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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.
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Now displaying: December, 2016
Dec 30, 2016

Manuel Succari is from Panama but is currently living in Taiwan studying Japanese. He’s played for team Panama in two World Magic Cups and made top 8 of the most recent one. When his schedule and budget allow, he enjoys attending Grand Prixs and has a personal best record of 11-4.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Manuel Succari when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep161

First Set

8th Edition

Favorite Set

Ravnica

Favorite Card

Tarmogoyf

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

The competitive aspect of the game is very appealing.

Level Up moment

Grand Prix Taipei 2016

Worst Magic Moment

Grand Prix Tokyo, Manuel flew to Tokyo, prepared a lot and didn't make day 2. He felt like quitting but his support system held him up and encouraged him to not give up.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 of World Magic cup 2016

Best Format

Format

Advice to Yourself 5 Years Ago

"You can do it."

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Choosing the wrong deck of the sub-optimal choice. Plan the deck you know the best and feel most comfortable with.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Practice early and practice a lot. Test every Top deck from the Pro Tour and see which resonates with you.

What's in Your Tournament Bag

Deck, Dice, Tokens

Daily Advice

Play at least a match a day.

Advice to New Standard Player

Ask a lot of questions and practice.

Improvement Suggestions

Have fun playing the game.

Magic Resource

CFB, SCG, Twitch.tv(Paul Cheon/Kenji)

Connect With Manuel Succari

Twitter:@manugoyf

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

Dec 27, 2016

Rob Pisano was a finalist at Grand Prix Indianapolis and made top 8 at Grand Prix Denver. He’s a Silver level pro soon to be Gold.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Rob Pisano when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep160

First Set

Mirage

Favorite Set

Khans of Tarkir

Favorite Card

Jace, Vryn's prodigy

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

Rob loves the challenge of deck building and high-level play.

Early Challenge

Learning how to lose. Be social at the table and you'll develop a good relationship with your opponent. This will help take the sting of losing.

Magic Mentors

David Williams

Worst Magic Moment

Second Pro Tour, Rob lost two win and ins to the top 8.

Proudest Magic Moment

Qualifying for the Pro Tutor for the first time. Rob made top 4 of an RPTQ and was so excited.

Best Format

Modern

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Rob learned how persistent he can be. 

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Getting discouraged when odds are in your favor. Stay focused and keep your head in the game. Always ask "how can I win this?"

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

In modern, you need to ask "What's changed since the loss of big event?"
In Standard, you need to test a lot. It's tedious but the results will come.

Advice to Yourself 5 Years Ago

Play Magic! Go to as many competitive events as possible.

Daily Actions

Play Magic often. Leagues help.

Improvement Suggestions

Take loss as a challenge. Be friendly with everyone, Magic is the best game. If you're not having fun, make it fun. Innovate and come up with your own ideas.

Connect With Rob Pisano

Twitter:@Rob_Pisano

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

Dec 23, 2016

Eric Severson is a Gold Level Pro and a member of Team East West Bowl who has 4 Grand Prix Top 8s to his name. Eric lives in Davis California.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Eric Severson when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep159

First Set

Invasion

Favorite Set

M13

Favorite Card

Birthing pod

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

Competition is key to having fun for Eric. The ability to progress is very appealing.

Early Challenge

Sideboarding was tough at the beginning. By finding a deck, he would master helped him focus on improving his sideboarding skills.

Level Up Moment

Playing the same deck and going to competitive events regularly really added to Eric's skill.

Worst Magic Moment

Pro Tour Battle for Zendikar (3rd Pro Tour), after a great day one and having a 10-1 record, Eric loses 4 games in a row and then draws and misses top 8 and a Pro Tour invite.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8'ing a Grand Prix to make silver and get the Pro Tour invite after losing it 6 times. Top 4 of a team Grand Prix was also a highlight. Eric made a sweet reanimator play on camera.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players drop from tournaments. WHY? If you paid and traveled, then play all the rounds. Thinking through this turn and the next yields big advantages.

Best Format

Limited

Effective Limited Preparation

Grind booster drafts and sealed events on MTGO. Play pre-release. Have a draft camp weekend.

Improvement Suggestions

Have fun playing the games.

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

Dec 20, 2016

Sergiy Sushalskyy started playing Magic in 1999 with the Urza block. He’s been regularly competing in Grand Prixs since 2012 and has 3 Grand Prix Top 8s, 2 Ukraine National Champion's titles and a recent Magic World Cup Top 8 with team Ukraine. Segiy is from Kiev, Ukraine but lives in Edinborough, Scotland.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Sergiy Sushalskyy when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep158

First Set

Portal 2nd Age

Favorite Set

Zendikar

Favorite Card

Counterspell

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

After a year or two, Magic went from a hobby to a competitive objective. He loves the competitive aspect.

