311: Never Play a Deck You Don't Like with Kellen Pastore (4th place GP New Jersey 2018)

Michael Kundegraber has been playing since 2000, back when rules consisted of semi-educated guesses and were always changed depending on whose parents’ kitchen table MtG was played at. Lately, he’s had some top results with a second place finish at Grand Prix Turin 2018 and a follow-up Top 16 performance at his first Pro Tour later that year. Michael lives in Vienna, Austria. Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Michael Kundegraber when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep318 First Set Planeshift Favorite Set Mirrodin Favorite Card Tahngarth, Talruum Hero Early Challenge Understanding the game at first was hard. Archetype matchups and other big-picture topics eluded Michael. He improved by playing matchups of the best decks with friends. Worst Magic Moment Playing for the top 4 at Austrian Nationals, Michael approached the match-up too confidently and played cautiously (even though he was favored to win). He lost and learned that you need to have a coping strategy. Find what works for you. Proudest Magic Moment Getting 2nd at Grand Prix Turin 2018. Biggest Mistake Players Make Overthinking. Players sometimes try to wrap their mind around too much of the game at once. Break down the situation into smaller chunks and address them separately. Parting Guidance Keep having fun while playing Magic. Magic Resource CFB, SCG, Magic Podcasts, Jim Davis Stream Connect With Michael Kundegraber Michael 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  

Zach Allen is a member of Team RIW from Farmington Hills, Michigan. He Co-hosts the podcast Turn One Thoughtseize and has 2 Grand Prix top 8s, a Pro Tour top 16, and 1 SCG top 8 in his record. He's a dedicated control player and Snapcaster Mage enthusiast. Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Zach Allen when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep317 First Set Urza Block Favorite Set Khans of Tarkir Favorite Card Snapcaster Mage Early Challenge Not being able to beat the best guy at his local store. This constant, ever-present challenge pushed Zach to improve. Worst Magic Moment Getting 9th at PPTQ's 6 times in a row. Zach learned that the results of tournaments are not indicative of your actual skill. Proudest Magic Moment Making top 16 of Pro Tour Guilds of Ravnica. What Have You Learned From Magic Making the play that sets you up for a win later. Make the best decision at the time with the information you have, but make a decision. Biggest Mistake Players Make Getting out of the moment. Players need to focus on just the game in front of them.  Parting Guidance The people in Magic are what's most important. Relationships and friends are priceless. Magic Resource CFB, SCG, Cool Stuff Inc. Connect With Zach Allen Twitter:@A22en 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  

Andrew Elenbogen has 3.5 Grand Prix top 8s. He recently won Pro Tour Guilds of Ravnica and still doesn't believe it. Andrew is a return guest to the show and lives in Ann Arbor, MI. Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Andrew Elenbogen when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep316 Catching Up Andrew plays about 15 Grand Prix a year! Reflection Andrew notices that in the last year he's played better than he ever has. He's stayed dedicated and has practiced extensively for each Grand Prix. MTGO Preparation When playing on Magic Online, Andrew plays in Leagues and sets. He uses Leagues as a way to get a broad view of the metagame. He'll develop a question and uses teammates and sets to answer specific questions. Pro Tour Preparation Andrew has cultivated a network of friends that he's able to reach out to and practice with. Parting Guidance Thank You! Andrew wants to say thank you to the Magic community. Connect With Andrew Elenbogen Twitter:@Ajelenbogen ‏ 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  

Kasper Nielsen has 2 Grand Prix top 8s and 1 Pro Tour top 8. He's also won 5 Prereleases. Kasper is from Denmark and is a returning guest to the podcast. Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Kasper Nielsen when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep315 Kasper has been doing well in Magic and he attributes many things to that. He joined Hareruya Hopes and also has a more balanced life. Pro Tour Preparation Kasper started playing Limited as soon as Guilds of Ravnica came out. He learned a lot in those first few weeks. He decided to let "the machines" solve Standard while he developed a Limited strategy. What Have You Learned From The Pro Tour Kasper felt he made good choices this Pro Tour. His advice is to enjoy your preparation. Parting Guidance  It is important to focus and work hard at Magic, but if it becomes an obsession rather than a passion then beware and maybe take a step back. Guidance Part 2 Have fun no matter where you are or what your goods are. Magic Resource Article about Dustin Wade Roberson Connect With Kasper Nielsen Twitter:@ks_nielsen 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  

Zac Turgeon is a New England MTG grinder, who has top 8ed 1 Grand Prix and won an SCG Legacy Classic. He also enjoys cooking, music, writing and hopes to one day open an Ice Cream Shop. Zac lives in Dracut MA. Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Zac Turgeon when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep314 First Set Ice Age Favorite Set Khans of Tarkir Favorite Card Trinisphere Early Challenge Not sure what he was good at. Zac started to critically analyze his own games to learn what he was good at. Worst Magic Moment Zac struggled for an entire Standard season. He realized he was misevaluating the meta and kept losing to cards he thought was bad. Proudest Magic Moment Making top 8 for the first time at Grand Prix New Jersey. What Have You Learned From Magic Zac has learned to try and be very accepting of others. Biggest Mistake Players Make Not being critical enough of your own games. Players sometimes think they're favored when they're not.  Parting Guidance Be kind to people. You feel better and the people around you feel better. It eventually circles back and keeps growing. Magic Resource SCG, CFB, TCG Players, Twitch.tv Connect With Zac Turgeon Twitter:@The_Amazing_Zac ‏ 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  

