Info

MTG Pro Tutor - Insights, Tips & Advice from Magic: The Gathering Pros

MTG Pro Tutor is a top rated Magic: The Gathering podcast and here's why: professional Magic players and community notables share their origin stories twice a week (Tue & Fri) and impart actionable tips you can use the next time you sit down to play. Learn from the wealth of experience they've built through hours of practice and playing against hundreds of opponents and start seeing improvements in your own skill right away. Don't you hate feeling like you play and play and don’t improve? Surrounding yourself with better players is the best way to level up and the MTG Pro Tutor podcast is your way of doing that. Subscribe if you want to take your Magic: The Gathering skills to the next level while hearing cool stories and getting actionable advice from the biggest names in the Multiverse.
RSS Feed Subscribe in Apple Podcasts
2019
January


2018
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2017
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2016
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2015
December
November
October
September
August
July
June


Categories

All Episodes
Archives
Categories
Now displaying: April, 2016
Apr 29, 2016

Arnaud Soumet is a French Magic player who has played in several Pro Tours and was on the French World Magic Cup team in 2015 when they took 3rd place. He is a business consultant who lives in Paris.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Arnaud Soumet when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor today! Click here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep91

 

First Set

Onslaught

 

Favorite Set

Origins

 

Favorite Card

Westvale Abbey

Ormendahl, Profane Prince

 

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

Arnaud likes to win and loves the friends he has made.

 

Level Up Moment

Joined a team and started practicing regularly.

 

Worst Magic Moment

Losing early at a Grand Prix and not flying out until the next day is the worst. In the moment, Arnaud feels bad but eventually he'll tour the city or hang out with friends and do side events.

 

Proudest Magic Moment

Making it to 3rd place with the French team at the World Magic Cup 2015.

 

Best Format

Constructed

 

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Arnaud has recognized that he needs to practice a lot to do things that seem to come naturally to others. He's clever but needs to practice a lot.

 

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Sideboarding too reactively against scary cards. You don't want to put yourself on the back foot. Sideboard cards that address your opponent AND advance your game plan.

 

Gaddock Teeg is a good example. It turns off your opponent's spells and is a body that can attack as well. Try to apply more pressure instead of focusing on dealing with a specific threat.

 

How To Choose a Deck

Look at deck win percentages from the Pro Tour, read articles about those decks, pick one, and jam sessions until you know the deck inside and out.

As you play, take a few minutes after each game to record the key cards in the match up.

 

What's in Your Tournament Bag

Deck

Water

Paper

Pen

Food

 

Improvement Suggestions

new to Magic? Grab a friend, make som proxies, and play play play.

 

Magic Resource

MTG Coverage - Compiles footage from all major events regardless of what channel they were on.

As you go through games stop and think what you would do.

 

Connect With Arnaud Soumet

Twitter: @ArnaudSoumet

 

Check Out Magic Story

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

 

Sponsors

Patreon milestone 2

Apr 26, 2016

Jared Sylva is a Level 3 judge with the Grand Prix Head Judge role and is the Organized Play Department Manager for StarCityGames.com. Jared lives in Roanoke VA.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Jared Sylva when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor today! Click here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep90

 

First Set

Revised

 

Favorite Set

Onslaught (because of Morph)

 

Favorite Card

Wirewood Savage

 

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

The mental challenge and the game of optimizing resources.

 

Early Challenge

Jared got too fixated on an idea and tried to build decks around mechanics or specific cards, even if it wasn't good.

 

Most Negative Moment

Having to Disqualify someone for offering to roll a die for the win when the player had NO idea that was illegal. The rules are very clear and have to be enforced and it was hard to DQ this player.

 

Proudest Magic Moment

Seeing many friends advance in the judge community, specifically Jason Reedy when he was recognized for being on his way to becoming a Level 3 judge after running side events like a boss.

 

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Knowing that he has a reputation for arrogance, Jared recognizes that some people like him as a leader and others don't. He's learned how to be a leader to those assigned to follow him, as supposed to those who choose to follow him.

 

Improvement Suggestions

Making Magic: The Gathering accessible to all kinds of people is a huge focus and Jared puts out a call to the whole community to make it an equally enjoyable experience for all ages, races, genders and sexual orientations. It's up to all of us.