Early Challenge

Deck building is the most difficult aspect of Magic. That and dealing with uncertainty. When playing against an unknown, be more cautious.

Level Up Moment

After Sergiy's first Grand Prix Top 8, he top 8'd another about one month later. He prepared by playing Limited and reading articles.

Worst Magic Moment

Grand Prix Barcelona 2016 - Sergiy was playing to get 59 match points. It was the lost GP of the season and if he won his lost match, he would make Silver-level Pro for the season. Sergiy lost and took a break after come back (as always).

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 with team Ukraine in 2016 World Magic Cup.

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Sergiy is easily discouraged and gets frustrated. But he learned that everything is possible.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Losing focus part way through the day of a big tournament. The noise of GP's can be very distracted. Get outside and clear your mind. Get fresh air.

Beginner Limited Advice

Time yourself making decks with a sealed pool.

Improvement Suggestions

What is Magic for you? Is it a casual hobby or are you looking to be competitive? Once you know, dedicate the appropriate time to achieve your goals.

Magic Resource

ChannelFireBall, SCG

Connect With Sergiy Sushalskyy

Sergiy can be found in the MTG Pro Tutor Facebook group

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

Dec 16, 2016

Petros Tziotis is a Greek Magic: The Gathering player who in his first year of playing won Nationals 2007. This year he came back to win the World Magic Cup with his teammates Bill, Panos and Nikos. Petros lives in Athens, Greece.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Petros Tziotis when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep157

First Set

9TH Edition

Favorite Set

Innistrad

Favorite Card

Bloodbraid Elf

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

Meeting lots of new friends and having the opportunity to connect with cool people.

Early Challenge

Playing new decks was rough for Petros. He learned by watching other players.

Level Up Moment

When Petros started going to local stores and playing with good players he grew the most.

Worst Magic Moment

A PPTQ come to Greece during Scars of Mirrodin. He did 100 sealed events online. At the event, he went 0-2. He left without talking to anyone because he was upset. He learned that you have to accept the losses and understand that it's cyclical.

Proudest Magic Moment

Winning world Magic Cup 2016 with his teammates.

Best Format

Standard

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Magic has similarities to fencing and Petros learned to love the mind games and bluff.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players don't realize their mistakes. Too often players don't break down the game after and analyze what they could have done differently.

Advice To Yourself 5 Years Ago

Play more and take advantage of opportunities that came by.

Advice for Standard

Find a deck that fits your style and play that a lot.

Success Tip

Regulate drafts. Keeps your Magic mind sharp.

Improvement Suggestions

Start slow but dream big. If you want to go big, find those better players.

Connect With Petros Tziotis

Petros can be found in the MTG Pro Tutor Facebook group.

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

Dec 13, 2016

Peter Vieren played continually on the Pro Tour from 2010-11, then took (sort of) a break when he started working. He got back to the Pro Tour in 2015. He has two Magic Grand Prix top 8s (Lyon '10, Prague '15), 1 Pro Tour top 16 (Milwaukee '15) and is the captain of the 2016 Belgium World Magic Cup team which took second place. Peter lives in Leuven, Belgium.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Peter Vieren when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep156

First Set

Planeshift

Favorite Set

Rise of the Eldrazi

Favorite Card

Jace, The Mind Sculptor
Dig through Time

Early Challenge

Peter played rogue decks "too much". However, he has learned from every deck his built.

Worst Magic Moment

Pro Tour Amsterdam; Peter played a Restore Balance deck and missed in day 2 by one match.

Proudest Magic Moment

World Magic Cup 2016 - being in a great environment with a wonderful team.

Level Up Moment

Coming back to the game after a break showed Peter that being calm and not being  whipped up in the results.

Best Format

Draft, look for mana sinks in limited.

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Peter has the ability to be very focused.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Side boarding is where many players stumble. With experience, you'll know your own deck and format better.

What's in Your Tournament Bag

Water, Cards

Mentors

Paulo Vitor Damo da Rosa (past guest)

Improvement Suggestions

Balance is big. Don't be extreme in some cases and too soft in others. Questioning every decision you made gets you nowhere but not seeking advice is also flawed.

