This year in 2020 was a lot for all of us to take in and a lot of life changes. With those changes came the way we played Magic. No paper tournaments for the foreseeable future so everything went online via MTGO or MTGA. So at that point I decided I’m going to play as much magic as possible and to get better at the game. I played the weekly Channel Fireball and Star City events with a goal in mind. To play tournament Magic at the highest level possible. During this year I picked up some valuable lessons. Some new and some old that I want to share with you all.
The first lesson is it’s ok to fail as long as you are learning something from it and you pick yourself back up. I can’t count the number of times I missed qualification for a Day 2 like event on either CFB or SCG. Was I upset about it yes I was. Did I try again? Yes I did every time with the end goal still in mind. The next lesson I learned was a very interesting one. Is that when you start to develop a following. You find out that you have a voice and audience that wants to see you succeed. It feels good to have supporters. Mind you I had no intention of even doing any type of content creation but here I am starting out in 2020.
Now onto the next lesson I learned about which is self care. If you are going to be tournament grinding you have to take care of yourself first and foremost. Eat a good breakfast. Go for walks. Take care of your mental health as well. If you feel that you are not in the correct frame of mind to play magic. IT’S OK TO TAKE A BREAK!!!!
Another lesson I used during this year is using all of your resources. If you are part of a competitive MTG Discord, use that to your advantage. Be active and ask questions. Also watch what other people are having success with. One older lesson that never leaves me is being patient and observant. Always looking at my opponents board, graveyard, and hand. Also mine as well before I make my plays. It’s ok to slow down for a bit and map out your plays. Trust me you can’t go rushing into every situation. Doesn’t always pan out in your favor. The last one is pretty simple. Anyone can play this game if they want to no matter the sex or race. 2020 was a year of a lot of ups and down outside and inside of MTG as well. I’m hoping 2021 will bring more growth and happiness on both ends.
As always, be better human beings to one another in 2020 and stay safe.
-Jaywmtg