Wednesday Night Magic Tourney Results (1-29-14)

I finally got to play Magic again after a few weeks break due to a busy schedule. I played Red Green Monsters to get myself familiar with the deck and luckily got the fourth place after losing my first round. Here are the final top 4 of the said event.

MtG Tournament Results
Wednesday Night Magic (1-29-14)

Top 4:
1st, Raoul (Mono Black Devotion)
2nd, Rei (Black splash Red Devotion)
3rd, Herbert (R/W Aggro)
4th, Mark Ian (Gruul Monsters)

10 players, 4 rounds gameplay

MtG Iloilo Tournament Results (Jan. 10-11, 2014)

Friday Night Magic (January 10, 2014)
Top 4:
1st, Emerson (Selesnya Aggro)
2nd, Herbert (Boros Aggro)
3rd, Ericson (Esper Midrange)
4th, Justine (Devotion to Black)

12 players, 4 rounds gameplay

Saturday Regular Tournament (January 11, 2014)
Top 4:
1st, Emerson (Selesnya Aggro)
2nd, Rei (Mono Blue Devotion)
3rd, Tonton (Mono Black Devotion)
4th, Oliver (Mono Black Devotion)

18 players, 5 rounds gameplay

The recent metagame discussion can be found here.

MtG Iloilo Tournament Results FNM (Dec. 27, 2013)

Here are the top four players on yesterday's Friday Night Magic at Rei's Place.

Top 4:
1st, Oliver (WWb Aggro)
2nd, Raoul (Mono Blue Devotion)
3rd, Mik (Selesnya Aggro)
4th, Rei (UW Control)

A total of 10 players joined, with 4 rounds of gameplay.

An Instant Decklist for FNM

Will be trying this one on Friday. What do you think? :D

UB Persecutor Control
Maindeck
4 Abyssal Persecutor
4 Vampire Nighthawk
2 Malakir Bloodwitch

4 Contaminated Ground
4 Spreading Seas
4 Jace The Mind Sculptor
4 Mana Leak
2 Cancel
2 Deprive
2 Into the Roil
2 Consuming Vapors
2 Infest

4 Drowned Catacombs
4 Jwar Isle Refuge
4 Creeping Tar pits
6 Island
6 Swamp

Potential sideboard could be:
- additional Infest
- Duress
- Negate
- Flashfreeze

Comments and Suggestions are welcome.

Deathmarked Wallpapers is now Out

No kidding guys, Deathmarked wallpapers are here! No, I was really kidding on the site wallpapers. Not the site but the card Deathmark from Magic 2010. Yeah, I was hoping I could have mine too. lol. Check out the wallpaper sizes to choose with on Friday's Magic Arcana.


The new art is cool but I'd still prefer the snow flake original card art version of Deathmark. Nothing beats the original you know hehe..

Pauper Magic Deck Strategies

My friends and day shift colleagues have been playtesting Pauper decks on MWS in preparation for our upcoming month ender Pauper Magic tournament. The five of them started playtesting last week, holding mini tourneys every afternoon. So far, they have come up with great deck ideas for the tournament. Check out some of their build below.

UB Midrange by Oliver
(3-0) Jan. 13, 2009 mini tournament
Maindeck
4 Terramorphic Expanse
10 Island
9 Swamp

4 Pestermite
4 Mulldrifter
2 Warren Pilferers
4 Festering Goblin
4 Phyrexian Rager
1 Fencer Clique
4 Spellstutter Sprite
4 Rendclaw Trow

4 Agony Warp
4 Nameless Inversion
1 Snakeform
1 Turn to Mist

Sideboard
1 Snakeform
1 Turn to Mist
4 Consign to Dream
3 Festercreep
4 Negate
2 Terror

This UB list seems to really abuse the true nature of Blue Black decks. A few card advantage, counters and creature kills can do the trick. Next is the UW Faes list created and piloted by Sarsi.

UW Faes by Sarsi
(3-0) January 7, 2009 mini tournament
Maindeck
4 Plains
2 Terramorphic Expanse
16 Island

4 Spellstutter Sprite
4 Silkbind Faerie
4 Mulldrifter
2 Fencer Clique
4 Pestermite
3 Cloud Sprite
4 Dream Thief

4 Cancel
2 Courier's Capsule
4 Recumbent Bliss
3 Ponder

Sideboard
2 Plains
2 Fencer Clique
1 Cloud Sprite
2 Courier's Capsule
1 Ponder
2 Dispeller's Capsule
4 Negate
1 Oblivion Ring

Finally, the Mono White Kithkins build by Oliver.