Magic Resource

CFB

Connect With Peter Vieren

Twitter:@peter_vieren

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

Dec 9, 2016

Lauri Pispa has been playing Magic competitively for 2 years, which comes after a 10-year break from the game. In that time he played other games competitively and even opened a card shop one year ago named Sensei’s Divining Shop. He’s a member of the 2016 Finnish World Magic Cup team and lives in Tampere, Finland.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Lauri Pispa when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep155

First Set

Urza block

Favorite Set

Prophecy, Innistrad

Favorite Card

Tangle wire

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

Traveling is a lot of fun. Magic is a good excuse to get out and see the world.

Early Challenge

Lauri wasn't good at taking criticism. He thought he knew it all. But as he lost at GP's he learned that he had a lot to learn. Now he embraces learning from others.

Worst Magic Moment

Pro Tour Madrid 2016, Lauri needed to win 2 of the last 4 games but didn't win a single one. He went out with the team deconstructed the event.

Proudest Magic Moment

World Magic Cup Top 8 2016

Level Up Moment

When Lauri decided he was going to be competitive and when he recognized there is always a better player. He started reading and watching content.

Best Format

Legacy and draft

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Lauri has learned that he enjoys the deep thinking process.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Not being open to criticism. Players sometimes don't listen to others.

Mentors

BBD- Brian Braun-Duin (Past guest)

What's in Your Tournament Bag

Extra cards to build decks, Clothes

Improvement Suggestions

Be nice to everybody. Be nice to your opponents and be nice to yourself.

Magic Resource

www.senseisdiviningshop.fi, MTGGoldfish, CFB, SCG

Connect With Lauri Pispa

Twitter:@Telkku

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

Dec 6, 2016

Ryan Cubit made it to his first Pro Tour (PT Madrid) in early 2016 where he made day 2. He’s been playing on and off since 2000 and has won states and regionals as well as other low-level tournaments. He’s a member of the 2016 Australian World Magic Cup team who loves building new decks and tweaking current ones. Ryan lives in Melbourne, Australia.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Ryan Cubit when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep154

First Set

Mercadian Masques

Favorite Set

Invasion

Favorite Card

Goblin Guide

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

The good memories of his friends keeps Ryan involved.

Early Challenge

Ryan loved 80 card decks. He struggled to cut his deck down to 60 cards. Resource management. Your life total is just a tool.

Worst Magic Moment

Soon after winning States, Ryan played an FNM and went 0-3 and then got a bye. He had never lost that badly. Ryan learned magic is a game that you win and lose.

Proudest Magic Moment

Winning in the States in 2004. Crushing a pre-release in Austria while traveling with a friend.

Level Up Moment

Ryan started top 8'ing tournaments and other players noticed him.

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

How far your morals play into everything you do. In competitive events, there is always the ambition to win at any cost. Ryan has realized the importance of his values.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players get in their own head. They let misplays and losses affect their next match.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Ryan played a lot of Leagues on Magic Online. He has a Restore Balance deck in that he's practiced with a lot.

Improvement Suggestions

Be yourself. Play and have fun.

Magic Resource

SCG, SCG Premium, CFB, Gatherer

Connect With Ryan Cubit

Twitter:@EgyptainCubit

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

Dec 2, 2016

Alex Kessler is the creator of the web show Top Decking, the previous host of Mad Magic, and the creator and host of the Masters of Modern Podcast. He’s a Founding member of the website www.Collected.Company, and is the President and game and toy designer of the KessCo toy and Game company. Alex lives in Santa Monica, California.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Alex Kessler when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep153

First Set

5TH Edition

Favorite Set

Innistrad

Favorite Card

Geist of Saint Traft

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

The content creation has been a large hook for Alex. He also loves the brewing side of magic as well. The creation is key.

Early Challenge

Attack step. Alex is a more passive player and plays a deck that doesn't attack a lot.

Level Up Moment

Reading a draft and pick article in Zendikar block led to his first win.

Worst Magic Moment

Alex assumed he lost a game that he actually won. He didn't count the damage and scooped. His opponent lets him lose.

Proudest Magic Moment

The first decent finish at an event. The positive response to Top Decking.

Best Format

Modern

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Alex is more competitive than he realized. He's also greatly improved his ability to learn.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

The mana management. Tapping the wrong land, Keep your mana organized.

Shortcoming

Learning the deck that he should play and sticking to it.

Advice to Yourself 5 Years Ago

Buy fetch land.

Underplayed Card in Standard

Gideon Jura
Geist of Saint Traft

Improvement Suggestions

Always ask for help. Call a judge if you need to.

Mentors

LSV(Luis Scott-Vargas), Patrick Chapin,Brian Kibler

Connect With Alex Kessler

Twitter:@mmcast

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

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