 

Magic Resource

Magic: The Gathering website - list of Regional Coordinators who can put you in touch with someone local to you if you want to become a judge.

Judge.Wizards.com - Judge practice exams

 

Connect With Jared Sylva

Twitter: @JaredSylva

 

Check Out Magic Story

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

 

Sponsors

Patreon milestone 2

Apr 22, 2016

 

Erin Campbell is the creator of two successful Magic: The Gathering podcasts, The Deck Tease and The Girlfriend Bracket, and is currently a co host of the Magic Mics Podcast. She was a 2014 Community Cup team member and day 2’d her first Grand Prix in March 2016. She has her sights set on Wisconsin State Champion. Erin lives in Milwaukee, WI.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Erin Campbell when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor today! Click here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep89

First Set

Ice Age

Favorite Set

Tempest

Favorite Card

Ad Nauseam

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

The human interaction. She didn't get as much of this playing video games and appreciated the Magic community for its human interactions.

Level Up Moment

Erin used to play decks she hated because they were "good decks". Now she understands that she can play decks she likes. She knows now she doesn't have to go to every event. She can play the decks she likes at the events she wants and that's okay.

Worst Magic Moment

An AMA on Reddit.

Take away: The less you say after "I'm sorry" the better.

Proudest Magic Moment

Representing the community at the 2014 Community Cup.

Best Format

Modern

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

"I am not my results." 

Erin learned to separate her match results from her self-worth. You can lose at Magic and that doesn't mean you are a terrible person.

Also, learning when good enough is good enough.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Buying into the white noise.

There is SO much content out there that people sometimes forget to form their own opinions about cards and decks. Take in the content you want but don't get lost in the white noise.

Improvement Suggestions

Don't play Rest in Peace.  ;)

Magic Resource

Magic Mics Podcast - Current news in the Magic world

Connect With Erin Campbell

Twitter: @OriginalOestrus

Check Out Magic Story

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

Sponsors

Patreon milestone 2

Apr 20, 2016

Under The Silver Moon

Magic Story is the audio presentation of Uncharted Realms, the weekly Daily MTG column that tells the lore behind Magic: The Gathering.

Please visit www.magicthestory.com to learn how you can support the show.

Apr 19, 2016

 

Maitland Cameron came 3rd at Australian nationals in 2011, a year after he started playing Magic! Since then he’s come in 4th at Grand Prix Sydney 2014, 2nd at Grand Prix Auckland 2015 and 2nd at Grand Prix Melbourne in 2016. Maitland lives in Melbourne Australia.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Maitland Cameron when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor today! Click here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep88

First Set

Rise of Eldrazi

Favorite Set

Innistrad

Favorite Card

The Gitrog Monster

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

The community.

Early Challenge

Maitland resigned himself to the outcome of a game before it was even done.

To overcome that he started recognizing when he would have those thoughts, acknowledge them, and then actively push those thoughts out and focus on winning the game.

Level Up Moment

When Maitland was shown how to play around cards he experienced a level up moment.

Deepest Thing About Yourself

People are the most important aspect of Magic.

Best Format

Limited (Draft)

Advice For New Drafters

Ask opponents what they drafted and show them what you drafted. Ask questions. Make sure you are asking people who it isn't their first time.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Feeling pressure. This blinds some players. Put yourself in situations as often as you can so you aren't pressured when at big events.

What's in Your Tournament Bag

Water

Banana

Life Pad

Pen

Resources

GasMTG - Maitland Cameron's blog and podcast

Improvement Suggestions

Embrace new players. Be a nice person and a beacon to the community.

Enjoy the game.

Connect With Maitland Cameron

Twitter: @Maitlandcameron

Like What You Hear?

If you like the show, head on over to iTunes and leave an honest Rating & Review.

Let me know what you like and what I can do better so I can make the show the best it can be and continue bringing you valuable content.

I read every single one and look forward to your feedback.

5 Star Rating

 

(Here's a 1.5 minute tutorial on how to leave a review if you don't already know. THANK YOU!)

