2: Card Evaluation Tips by Patrick Chapin

Patrick Chapin, "The Innovator," is a Hall of Famer, Pro Tour Champion, and 5-time PT Top 8 competitor. Author of Next Level Magic and Next Level Deckbuilding, his articles can be found on StarCityGames.com and podcast at TopLevelPodcast.com. Evaluation Tips Look at every card and ask: "Why was this card printed? Who is it for? HOW can I use this card?" Limited Tips Sealed is often slower but more powerful (compared to draft) because you have six booster packs instead of three. This leads to bomb centric decks. Focus on the key cards you passed, not every card in the pack. Team Building Use message groups and in person meetings to collaborate with your team. You will only improve to the level of the best player in your group. Bring your group up and/or find more talent if you're the best in your group. Play Testing Constant communication with teammate as well as taking the two weeks before a Pro Tour off to play test with the team has been a working formula for Patrick. Improvement Identify what you want to improve first: your collection, win ratio, deck building skills, etc... and focus just on that Magic Resource Next Level Magic Next Level Deck Building Connect with Patrick Twitter: @thepchapin Interview Links www.starcitygames.com www.toplevelmagic.com