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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: May, 2017
May 30, 2017

Francesco Giorgio is an Italian Magic player living in England and a member of Team Axion Now. He's at his best with 40 card decks, but also enjoying the Standard format. His achievements include 2 Limited Grand Prix Top 8s and Top 8 at the 2014 World Magic Cup. 

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Francesco Giorgio when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep204

First Set

7th Edition

Favorite Set

Khans of Tarkir

Favorite Card

Birthing pod

Early Challenge

At first, Francesco didn't like the "best decks". Now, he understands that others have done well and he can draw on their knowledge.

Worst Magic Moment

Losing the finals of a GP due to a terrible mistake. He didn't read all the cards.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 at 2014 World Magic Cup.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Francesco learned to analyze his mistakes regardless of the outcome.

Shortcomings

Constructed. Focus more on tournament preparation.

Habits

Draft often. (Daily if possible.)

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Francesco loves travelling.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

In Limited, players don't block enough.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Tournament

Practice and discussion. For Limited, each player ranks every card and players discuss the differences.

Parting Guidance

Look back at every game and reflect, regardless of the results.

Magic Resource

Team Axiom Now, MTG Goldfishwww.mtgprotutor.com/giveaways200

Connect With Francesco Giorgio

Twitter:@Sniesk

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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May 26, 2017

Dario Veneri is a 24 year old Clerk from Zurich, Switzerland who started playing Magic about 4 years ago. He’s been to a bit more than a dozen GPs and made his first top 8 at Grand Prix Bologna 2017.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Dario Veneri when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep203

First Set

Return to Ravnica

Favorite Set

Amonkhet

Favorite Card

Hero of bladehold

Early Challenge

Dario struggled with variance at first. To overcome this, Dario focused on the new and just play the next game.

Worst Magic Moment

At a World Magic Qualifier, Dario got ahead of himself and didn't focus on the next game.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 at Grand Prix Bologna and getting his first Pro Tour invite.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Variance is everywhere and being mindful of it in Magic has brought it up to Dario in other areas and has helped him.

Tournament Day Tips

Go with friends. Interact with them between rounds. DON'T COMPLAIN and discuss crucial decision times from your game. Also, eat right. Plan it ahead and be mindful.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players tend to splash too much in Limited. They sacrifice their mana base for a low impact pay off.

How to Effectively Prepare for Grand Prix

Dario created a network of experienced players he likes and respects. He played a lot of Magic Online and attended as many Prerelease as he could. He discussed cards extensively with friends.

Parting Guidance

Focus on the next game and don't let variance get you down.

Connect With Dario Veneri

Twitter:@Josslyn_Avalon

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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May 23, 2017

Matthew Pope started playing Magic during Scars of Mirrodin and his first Launch Party was Magic 2012. Innistrad was the first pre-release he attended (and ran) at his local game. He was taught by a friend in college (the last 2 years of high school) and has come a long way with 1 Grand Prix Top 8 which was a 2nd place finish at Grand Prix Barcelona 2017. Matthew lives in the United Kingdom.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Matthew Pope when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep202

First Set

Scars of Mirrodin

Favorite Set

Innistrad

Favorite Card

Geist of Saint Traft

Early Challenge

Mulligan decisions. Matt noticed that even as he got better at mulligan decisions, he would revert back in high stakes games.

Worst Magic Moment

Matt attended a PPTQ and went 4-0-1. He wins the quarter finals and plays the best player in the room in the semi-finals. In game 3, Matt chokes and he missed the RPTQ invite. It was so close and the burn was real. Matt didn't attack based on a bluff from his opponent. Matt learned to play around what he should and ignore what he can't play around.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 at Grand Prix Barcelona 2017.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Playing around cards when it doesn't matter/wont make a difference.
Also, deck selection without enough time to get good at it.

Parting Guidance

Don't let circumstance affect your fundamentals. Mulligan decisions are huge, so practice, practice, practice and don't forget what you've learned.