  William Courson has been to 5 Grand Prix and has made top 64 twice, top 8 once and 1st place once when he became the champion of Grand Prix Detroit. He also has multiple top 64 finishes at SCG open events and has made day 2 of every invitational he's attended. William lives in Jacksonville, FL. Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from William Courson when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep313 First Set M11 Favorite Set Innistrad Favorite Card Cabal Therapy Early Challenge William had to overcome his own arrogance. He eventually realized he wasn't the best and he learned to take input from others. Worst Magic Moment Playing for a top 8 position at an SCG open event and William lost after his opponent mulligan to 4 cards. Will learned mulligan more. Proudest Magic Moment Winning GP Detroit 2018 with his teammates. What Have You Learned From Magic Conceal your information as long as possible. This also helps in certain life situations (like Sales). Biggest Mistake Players Make Players commit to lines that play them into a hole. Give yourself another draw step whenever your back against the wall. Parting Guidance Get sleep! Before events make sure you sleep. And eats good breakfast! Magic Resource Friends within Magic community. Connect With William Courson Twitter:@Willcourson94 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  

Eli Kassis returns to MTG Pro Tutor for the 3rd time as he keeps growing his accomplishments and notoriety. Eli now has 6 Grand Prix top 8s and is the Champion of Grand Prix New Jersey 2018. He has won an SCG Invitational and has 2 Pro Tour top 32’s. Eli lives in Vestal, NY and is a member of team Face to Face Games. Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Eli Kassis when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep312 Eli Kassis comes back to MTG Pro Tutor for the 3rd time. He was episode 101 and 206 and now is back on episode 312. Key To Success Teams have been Eli's key to success. Have a thirst for knowledge to find unique lines of play. Tips To Minimize/Spot Cheating Look at their eyes when they're shuffling your deck. Note how long they are shuffling. Ask for them to end with a cut. Always shuffle their deck and end cut. Parting Guidance Pivot and look to others to manage tilt. There's a lot that can be learned from the experiences of others. Connect With Eli Kassis Twitter:@Eli_Kassis 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  

Kellen Pastore is a 3 time Grand Prix Top 8 Competitor, a full-time grad student, and a noted enthusiast of linear aggro decks. Kellen lives in MAPLE GLEN, Pennsylvania. Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Kellen Pastore when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep311 First Set Carrion Ants Favorite Set Zendikar Favorite Card Bellows Lizard Early Challenge Getting used to the inconsistency of Magic because Kellen came from a game that was more consistent. Worst Gaming Moment Before Kellen got into Magic, he lost a miniature game and really lost his cool. Since then, he has gotten better at regulating his emotions by reminding himself that his opponent is trying, just like he is. Proudest Magic Moment When Kaladesh was released, Kellen created a Red-Black Zombie deck that ended up impacting the metagame at that time. What Have You Learned From Magic Meeting and making friends. Biggest Mistakes of Players Ever committing into sweepers. Playing too many creatures when the opponent has a board wipe. Tournament Preparation Kellen practiced a lot with his deck leading up to events. He looks to make sure that his deck holds up against the top decks. Parting Guidance Never play a deck you don't like to play. Magic Resource Misplaced Ginger (twitch.tv) for Standard; MTG Goldfish Connect With Kellen Pastore @TheOddEngineer ‏ 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  

Giordano Fagiolo is a rising star in competitive Magic and made it to the finals at his first Grand Prix ever! (GP Bruxelles 2018) Giordano lives in Albano Laziale, Rome, Italy. Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Giordano Fagiolo when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep310 Favorite Set Battle for Zendikar Favorite Card Insult // Injury Early Challenge At a Standard and PPTQ, Giordano felt upset and nervous, but when he sat down to play it all went away. Worst Magic Moment Giordano lost in a final at a PPTQ and learned you can't win every time. Proudest Magic Moment Making it to the final match of his first Grand Prix ever. What Have You Learned From Magic Thinking ahead. Planning. Worst Mistake He Makes Playing fewer lands than they should. Giordano takes a deck and replaces the worst card wit a land. Tournament Preparation Giordano picked his deck the day before the GP. He found an article by Brad Nelson and changed 1 card. Parting Guidance Ask Brad Nelson. Magic Resource SCG Premium, CFB, Playing with teammates/friends in person. Connect With Giordano Fagiolo Gordano 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  

Max Margolis has been playing Magic competitively for 22 years. He has multiple Grand Prix day 2s with close cash finishes. Richmond 2018 was his first deep run to attempt to qualify for the Pro Tour. He barely missed qualifying for Cleveland by one win - but he did get 19th place. His biggest finish was at GP Denver where his team got top 4. He's had multiple top 8s in PPTQs and IQs. He's primarily a midrange player who has been playing since Urza's block was legal in Extended. Max lives in Maryland, USA. Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Max Margolis when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep309 First Set Fallen Empires Favorite Set Ravnica: City of Guilds Favorite Card Pernicious Deed Early Challenge Max faced tilt early on and learned how to manage wins and losses. Worst Magic Moment Wanting to quit Magic because of bullying in the community. Proudest Magic Moment At Grand Prix Denver, Max and his team made it to the top 4. Best Format Modern Parting Guidance Never judge a book by its cover. Magic Resource "Have a Plan" episode on Limited Resources. Connect With Max Margolis Twitter:@maximummagic87 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