When practicing, focus on the quality of your play over mere quantity. If you are distracted, it’s not likely you’ll play your best game or take away as much as you would if you were rested, focused, and in a good mental state. Make mental notes of your game as you play. Turning points are especially important, as these will help you evaluate things like the timing of your plays, the best instances to use certain strategies, and more. Online play has created an invaluable resource to serious Magic players. Even if you live in an area where local, regional, national, or international tournaments aren’t accessible, with an Internet connection you can easily practice against other players. Speaking of local, regional, national, and international tournaments, these are vital events where you can test your skill as a planeswalker. You’ll also be able to watch games between other pros during your free moments, which will give you a chance to scope out their cards and strategies. [3] X Research source
The goal of your deck shouldn’t be too narrow or broad. For example, simply removing an opponent’s creature from play could blind you to the larger strategic goals of your opponent, while “playing to win” doesn’t give you a firm plan with which you can undo your enemy. Having a goal for you deck and knowing it well will also make your deck more versatile. There may be slight modifications you can make to your normal play-style that throws a wrench into the machinations of the opposition. Try to keep an open mind to every way possible you might achieve the goal of your deck. [4] X Research source
Take special note of instances where you notice you could have done something better. Analyze these to learn the signs and indicators that might tip you off next time you are in a similar situation. Predictive play can undo an opponent before he even gets a chance to make his move. Technical errors will also help you learn the most optimal order in which you should execute your strategy. Different situations may require you to alter your order of play. By recognizing enemy moves before they happen and adjusting your own strategy to compensate, you’ll stand the best chance of winning possible. [5] X Research source
Some of your tournament decks might simply be ill-equipped to handle certain strategies. If you find your deck has an Achilles heel, consider ways you might protect yourself from this disadvantage. If you find this is impossible, you should evaluate whether or not that particular deck is worth taking to tournament. Your in-game experiences can reveal unexpected flaws in your deck. Some cards and strategies work well on paper, but that doesn’t always mean these work the best in real life.
You should also be aware of changes in rules and requirements. You may have to rethink your strategy if a previously disallowed card or card type is permitted in the format of tournament play you specialize, like constructed or limited matches. [6] X Research source Weigh your deck strategy against other dominant strategies that pros advocate. If you find your deck strategy can’t hold its own against those of advanced players, you may need to make adjustments or even start from scratch. After spending time, effort, and money building your deck to achieve a certain goal or enact a certain strategy, it can be difficult admitting it isn’t good enough to go toe-to-toe with other pros. The hallmark of a true pro is adaptability; never be too proud to optimize your play-style. [7] X Research source
Many serious player of Magic, sharing the same passion for the game you do, can become valuable allies and advisers. Never hesitate to ask questions, and always demonstrate good sportsmanship. [8] X Research source [9] X Research source
Use online card catalogs to find your ideal deck. Some of these cards may be ultra-rare or outside of your price range. However, there might be ways you can accomplish the same effect as these “super-cards” with combinations of more accessible cards. Rank these from most to least important. Then. . . Begin gathering the components of your ideal deck. You may find you need to start with the cheapest, most accessible cards. You might then use these to win money at regional tournaments and reinvest the prize money in the more expensive, less accessible cards. On the other hand, you might find you need to save up and purchase a super-card that’s a lynch pin of your strategy. In either case, don’t forget to. . . Play-test changes to your deck. This can be a painful experience. After going to the effort of attaining a super-card, finding out in a play-test that it simply does not work can be heartbreaking. However, keep in mind the card will still have value to other players. Even if this card doesn’t work out, you can sell it or trade it to help you get the cards you need. [10] X Research source
Earning 33 match points, which is equal to winning 11 of 16 rounds, in previous year’s Pro Tour. Qualifying for the pro-tour through official qualifier tournaments (PTQ). This may also require placing in the tournament or making the point requirement for a Regional Pro Tour Qualifiers (RPTQ). Winning enough points or entering the single elimination stage in an official Grand Prix. In the event you are playing in a Grand Prix with less than 1200 players, you may be required to place in the top four. [11] X Research source [12] X Research source NOTE: the qualifying rules can change considerably from year to year. Be sure to check the official Magic: The Gathering qualifying conditions on the Wizards of the Coast homepage.
The same is true for good luck. If you are having a phenomenal string of wins, any pro will tell you – you’re having a string of good luck. Which isn’t to say you haven’t worked hard to build your deck and plan your strategy, but overconfidence can lead to serious blunders. If you find that you get overly emotional during games, or if you find that high tension games get the better of you, you might try meditation or other self-calming techniques. A surge of adrenaline can lead to a hasty mistake; learn to control adrenaline. [13] X Research source
Before plunging headlong into the pro-circuit, you may want to use a trial run to see how you hold up. You may find the travel and practice schedule too intense, in which case you might decide not to invest as much time and money into Magic, instead keeping it as a hobby. The drive to become the very best is an important factor for any top-tier player in any professional sport. However, if this gets out of hand, it can have a serious negative impact on your life. Be sure you are taking time to relax and unwind in whatever way you find most valuable. [15] X Research source