Connect With Matthew Pope

Twitter:@immagicmatt

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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May 19, 2017

Jack Dobbin is a long-time grinder from the United States Midwest with a couple Pro Tour appearances and one GP top 8. He's living, learning and loving all things Magic: The Gathering.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Jack Dobbin when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep201

First Set

Legions

Favorite Set

Theros (for the draft environment)

Favorite Card

Cruel ultimatum

Early Challenge

Being stubborn. Jack would draft a good card and then get fixated on it. He would force an archetype and learned not to.

Worst Magic Moment

When Wizards switched off of the ELO system, Jack's qualification chances plummeted  because he doesn't play that often. He learned to enjoy Magic at its roots.

Proudest Magic Moment

Qualifying for the Pro Tour and calling his wife to say they are taking a trip. 

What Have You Learned From Magic

Making decisions with incomplete information.

Magic Mentor Advice

Don't play cards that lead you to being 2 for 1'd. Draft two colors.

How To Go from Day 2 to Top 8

Keep at it. Do what you're doing and take advantage of when variance breaks your way.
Keep your emotions in check. Don't tilt.

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

You can have a good time while losing.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Giving away information and playing slow. Play faster!

Parting Guidance

Remember to have fun.

Connect With Jack Dobbin

Jack 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

 

 

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Patreon milestone 2

May 16, 2017

Brian Andersen E is a 25 year old Magic enthusiast from California, but he’s lived everywhere. He’s played magic in both Asia and the USA at the basic LGS level. He’s an investor a partner at Paragon City Games and generally a loud mouth. Brian lives in Draper, Utah.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Brian Andersen E when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep200

First Set

Tempest

Favorite Set

Odyssey

Favorite Card

Kamahl, Pit fighter

Making a Store Stand Out

Be deliberate about the feel you want players to experience.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Not having enough experience with their deck. Take the time to play and know your deck ahead of time. Ask a lot of questions.

Tournament Day Tips

Control your emotions and look at what you did wrong. Successful players tend to be brewers. Their brains are always churning. Have a good breakfast.

What Have You Learned from Magic

Patience. So many times you want the results now but understand that it will come once your skill is where it needs to be.

Parting Guidance

Have patience with yourself, your community and your store.

Magic Resource

Paragon City Games, twitchtv/paragoncitygames, MTGProtutor.com/giveaway200

Connect With Brian Andersen E

Twitter: @JBrandersen

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

May 12, 2017

David Brucker is a returning Magic Pro who is coming back after a 9-year break. He just added his 6th Grand Prix top 8 to his record and even boasts a Grand Prix win from back in the day. On the Pro Tour, he has 6 top 16 finishes and is looking for a top 8 with his most recent invite. David lives in Munich, Germany.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from David Brucker when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep199

First Set

Ice age

Favorite Set

Mirrodin

Favorite Card

Fact or fiction

Early Challenge

Not knowing cards and winning decks. Lack of information was a big deal in the early days.

Worst Magic Moment

At his 2nd Nationals, David drank with friends the night before and showed up to the draft hung over. He went 3-0 but then got disqualified because he registered a 37 card deck.

Proudest Magic Moment

David won the European championship and got a big trophy and $15,000. He and his parents were so proud.

What Have You Learned From Magic

"Breaking" a deck is similar to science. Trying to find the best solution for a format is like finding a solution at work. Also teamwork.

Magic Mentors

Henniry Ramquist - he was very competitive and taught David to take the game seriously.

Tournament Day Tips

Get byes. Attend GPT's, PPTQs and Grand Prix

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

David is very competitive. He also likes to travel.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Playing your lost card in hand pre-combat.
This gives away so much information.
Think about every game and why you actually lost. Avoid the mindset of blowing outside influences for your losses.

What's in Your Tournament Bag

Clothing, deck box

Parting Guidance

Play a lot. Find the best players in your region and play against them.

