos Jorge (P) A Suicide Black, and a easy kill at 2-0 1-0-0 Round #2 - Rodrigo Caseiro (P) A Sligh. Lost the first duel, and smashed my way through the other 2, for a 2-1 2-0-0 Round #3 - Claśdio Ribeiro (P) A White Weenie, like my deck, though I had some surprises packed in. Got him on the first, lost to a mean second duel, and won the third, though it was close. 3-0-0 My friends started to compliment me on my achievement, since I'm a newcomer to this level of competition. Now I should get the bad guys, meaning the best players with byes. "Stay cool and play cool", they said. Round #4 - Carlo Mazzurco (D) This German player was packing one of the favourite decks for this environment, a B/G Survival/Recurring/Living Death deck. I lost the first, and sideboarded. The second game, I Cataclysmed him twice before he had a chance to build up, and Disenchanted his basic threats. On the last duel he produced a quick Lobotomy, and destroyed my stop defence (2 Portcullis in my hand from the sideboard). I relentelessly attacked with my shadow creatures, casting Cataclysm before he got the mana and the lock to play against me. It ended quickly, just 2 minutes before round time was called. 4-0-0 I need another win to move to the second day. Round #5 - Antoine Ruel This French player was coming fresh, with 2 Byes and a Sligh deck. In the third duel he succeeded in playing a Rathi Dragon. I made some mistakes, mainly due to tiredeness, but I don't think that Frenchie played truthfully. Though Ruel apologize to me after the round, that he *deservedly* won, I think the French value too much the prizes, and less the play (though I may be wrong, of course; Ruel is just one person). Being a youngster, I do hope he succeeds, as long as he knows the *current* rules for a Level 5 Tourney. Watch out how you shuffle, Antoine... Next time I won't be as forgiving... 4-0-1 I need another win to move to the second day! Round #6 - Han Tesselaar Another Sligh, but it was a pleasure playing against this Dutch. Not only he is a nice person, but he DOES know his game. Too bad only my shadows came out. Watch out for Han... 4-0-2 That's it! I'm out. The problem with Swiss rounds is that you get better and better players as you win. There are a number of theories on when you should lose to get a strategic advantage, but... hey! Are you playing or not? Congrats: To Devir, the WotC reps, who managed a great event; Antoine Ruel and Han Tesselaar, who defeated my aspirations for the second day, though failed the top 8; Bruno Cardoso, who showed that losing to Portuguese is quite acceptable (eat your heart out, Radjonic); Randy Buehler, for being modest and professional ("So, you are the famous Buehler, heh?") That's it. Oh, by the way, you want to know my deck, right? I know this simple deck has a lot of future options. Maybe next time I may be able to pop up an even strange surprise than mere Diabolic Edict's in a WW deck! "grey" Weenie 4 Soltari Monk 4 Soltari Priest 4 Paladin en-Vec 4 Soul Warden 3 Soltari Champion 4 Warrior en-Kor 3 Soltari Visionary 3 Mox Diamond 3 Cataclysm 4 Diabolic Edict 3 Disenchant 2 Helm of Possession 16 Plains 2 Swamp 1 Salt Flats SIDEBOARD 2 Portcullis 2 Torture Chamber 3 Warmth 3 Light of Day 2 Perish 2 Boil 1 Disenchant