Sponsors

Patreon milestone 2

Apr 15, 2016

 

Eduardo Sajgalik is a multinational traveler based in the UK, though he started playing in France. He got his first Pro Point in 2006. He made Top 8 at Pro Tour Return to Ravnica in 2012, has 4 Grand Prix Top 8s under his belt, and has made Top 8 at 4 Nationals. A fun fact about our guest, he has played on 3 National teams: Canada (2008), UK (2011), England (2013).

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Eduardo Sajgalik when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor today! Click here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep87

First Set

Judgment

Favorite Set

Time Spiral

Favorite Card

Riftwing Cloudskate

Early Challenge

Deck Construction

Level Up Moment

His first two Pro Tours really taught Eduardo that there IS "another level", and he dedicated himself to reach it.

How to Choose a Standard Deck

Look at the top 32 decks of recent events.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

People are stuck up in their own ideas. If you are not open to new ideas then it stops your improvement. If 20 people are giving you similar feedback, you should probably listen.

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Eduardo wants to be social. Magic lets you make long lasting friendships.

What's in Your Tournament Bag

Deck

Deck Box

Dice

Pad

Pen

Water

Cereal Bar

Banana

Trail Mix

Improvement Suggestions

FNM is a perfect experimental format. Try stuff out and have fun.

Look at the top 32 decks of a tournament. Those decks were 1 win away from the top 8. This will give you a better idea of which decks are doing well than just looking at the Top 8 list.

Watch high-level Magic match ups. This will help you internalize the lines of play so they aren't new when they happen to you.

Connect With Eduardo Sajgalik

Twitter: @Walaoumpa

Like What You Hear?

If you like the show, head on over to iTunes and leave an honest Rating & Review.

Let me know what you like and what I can do better so I can make the show the best it can be and continue bringing you valuable content.

I read every single one and look forward to your feedback.

5 Star Rating

(Here's a 1.5 minute tutorial on how to leave a review if you don't already know. THANK YOU!)

Sponsors

Patreon milestone 2

Apr 12, 2016

Matt Severa is a software developer from Madison, WI. He is also a silver level pro and a member of Team Ultra Pro. His magic accomplishments include top 8 at GP Detroit in 2003, top 4 at GP Nashville in 2014, and a GP win at Washington D.C. in 2016.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Matt Severa when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor today! Click here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep86

First Set

Revised

Favorite Set

Innistrad set

Favorite Card

Vendilion Clique

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

Social aspect.

Early Challenge

Constructed

Deepest Thing About Yourself

Matt can go all in and sometimes lets his emotions carry over from game to game. He reminds himself why he's playing. He's there to have fun and regardless of his results he got to hang out with some great people.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

People don't step back and look at the bigger picture.  Have an overall plan. If you don't know what your deck is trying to do you will lose more often than you should.

Sealed & Draft Tips

Matt attends a draft camp to learn what the limits of the format is. This is how he familiarizes himself with the archetypes in Limited.

What's in Your Tournament Bag

Dice

Notepad

Pen

Water

Playmat

Improvement Suggestions

Eat right, sleep well, and stay fit.

Magic Resource

MTG Goldfish

Connect With Matt Severa

Twitter: @MattSevera

Like What You Hear?

If you like the show, head on over to iTunes and leave an honest Rating & Review.

Let me know what you like and what I can do better so I can make the show the best it can be and continue bringing you valuable content.

I read every single one and look forward to your feedback.

5 Star Rating 

(Here's a 1.5 minute tutorial on how to leave a review if you don't already know. THANK YOU!)

Sponsors

Patreon milestone 2

Apr 8, 2016

Chapman Sim's been playing Magic for over 20 years and is one of the most dedicated players in Asia. Living by the motto of "Play the Game, See the World", he is a travel enthusiast known for his escapades all around the globe. Chapman has 4 Grand Prix top 8s, has 3 World Magic Cup appearances, 2 Nationals Top 8s, and is the 2015 Singapore National Champion.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Chapman Sim when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor today! Click here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep85

First Set

Revised

Favorite Set

Mirrodin

Favorite Card

Force of Will

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

Really good organized play. Plenty of events to meet up with friends and play.

Level Up Moment

When he was invited to play with team MTG Mint Card.

Hardest Magic Moment

Chapman's sliver deck was stolen. He was determined to not let the loss get him down and he bounced back and started grinding really hard.

