Cody Napier started playing magic in 2009 and has 1 Grand Prix Top 8 (Louisville) and 1 SCG open top 8 in his record. He’s attending his first Pro Tour later this year which is only 45 minutes away from his house. He loves cube and Legacy but mostly plays Standard. Cody lives in Tennessee.
Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Cody Napier when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep170
First Set
Rise of the Eldrazi
Favorite Set
Shards of Alara
Favorite Card
Elvish Visionary
Early Challenge
Thinking too far ahead. Cody would think about the end of the tournament instead of the current match.
Worst Magic Moment
Cody was playing against Brian Braun-Duin for a top 8 slot. He didn't kill a key creature and then had to discard his removal spell.
Proudest Magic Moment
Playing for top 8 at Grand Prix Louisville, Cody had the foresight to play around a Vendilion Clique. This drew him into Griselbrand for the win.
Best Format
Legacy
Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself
Cody has learned he doesn't do things halfway.
Biggest Mistake Players Make
Players look at Magic more as a job than a game. If you take the game so seriously then losses lot harder and you're more likely to tilt.
Magic Mentors
Brian Braun - Duin, Gerry Thompson, Todd Anderson
Beginner Legacy Advice
Watch Legacy coverage and learn card interactions. Learn how to cast brainstorm. AJ Sacher articles really help.
Improvement Suggestions
Focus on having fun, not winning.
Magic Resource
CFB, SCG, TCG Player, MTG Top 8, MTG Goldfish
Connect With Cody Napier
Twitter:@cody_napier
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
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Reid Duke has an impressive record of 19 Grand Prix Top Eights with 5 wins and 2 PT Top Eights with 2 additional Top Sixteens. He’s lauded in the Magic community as a boon of positivity and a shining example of kindness. Reid is mentioned by several past guests of the show as a player they look up to. Reid lives in Sugar Loaf New York.
Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Reid Duke when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep169
First Set
4th Edition Ice Age
Favorite Set
Shards of Alara / Ice Age
Favorite Card
Green sun's zenith
Early Challenge
Reid did poorly at his first several Pro Tour. He was used to PTQ level players when the Pro Tour had much higher caliber players.
Worst Magic Moment
Placing 2nd at World Championship in 2013.
Reid was up 2 games in the finals and then lost 3 games in a row.
Proudest Magic Moment
Doing so well at Worlds 2013 and making it to 2nd place. Also, winning the mocs 2011.
Magic Mentors
LSV
Advice for New Legacy Players
Stick with the same deck.
http://www.channelfireball.com/articles/legacy-guide-part-i-introduction-to-legacy2/
http://www.channelfireball.com/articles/legacy-guide-part-ii-overview-of-legacy/
http://www.channelfireball.com/articles/legacy-guide-part-iii-choosing-your-deck/
Biggest Mistake Players Make
Players try to do too much. The more you get into Magic the more time management becomes important.
How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event
Reid starts about 3 weeks in advance. Reid will draft as much as possible and play practice games with locals and online
What have You Learned from Magic
Reid has learned, to be honest with himself and these around him. He has learned to not cut corners.
Shortcomings
Time management and deck building.
Daily Habits
Quality practice over quantity. Reid doesn't
Improvement Suggestions
Stick with Magic through the good and the bad.multiqueue or listen to music.
Connect With Reid Duke
Twitter:@ReidDuke
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
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David Mines has 1 Grand Prix top 8 and 1 Grand Prix win under his belt, has 2 Pro Tour top 16 and is the captain of the 2016 Australian World Magic Cup team. David lives in Brisbane, Australia.
Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from David Mines when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep168
First Set
Invasion
Favorite Set
Invasion
Favorite Card
Liliana of the veil
Early Challenge
David found it hard to be taken seriously because he was so young. Testing with other groups was hard. He's learned to be very open to other ideas.
When was Your Magic Breakthrough
At David's second PPTQ he and his team went all the way to the finals and split the win. He learned to not intimidated by big games.
Level Up Moment
After coming back, David won a PPTQ and linked with a team that took Magic very seriously. This approach opened. David's eyes.
Worst Magic Moment
At a Grand Prix soon after David's return, he throws away a top 8 because he played around a card that he shouldn't.
Proudest Magic Moment
Grand Prix Melbourne 2016 (David won!) Top 8 at World Magic Cup 2016.
Best Format
Modern
Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself
David has learned how competitive he can be and has been able to learn to tone it down.
Biggest Mistake Players Make
Players try to play around too many things.
Underplayed Card in Modern
Midnight Oil
Beginner Modern Advice
Final a deck that fits your play style. Learn what the other decks do.