Kithkins by Oliver
(3-0) January 12, 2009 mini tournament
Maindeck
23 Plains

4 Order of the Golden Cricket
4 Burrenton Bombardier
3 Cenn's Heir
4 Ballynock Cohort
4 Mosquito Guard
4 Goldmeadow Harrier
4 Kithkin Zephyrnaut

2 Oblivion Ring
4 Unmake
4 Surge of Thoughtweft

Sideboard
2 Oblivion Ring
2 Barkshell Blessing
3 Recumbent Bliss
4 Fire at Will
1 Turn to Mist
3 Wispmare

*a big thanks to Mao for posting the decks at Magiciloilo.com.

Playing the Pauper Magic

Our MTG community had finally decided to have a pauper Magic tournament this last week or rather last Saturday of January. For those who aren't familiar, Pauper Magic is the game format in which only the common cards are legal. Which means we go to the cheap fun version and utilize common cards that we aren't using in our Standard tournaments. No rares and uncommons this time so we had to brainstorm again for deck tech and ideas.

Currently, the team Eversun had listed decks for Kithkins (mono-white), U/B Midrange, U/G Tempo and Sligh (mono-red). They have been undergoing test play to finalize the list. So far, the decks that are dominating are Kithkins and the U/G.

Just tonight, I've found a site (thanks Google) that's dedicated to Pauper Magic. Pdcmagic.com is a online community site that holds Pauper Magic deck challenges and events. It is a good source for Pauper Magic decklists and deck ideas. I'm thinking of joining there. Let's see if it fits to my sked.

(Looking at the site's FAQ)

Oh, they require Magic Online. Crap! Oh well...

What Happens When Slivers Gather for the Holidays

I found this funny web comic which got me really laughing from Breakingthemagic.com. It was actually an old post, dating back in April 10th, 2007, which got me thinking: what do slivers do if they have a family gathering? I guess you already know that a sliver’s ability affects all other slivers that are in play. What will happen if we apply this in a real life typical family scenario? What’s the result? See below. (click the image to enlarge)


As what the author says, "It sucks having boring and obnoxious relatives, it sucks twice if you’re a sliver!" LOL.

Dealing with the Forge Tender

I’m sure every red deck’s bane in the current Standard when facing the Kithkins or any other decks with white cards is the 1/1 pro red Burrenton Forge-Tender. This kithkin can really stop your early assault and can even prevent your last ditch burn or the damage of your Demigod. However, every problem has a solution so I was thinking of the possible card options in dealing with it and here’s what I came up with:

1. Everlasting Torment – This B/R hybrid enchantment nulls the red damage prevention of the forge-tender therefore making it vulnerable in combat. The problem though is that they are aware of this and they are boarding in Wispmares to deal with it. Right timing of the alpha strike is recommended for this scenario.

2. Moonglove Extract – If you are going mono red and not splashing black, then this artifact is the right answer for you and you can shoot your opponent for the win if there are no forge-tenders around.

3. Splash black – this is my preferred solution and I’m currently implementing it to my RDW deck. This gives you access to a lot of black removals, both spot and mass. My current black sideboards are Shriekmaws and Infest, which also deals with other weenie decks such as the Elves and Merfolks. You just have to adjust your manabase though to avoid the mismatching of your colors. I suggest you use Auntie’s Hovel and Graven Cairns.

That’s it for now and I hope this can be a great help to you. Now go forth and burn off those little white men. Just kidding… ^_^

Michael Jacob Wins US Nats

Piloting an updated version of Saito's RDW, Jacobs burned its way to the finals defeating Sam Black's Elves three games to one. Here's the decklist:

Red Deck Wins
Michael Jacob
2008 U.S. Nationals Champion
Main Deck
2 Keldon Megaliths
22 Snow-Covered Mountain

4 Ashenmoor Gouger
4 Blood Knight
4 Demigod of Revenge
4 Figure of Destiny
4 Magus of the Moon
4 Magus of the Scroll

4 Flame Javelin
4 Incinerate
4 Skred

Sideboard
4 Murderous Redcap
2 Pithing Needle
3 Spitebellows
4 Sulfurous Blast
2 Unwilling Recruit

You can read the full coverage here. Congratulations again!