Magic Resource

CFB, 5-0 decks from MTGO

Connect With David Brucker

David 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

 

 

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Patreon milestone 2

May 9, 2017

Robert Lombardi still has a Degree in Mechatronics Engineering (he hasn't lost it), and is married and has a 15-month-old son. He has 3 Grand Prix top 8s now including a win at Grand Prix Toronto 2016. He’s still better at Limited than Constructed and is striving to not be 1 point shy of Silver. Robert was first on the MTG Pro Tutor podcast in episode 125.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Robert Lombardi when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep198

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Robert played around with all the top decks and found his stride with Mardu vehicles.

FNM Side Board VS. Pro Side Board

You know the meta much better at the local level. Your board at a big event is less targeted.

First Strike Podcast

Robert is co-hosting a spiky podcast about competitive Magic.
Brian Gottlieb is the best built from scratch deck builder.

Parting Guidance

People ask for feedback but then argue when they get it. Don't do that!

Magic Resource

First Strike Podcast

Connect With Robert Lombardi

Twitter:@RobertLombardi0

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

May 5, 2017

Ben Friedman has four Grand Prix top 8s, two Pro Tour top 16s, 5 SCG invitational top 8s, and does it all while rocking a mean cowboy hat! He is a member of the MetaGameGurus on the SCG Tour and the Captain of Mox Box Bowl on the Pro Tour. Ben lives in Baltimore, MD.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from  Ben Friedman when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep197

First Set

Odyssey

Favorite Set

Ravnica

Favorite Card

Snapcaster mage

Early Challenge

Understanding how to attack a metagame.

Breakthrough Moment

JSS Nationals - first cashing a tournament.

Worst Magic Moment

After getting crushed at his first Pro Tour, Ben was really down. He learned he wasn't the hot shot he thought.

Proudest Magic Moment

Qualifying for his first Pro Tour. Next was when Ben made it to the Pro Tour off of a special invite due to rule changes. This PT invite got him the Gold status that year.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Delayed gratification.

Tournament Day Tips

Drink a lot of water, Ben knows that for him fasting makes him more focused.

Advice to New Players

Build your network and share cards. Networks help you make friends, save money and play Magic.

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Ben learned his play style is very value oriented.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players don't understand side boarding. They don't consider how their side boarding choices change when they are on the play versus the draw.

Parting Guidance

Think for yourself, learn for yourself and learn how to learn better.

Magic Resource

SCG, CFB, TCG Player

Connect With Ben Friedman

Twitter:@40cardfriedman

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

May 2, 2017

Corey Baumeister is a Gold Level Professional Magic player who has 2 Grand Prix top 8's to his name including a win in New Jersey 2017! He also has 1 top 16 and 2 top 32 finishes at the Pro Tour. Corey lives in Fargo, North Dakota.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Corey Baumeister when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep196

First Set

Onslaught

Favorite Set

Ravnica City of Guild

Favorite Card

Ogre savant

Early Challenge

Deck design during new sets.

Worst Magic Moment

Pro Tour Austin. Corey was playing a win-and-in match for Top 8 of the Pro Tour. Corey misplayed because he didn't know the matchup.

Proudest Magic Moment

Winning Grand Prix New Jersey 2017.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Recognizing mistakes and adjusting.

Best Format

Standard

Advice for New Standard Players

Follow events and see what's winning. Find answers to that deck by scouring legal cards.

Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself

Don't be so critical of yourself.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Using luck as a crutch for your losses. It takes a smart player to realize they did something wrong.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Corey played hundreds of games leading up to the Grand Prix. He knew his deck inside and out.

What's in Your Tournament Bag

Boogie board, stockpile of cards, dice

Parting Guidance

If you have the will to chase the dream then don't quit playing.

Magic Resource

Knowledgeable friends

Connect With Corey Baumeister

Twitter:@CoreyBaumeister

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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