Daniel Mabee is a semi-competitive Magic player from Sacramento, California who has been playing since 2000. He made his first Grand Prix top 8 at GP Santa Clara.
Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Daniel Mabee when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep273
Ice Age
Innistrad
Opposition
Dan was intimidated by going to events. Everyone knew each other and he felt like the new kid. Over time the community was a whole has become more welcoming and Dan learned how to make friends. This helped him feel more comfortable at events.
At a Theros Grand Prix in Sacramento Dan practiced a lot. He had high expectations but got smashed 4 rounds in a row. Dan was disappointed but learned it's important to remember that Magic is a game. Don't get attached to a single event.
Grand Prix Santa Clara when Dan made top 8 with his team.
Dan knows you can't change the past. It's easy to obsess over past decisions, but know that you can't change how you got there. You can decide how to act now.
Don't be afraid of going up and talking to people.
Not trusting your own intuition.
Most people struggle believing they can win. Explore your confidence and hold on to it. You have to believe you can win.
SCG, CFB, MTG Salvation, The Source, Twitch
Dan can be found in the MTG Pro Tutor Facebook group.
Magic Story brings the lore of the Multiverse to life in an audio presentation never before heard in the Magic community.
Listen to Episode 1 here or on www.magicthestory.com
John Martin is a long time MTG grinder who started playing in Scars of Mirridon/Innistrad block. He has 2 PPTQ wins, made top 20 at GP SA, and is the champion of GP Santa Clara. John lives in Austin, Texas.
Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from John Martin when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep272
Onslaught
Return to Ravnica
Restoration Angel
John is very proud of his accomplishments and is competitive. It was tough to realize he wasn't the best in the room. He made a conscious effort to learn from others.
Just before GP Santa Clara, John was about to hang up the hat and stop playing Magic. He recommends having others outlets and knowing when to take a step back.
Winning GP Santa Clara with his friends.
Critical thinking. Magic has helped John think at a higher land. It is also increased his mental capacity.
There is no shortcut. Don't be results oriented. Just because you do poorly at a tournament doesn't mean you're a bad player.
Players don't admit when they've made an in-game mistake.
If you want the Pro Tour, don't quit. Breaks are okay but don't quit.
Twitter:@hardcastnarco
Magic Story brings the lore of the Multiverse to life in an audio presentation never before heard in the Magic community.
Listen to Episode 1 here or on www.magicthestory.com
Isaac Sears has worked in the casino industry for a decade and his Magic accomplishments include 1 Grand Prix top 8, 1 team Grand Prix top 4, and a top 75 at Pro Tour DC. He also has 1 SCG top 8, 2 SCG top 16s, and was a semifinalist at the World Magic Cup. Isaac lives in Santa Rosa, CA.
Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Isaac Sears when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep271
Invasion
Mirrodin / Kamigawa
Upheaval
Balance
Dealing with loss and tilting has been hard for Isaac.
Isaac was banned for a time early in his career. It was rough because he didn't know the rule that the broke existed.
Always call a judge if you're unsure about anything.
Tie between winning a WMCQ and making Top 4 at a team GP in Santa Clara.
If it's cute it's probably wrong. Beware of interactions that are fleshy but don't actually win.
Always play test.
Resource Management. Learning how to manage time and other resources in life.
Check MTG Top 8, Read everyday
Players get too comfortable and forget to check the little things. Be aware of the board state, including the graveyard.
If you're tilting, it's okay to walk away.
Twitter:@vonducky
Magic Story brings the lore of the Multiverse to life in an audio presentation never before heard in the Magic community.
Listen to Episode 1 here or on www.magicthestory.com
Jeremy Frye has been playing competitive Magic for 8 years. In that time, he has made 2 Grand Prix top 4s with 1 win, and 1 SCG Open top 8. He has found himself to always need a competitive outlet and Magic has always been first and foremost. Jeremy lives in Austin, TX.
Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Jeremy Frye when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep270
Mirrodin
Rise of the Eldrazi
Wolfbriar Elemental
Acquiring cards. Jeremy had to borrow, barter and work to get what he needed.
Jeremy needed one more win to make day 2 at a GP, he didn't consider all the cards, his opponent could have and didn't play around a counterspell. Now, he considers what's the worst his opponent could do.
First GP Top 8. Jeremy mulled to 4 and still won.
First GP Day 2, placing high in another format.
Eating a good breakfast, getting sleep the night before, and take snacks.
Magic is a game of variance. Don't let it get you down.
Jeremy has increased his confidence and social skills through Magic.
Tapping mana incorrectly and playing lands in the wrong order.
Don't give up!
Twitter:@Ghostsonforever
Magic Story brings the lore of the Multiverse to life in an audio presentation never before heard in the Magic community.
Listen to Episode 1 here or on www.magicthestory.com