Daily Activities
Listening to music helps David's frame of mind.
Improvement Suggestions
Be open and receptive to learning. Soak in knowledge and learn from better players.
Magic Resource
Connect With David Mines
David can be found in the MTG Pro Tutor Facebook group.
Sponsors
Seth Manfield is the 2015 World Champion and has 11 Grand Prix top 8's including 5 Wins. He also has 2 Pro Tour Top 8's as well as multiple Pro Tour top 16's. He’s a full time Magic player and content producer for TCGplayer.com. Part of the #mtgdad club and a current Platinum Pro. Seth lives in Maryland, USA.
Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Seth Manfield when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep167
First Set
Apocalypse
Favorite Set
Ravnica City of Guilds
Favorite Card
Vedalken Dismisser
Early Challenge
Confidence in his ability to compete.
Breakthrough
First Pro Tour Top 8. Fate Reforged.
Worst Magic Moment
Loss to Shahar Shenhar to make top 8 of a Grand Prix. Seth thought he blew his chance to make the Pro Tour.
Proudest Magic Moment
Winning 2015 World Championship.
What have you learned from Magic
You can follow what you love and turn it into a career.
Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself
Most players look at Magic as a hobby. Seth approaches the game as aa job. He's come to be okay with lifestyle.
Biggest Mistake Players Make
Thinking they've won a game before it's over. Think about your opponents outs.
Shortcomings
Seth is buying up misplays and his deck building skills.
Weekly Rituals
Look at decks that are doing well and familiarize yourself with the top deck lists.
How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event
Know the current meta-game. What are the best decks? Play against the top 3 decks but also be prepared for the surprise builds.
What's in Your Tournament Bag
Cards, Deck, Life Pad
Improvement Suggestions
Have fun, brew decks. Try things out and be happy with how you view the game.
Magic Resource
TCG Player, Wizards of the Coast Website
Connect With Seth Manfield
Twitter:@SethManfield
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
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Ben Hull played Magic fairly casually for about four years before qualifying for Pro Tour Kaladesh. He made top 8 at Pro Tour Kaladesh and since then, also picked up his first Grand Prix top 8 in Denver. Ben lives in Vancouver, Canada.
Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Ben Hull when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep166
First Set
Antiquities
Favorite Set
Rise of the Eldrazi
Favorite Card
Overgrown battlement
Early Challenge
When playing control, when do you start a Hacking.
Worst Magic Moment
Being horribly sick before his first Pro Tour.
Proudest Magic Moment
Top 8 at GP Denver. This validated Ben's Pro Tour finish.
Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself
Learned how to accept bad outcomes.
Biggest Mistake Players Make
Card evaluation skils are sub par. To get better, read what others say. Tap into the knowledge of others.
What Tournament Day Tips Can You share
Play one match at a time. Just focus on the here and now.
Advice to Yourself 5 Years Ago
Play Magic! Put more effort in Constructed and have fun.
Success Activities
Watching and listening to Magic content.
Improvement Suggestions
Slow down sometimes and really evaluate your decisions.
Connect With Ben Hull
Twitter:@IbbinMTG
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
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-Daniel Cathro is a newcomer to the competitive Magic scene as he only started playing competitively with Dragons of Tarkir. He qualified for his first Pro Tour at Eldritch Moon through an RPTQ and just qualified for Pro tour Aether Revolt to make 3 Pro Tours in a row. Daniel lives in Provo, Utah.
Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Daniel Cathro when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep165
First Set
4th Edition
Favorite Set
Magic Origins
Favorite Card
Goblin Rabblemaster
Early Challenge
Constructed specifically sideboarding. Daniel read a ton of sideboard guides to flesh out his knowledge.
Level Up Moment
Round one of his first Pro Tour, Daniel played against Paulo Vitor Damo da Rosa and won!
Worst Magic Moment
At his second Pro Tour, Daniel didn't earn a Pro Point and felt really bad - since his first PT he did very well.
Proudest Magic Moment
2016 has been amazing. Danny feels very validated.
Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself
Danny is able to see odds not pan out and not be upset.
Biggest Mistake Players Make
Many [layers will over think a situation or give their opponent too much credit. Play your game plan.
Best Format
Modern
Advice for Beginner Modern Player
Pick a deck and learn it inside and out.
Activity that Leads to Success
Play and testing with friends have been invaluable.
Improvement Suggestions
Stick to your guns. Learn a deck or strategy and double down on it.