Proudest Magic Moment

Playing so many Pro Tours in a row without being a Gold Level Pro.

Deepest Thing About Yourself

He's learned he's very independent. He schedules all his travel himself and is always where he needs to be when he needs to be there.

Favorite Format

Limited

Limited tips: Go to the pre-release of every set. It's a lot of fun and you can prepare by reading the set primer.

Sealed & Draft Tips

Drafting is the hardest format. Manage your curve. Do a draft once or twice a week. Stay consistent and you'll get better.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Meet up with a team a week before and practice.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Playing removal spells too early, especially in Limited. At the GP level, Chapman sees people throwing away their removal when they should wait for something bigger

What's in Your Tournament Bag

Pen

Pad

Dice

Deck

Magic Resource

MTG Mint Card

Channel Fireball

Star City Games

Connect With Chapman Sim

Twitter: @chapmansim

Like What You Hear?

If you like the show, head on over to iTunes and leave an honest Rating & Review.

Let me know what you like and what I can do better so I can make the show the best it can be and continue bringing you valuable content.

I read every single one and look forward to your feedback.

5 Star Rating

(Here's a 1.5 minute tutorial on how to leave a review if you don't already know. THANK YOU!)

Sponsors

Patreon milestone 2

Apr 5, 2016

 

Alex Bastecki spent years helping run premier level tournaments as a judge, then in 2015 he decided to focus more on playing, resulting in his first Pro Tour appearance at Pro Tour Magic Origins and a Star City Games Invitational win in Season 3 in New Jersey. Alex lives in Pittsburg.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Alex Bastecki when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor today! Click here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep84

First Set

Tempest

Favorite Set

Time Spiral

Favorite Card

Basking Rootwalla

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

How everything ties together.

Don't look five matches into the future. Keep you mind centered on the present match at hand.

Early Challenge

Letting emotions carry over into the next game.

Level Up Moment

Winning a Regional Pro Tour Qualifier.

Worst Moment

Alex was playing with a Japanese card and didn't tell his opponent the full text. His opponent tried to blow it up all over the internet and this almost made Alex leave the game.

Proudest Magic Moment

Winning the Star City Games Invitational

Alex Bastecki Token

Best Format

Legacy

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Turning on the intensity needed to win and turning off the stress.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Letting emotions get the best of them. Just because you've mulled down to 5 doesn't mean you've lost. Stay in the moment, don't check out, and play your best.

Improvement Suggestions

Strive to become better with every game you play, either casual or competitive.

Magic Resource

Article about sharing information mentioned by Alex.

Connect With Alex Bastecki

Twitter: @rootwallapunk

Like What You Hear?

If you like the show, head on over to iTunes and leave an honest Rating & Review.

Let me know what you like and what I can do better so I can make the show the best it can be and continue bringing you valuable content.

I read every single one and look forward to your feedback.

5 Star Rating

 

 

(Here's a 1.5 minute tutorial on how to leave a review if you don't already know. THANK YOU!)

Sponsors

Patreon milestone 2

Apr 1, 2016

 

Ralph Betesh has two Grand Prix top 8s, one in Miami 2015 and the second when he slogged through the insiduous Eldrazi menace and emerged as champion of Grand Prix Detroit in March of 2016. Ralph lives in Philidelphia. 

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Ralph Betesh when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor today! Click here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep83

First Set

M11

Favorite Card

Delver of Secrets

Early Challenge

Combat math.

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

"I'm super competitive."

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Not seeking feedback. Talk to your opponent and others after each game.

What's in Your Tournament Bag

Decks

Box

Sleeves

Improvement Suggestions

Go to FNM. Network at your local store.

Magic Resource

Magic Online

Watching streams (Twitch)

Connect With Ralph Betesh

Twitter: @amthebroseph01

Like What You Hear?

If you like the show, head on over to iTunes and leave an honest Rating & Review.

Let me know what you like and what I can do better so I can make the show the best it can be and continue bringing you valuable content.

I read every single one and look forward to your feedback.

5 Star Rating

 

(Here's a 1.5 minute tutorial on how to leave a review if you don't already know. THANK YOU!)

Sponsors

Patreon milestone 2

1