Decks to Expect this Weekend's Turney

On this saturday, it will be another MTG Lorwyn Block tournament. I guess I'll be expecting same decks from last time. Here's a quick recap of the decks last saturday:

• Kithkins
  
• Faeries
• Elementals
• Quick and Toast
• Merfolks
• Commandments

I'm not sure if I can pilot that same kithkin deck last week as my friend and card pool buddy Oliver will be the one piloting this time. Oh well, maybe I'll create a list for my RDW, with the addition of Figure of Destiny and Stigma Lasher. I miss the burn so I hope the deck will be faster this time. I'm still in the process though of figuring out what other components are available and suited for the deck. Wish me luck.. Hehehe...

Magic: The Gathering US Nats this Weekend

On this weekend, August 1 to 3, the Mtg US National Championships event will be held. The venue will be at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois and will involve two formats, Standard and Booster Draft.

I guess this event will be the basis for the Standard post-Eventide metagame. I will be expecting new builds like the b/w midrange and similar enemy color decks and updates on regular tier one decks like the Faeries and Lark.

See the complete info on the event here.

July 26, 2008 Lorwyn Block Picks of Pics

Last Saturday, Mtg Iloilo held its first Eventide-legal Lorwyn Block Constructed tournament. It was also the first time that the tournament was held again in Gaisano City, thanks to our friends from CD Magic shop. Although only ten players have participated, everybody was excited (especially me) to try the new cards the Eventide set has offered. I was very happy that time because my order of Eventide cards has arrived before the tournament so I was able to utilize those cards on my Kithkin deck. Stay tuned for my tournament report on the deck. In the meantime, here are my picks of pics from the tournament:

My teammate and card pool partner Oliver is proud to present our two sets of Figure of Destiny. Hehehe...

JP preparing for the alpha strike on his last turn.

Mtg Iloilo players taking a pose as they are wait for JP's last turn.

If Bitterblossom is producing THESE tokens, I will definitely have a set of these in my deck.

Figure of Destiny on its first appearance in the Kithkin deck.

A very bad hand for the Faeries especially at one life.

Ellen Adarna tokens, a sub for the spirit tokens, getting in the damage for the Kithkin player.

The top 4 players, Rei and Mark (left) playing Kithkins while Mao and Tonton (right) playing Faeries. A tribal war on the top 4.

See the rest of the pics here. Stay tuned for my post on my insights on the Kithkin deck and on what possible decklist can be made with Eventide cards. Till next post peeps...

Mtg Creature Tokens: My Edition

Magic: The Gathering are printing creature tokens in every expansion that they release. I've always been fascinated by the cool art they make for the tokens so I've thought, "Why not I make my own." I made some initial draft from the token frame that I've copied from Wizards but they looked abit pixelated.

Recently, Master Ramon shared to me a photoshop template he recently found and downloaded which contains a complete set of token frames. Its pretty cool and easy coz all you need to do is place your desired image in the box and make some editing on the text. Thanks Master! Here are my creations so far. Feel free to download and use... Hehehe... >:)

Coming Soon: Eventide Prerelease Weekend Report

I just want to say that I had a fun experience during the Eventide Prerelease, winning the first place with a 4-0 record despite lacking of rare bombs in my pile. Stay tuned as I write a detailed report on what cards I got, how I built the deck, my round match-ups, and other props and slops during the prerelease tournament.

By the way, here's a pic of our drinking session celebration with Mr. Francis Profeta after the tournament. Till next time y'all...

Why Magic: The Gathering is Better than Sex

I got this funny post from a friend in our Magic Iloilo site forum. It points out the reasons why playing Magic: The Gathering is better than sex. Here are the reasons:

- You don't have to cuddle after a game of Magic.
- A game of Magic can last for hours.
- You can Clone a Shivan Dragon but try that with your partner.
- Protective card sleeves are easier to put on than condoms.
- Good sex can cost you $1000, but a Black Lotus will only cost you $250.
- You can Control Magic a Shivan Dragon, try THAT with your partner.
- A game of magic ALWAYS ends simultaneously.
- Your opponent won't ask you if you'll still respect them in the morning.
- You can always find someone to play Magic with you.
- An eight-second game of Magic is good!
- Magic requires no foreplay; you can just grab a partner and start playing.
- you can switch opponents as often as you like, and no one will mind.
- brutally beating your partner is okay.
- Protection really works.
- Magic comes with a rulebook.
- parents don't go crazy when they catch their children playing Magic with the neighbor's kid.
- you can play Magic while eating a sandwich.
- any number of people can play in a game of Magic, and everyone gets a turn.
- if your deck just isn't working, you can blame it on the shuffle.
- when you pay for Magic, you're guaranteed of a good time.
- you can always get your partner to play Magic with you in public.
- you can shuffle your deck as much as you want.
- your partner can shuffle your deck, too.
- when you buy Magic, you know it's fresh from the factory.
- when you get tired of a deck, you can make a better one.
- your neighbors won't mind if you watch them play Magic.
- it's okay to play Magic with your sister.
- you don't *need* a battery-powered shuffler, but it's easier than using your hands.
- you don't have to tell your current partner about everyone you've ever played with.
- if you quit playing Magic and sell all of your cards, you can probably afford sex.