Magic Resource
Limited Resources, CFB, SCG, Event coverage
Connect With Daniel Cathro
Twitter:@djcathro
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
Jacob Nagro is a competitive Magic player from Albuquerque, NM. His first Pro Tour was PT Kaladesh and he later earned his first GP Top 8 in Denver.
Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Jacob Nagro when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep164
First Set
Betrayers of Kamigawa
Favorite Set
Shadowmoor / Eventide
Favorite Card
Life from the loam
Ravnica Guilds
Simic
What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?
The community and interacting with people makes Magic fun for Jacob.
Level Up Moment
At his 2nd Grand Prix, Jacob finished 12-3.
Worst Magic Moment
Grand Prix Los Angeles (May 2016). Jacob started 5-0 and then got a loss that he realized was his fault. He qualified for day 2 but dropped to get more experience in a side event. Later he wished he played day 2 so he could learn more.
Proudest Magic Moment
Top 8 of Grand Prix Denver.
Advice for Beginner Standard Player
Know from round to round the game plan of the current top decks.
Advice for Yourself 5 Years Ago
Some decks which powerful for a reason. Don't be afraid to plan the best deck.
Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself
Learning how to not carry over mistake or losses.
Biggest Mistake Players Make
Players sequence lands or top lands in a way that gives away information.
How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event
Leading up to GP Denver, Jacob played 5 Leagues and learned which decks were going to be good.
What’s in Your Tournament Bag
Deck, small box of cards, decks for side event, waterbottle
Shortcoming
Not getting enough out of matches when playing online. After each match you want to review what happened and which cards were good and carried weight.
Improvement Suggestions
Stay focused during games. Reflect after the round, focus during.
Magic Resource
Connect With Jacob Nagro
Twitter:@JacobNagro
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
Bas Melis is 31 years old and won Dutch Nationals in 2010 with a 15-0 record. He finished 8th place with the Dutch team at Worlds 2010. Played in 6 consecutive Pro Tours and finished 2nd at GP Rotterdam with Brent Vos and Frank Karsten. Bas lives in Eindhoven, Netherlands.
Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Bas Melis when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep163
First Set
Invasion
Favorite Set
Alara block
Favorite Card
Life from the loam
Early Challenge
First match and quarter finals are tough for Bas. By persisting and understanding the numbers, Bas know his time would come.
Level Up Moment
Regularly going to events with the best players in his area. This game insights, motivation and companionship.
Worst Magic Moment
Grand Prix and Pro Tour in Paris, France. Bas had loss after loss in both events. The event was poorly organized and Bas finished lower than he should. He learned to only go to the GP's he wanted.
Proudest Magic Moment
Winning Dutch Nationals with a 15-0 record.
Best Format
Standard
Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself
Bas hated losing when younger. He would become sour .of things were going to South. Now, he's focused on improving that and is happy that he's a positive player, win or lose.
Biggest Mistake Players Make
People loss the game before it ever starts. People psych themselves out when playing a "big name" in Magic Player.
How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event
Schedule time and practice, practice, practice. Use leagues on MTGO to get reps.
Beginner Standard Advice
Control decks are Bas' favorite and if the meta allows it, try a control deck. If not, go ogre.
Advice to Yourself 5 Years Ago
Start practicing draft a lot more.
Improvement Suggestions
Keep having fun. Never lose sight of that.
Magic Resource
Connect With Bas Melis
Bas 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
Ben Weitz is a Gold Pro Magic Player and one of the resident deck builders for East West Bowl. He has 4 Grand Prix Top 8s and is working on improving his game to get his first Pro Tour Top 8.
Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Ben Weitz when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep162
First Set
Ice Age
Favorite Set
Time Spiral
Favorite Card
Vesuvan Shapeshifter
Early Challenge
Sideboarding. Ben would have sideboard powooos with friends and learn how the built sideboard.
Worst Magic Moment
Ben terribly at a Grand Prix with a deck that he created. His friend (piloting the same deck) did very well. The dichotomy really stung.
Proudest Magic Moment
Hitting Gold after his second year on the Pro Tour.
Level Up Moment
Ben built a deck that Top 8'd in a Grand Prix and he realized "Wow, I'm a good deck builder".
Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself
Competitive environments is Ben's preferred way to socialize.
Biggest Mistake Players Make
Not sequencing your spells correctly.
How to Build Better Magic Decks
Note whether you are building for a known metagame or an unknown metagame. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the metagame and either take a deck that has a way to address what's going on or build a deck that does the same.
Improvement Suggestions
Magic is about having fun. If you burnout, take a break or skip a Grand Prix.
Connect With Ben Weitz
Twitter:@bsweitz123
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