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[ImpinAintEasy]

In a few weeks I will be playing in a paper draft tournament at the local shop. I know for some of you this is no big deal, but for me it is the first time I've played paper magic in over 8 years. Since MTGO came about, I've been playing online. I'm an avid tournament player online and am pretty versed on the ins and outs of the game. I have to admit I am a little bit nervous playing paper magic as I am sure there are many things I'll overlook.

So my question to all of you is:

1. What things do I need to be aware of in this situation, other than smelly dudes with bad acne?
2. I am so used to having MTGO stop after each phase that I've forgotten how to play without using the computer, what do I need to do to avoid missing opportunities to play cards?
3. What general help or thoughts do you have to prepare me for playing paper magic once again?

I know this is probably a weird thread, but MTGO really spoils you in this aspect, so I need all the help I can get before I spend money drafting.

Also, I have one more question. Are all FNM events standard constructed?

[edgewalker]

If you're playing ROE ROE ROE, don't forget about rebound as it triggers during your upkeep. I place the spell on top of my library so I don't forget the trigger before I draw.

Also bring dice to use as makers. There are a lot of tokens and level counters in play and it's often hard to keep track with just pieces of paper or unused cards.

Also, depending on who you're playing with, force Gxx ramp. It seems a lot easier to draft in person than online.

[Silverdragon]

So my question to all of you is:

1. What things do I need to be aware of in this situation, other than smelly dudes with bad acne?

Be aware that you're not your Nickname so try to be nice and friendly. Also remember that this is real life so you can actually punch someone in the face ;)


2. I am so used to having MTGO stop after each phase that I've forgotten how to play without using the computer, what do I need to do to avoid missing opportunities to play cards?

I'd say if you use dice and communicate with your opponent it is actually easier and more forgiving than MTGO. Just yell "In Response" or "End Of Turn" and if your opponent doesn't wait remember that this is real life so you know..


3. What general help or thoughts do you have to prepare me for playing paper magic once again?

Don't punch people in the face even if it might seem tempting ;)


Also, I have one more question. Are all FNM events standard constructed?

No they can also be Draft or Sealed or even Extended if I remember correctly.

[ImpinAintEasy]

If you're playing ROE ROE ROE, don't forget about rebound as it triggers during your upkeep. I place the spell on top of my library so I don't forget the trigger before I draw.

Also bring dice to use as makers. There are a lot of tokens and level counters in play and it's often hard to keep track with just pieces of paper or unused cards.

Also, depending on who you're playing with, force Gxx ramp. It seems a lot easier to draft in person than online.


I've reached the bottom of the pit, I don't even own freaking dice anymore.......OH NO, must buy dice!

[coraz86]

I've reached the bottom of the pit, I don't even own freaking dice anymore.......OH NO, must buy dice!

There was a ruling recently in a big tournament (like a Grand Prix, or maybe a Tour) that you can put dice or those little flat glass beads atop your library to remind yourself of things; any kind of counter will work for that, long as it isn't obtrusive (like those huge stuffed animals one of the Ruels used to use as Call of the Herd tokens).

Also, I find it important to remember that part of the fun of playing Magic is the atmosphere. No offense meant if you enjoyed playing online--there are bonuses to playing online too (like not being gouged when you want a refreshment, or being able to play while trashed)--but remeber to keep it fun, and try to play at a store where you like the people. The people I play with make or break a tourney for me, which is why I love to play at Source tourneys and why I didn't play FNM for a long time. I have two jobs; I play to win, but I want to keep Magic definitively in the 'not work' area.

[ImpinAintEasy]

Also, I find it important to remember that part of the fun of playing Magic is the atmosphere. No offense meant if you enjoyed playing online--there are bonuses to playing online too (like not being gouged when you want a refreshment, or being able to play while trashed)--but remeber to keep it fun, and try to play at a store where you like the people. The people I play with make or break a tourney for me, which is why I love to play at Source tourneys and why I didn't play FNM for a long time. I have two jobs; I play to win, but I want to keep Magic definitively in the 'not work' area.


None taken. I'm 33, married with 3 boys ages 3, 5 and 7. Magic online is the only reason why I'm still playing the game. If it wasn't for digital goodness I'd be wasting time playing the xbox version of Magic.


Another question - is it legal for me to use a notepad that shows each phase, life totals and any trigger notes? I'm so gonna look like a noob, I can just feel it lol.

[dorsch]

During a game you are not allowed to read notes you wrote before the match.
So unless you start each match with writing down all steps, there is no legal way to get such written information.

P.S. it is allowed to look at notes you brought between the games, i.e. during sideboarding

[ImpinAintEasy]

During a game you are not allowed to read notes you wrote before the match.
So unless you start each match with writing down all steps, there is no legal way to get such written information.

P.S. it is allowed to look at notes you brought between the games, i.e. during sideboarding

Thanks, Like I said, I sound like a total noob, but these are all things I've taken for granted since playing online.

I know the phases like the back of my hand so I'm not to worried about that. I tend to be a over planner so I'm sure I'm just overreacting lol.

[Penguinizer]

If you have something to do during their upkeep. It's a good idea to ask them to wait during the upkeep. Most people tend to go over beginning of combat, but will rewind if you say you wanted to do something. Sometimes the same happens for upkeep stuff if they don't have anything to do in the step.

[xTrainx]

If you want do something in your upkeep, its fairly simple, just don't draw a card; and then do what you wanted to do.

For something in their upkeep, just ask them to hang on, and do your action.

For stuff like beginning of combat, if they have something that triggers, they should say declare attackers, so that you can respond before it triggers. If they don't, and you need to do something, just say hang on; and they should rewind. If they don't, call a judge, and explain the situation(He didn't enter the phase, and isn't letting me do something in it), and they will probably rule in your favor.