LOL! Thanks to mINDfREEZE for sharing this.

Preparing for the Prerelease

The Eventide Prerelease and Launch parties are just around the corner and mtg players around the world are getting excited to see what this expansion of Shadowmoor has to offer. Card previews from the official Magic: The Gathering site has already been started, revealing two new card mechanics, namely Chroma and Retrace. A lot of card speculations and rumors are also appearing in several Magic related sites. I'm sure a lot of you will be attending these events. Going to the prerelease though not only requires you be mentally and financially prepared. Here are some of my tips/reminders as based on my experience:

Get a good night sleep – The term says it well. You'll be constructing an impromptu deck so it helps you in choosing the right cards and also lessens the stress. Well, this one is not personally applicable to me since I'm working on a night shift unless the prerelease will be on a Sunday. I suggest you get at least 6 to7 hours of sleep.

Have an advanced reading of the cards – This is to lessen the hassle of deck building if you know already which cards to pick. Card are being previewed two weeks before so most likely the spoiler will be completed by the time of the Prerelease.

Bring a ballpen or any other writing pen – This is always a part of the requirement since you will be checking your card lists of what cards you've opened on the boosters and it is always a hassle to find one during the event. So my suggestion is be sure to have one with you.

Eat a full meal before the event – Prerelease tournaments will most likely take longer hours to finish than regular tournaments because of the time alloted for card listing and deck creation.

Bring extra basic land cards – I suggest you bring ten copies of each basic land card. The average number of lands used in a sealed deck is 17 to 18 so most likely you will use eight or nine basic lands of each of the two colors of your deck. But basing on the hybrid concept of Eventide, there's a big possibility of a mono color sealed deck.

So there you have it folks. I hope this can be a great help for you on this coming Prerelease. Just remember to be creative and enjoy playing with the new cards.

Till next time peeps...

Thoughts on Eventide

Magic: the Gathering’s next set, Eventide, previewed its first ever card. Overbeing of Myth is a continuation of the Shadowmoor’s five avatar cycle. With this revelation, it is now confirmed that Eventide will have enemy hybrid cards. My thought about this one is that this addition of enemy colors will change the view of players on deck building. Players can now go mono color utilizing only one type of basic land and these hybrid cards. This will now open to new card and deck strategies. I guess I’ll be expecting strong cards like Kitchen Finks and the avatar auras in this set.

I am also hoping that Wizards will print enemy filter lands for this set. They say it is not possible because of too much non-basic lands in the current standard format but I still cross my fingers on it. There’s still a big chance that it will be printed. So kudos to WotC for making this decision of bringing back the hybrid card concept and I hope I can prepare much (financially and mentally) prior to the release of this set in July 25.

Another Non-Magical Weekend

I didn't play in our local Magic tournament this Saturday again. My reasons:

• Lack of preparation for the deck especially the card components since the format for this Saturday is Lorwyn block constructed. My friend Oliver gave me the Elves to pilot but I got no time to practice it.
  
• I need to prioritize on improving my skills in web development and marketing. The fast trend in the internet business today made me realize that I need to cope up.
  
• I'm currently broke. Lol...

Magical Weekend?

Woohoo! Its weekend once again. No work and a holiday on Monday, which means 3 days of relaxing, stressing out and a time for a magical weekend. Or is it? I'm planning on joining our weekly tournament this Saturday.
Unfortunately, something came up so I had to cancel it. Oh well, there's still another tourney next week. I wish good luck to my buddy Oliver and hope he'll win this week's tournament.

Anyways, the plan this evening will be to watch Mao's gig entitled "Push the Tempo" at the place just blocks away from my boarding house. After that is the usual night out at Smallville. I hope I can see new faces there, especially at the Aquarium. Hehehe... I just need to relax my mind by going to....party? Pretty unusual you say, but for me its one way of fun and stressing out(other than playing Magic of course) so wish me luck as maybe this goblin can get lucky and meet a faerie. Lol... Happy weekend guys!