Ok, so I think this is probably a goal we all share. I was thinking people could post ideas...
Let me get the most obvious one out of the way, PLAY A LOT!
I think having a variety of people to play against is important. Play within a group of friends, sure, but always have the option to play randoms from inside a store or something.
Use others' decks, working out the synergies by trial and error.
Don't be a tool.
If someone plays a really good card like {Iona, Shield of Emeria}, instead of openly complaining, find a way to deal with it.
Don't assume that because you won one game with a new deck, it's awesome. Use it often.
Learn keyword ability names and rules.
These might not make you a better player, but they'll make you a better and easier person to play with.
Watch a bunch of deck techs, read articles, etc. I also ask others' opinions to see what they think.
Quote from: xStrayKnightx on December 03, 2013, 06:26:38 PM
If someone plays a really good card like {Iona, Shield of Emeria}, instead of openly complaining, find a way to deal with it.
Probably the truest thing I'll read today!
Those are all examples of people I've played against in the past, and among the old friends I used to play as well.
I always got groaned at if I played Iona and was called an unfair player. I got sick of it, so I never played them again.
Play - a lot. Watch ChannelFireball videos, be mindful of the things they're saying and they look out for. Get on MAGIC ONLINE and play play play! You'll only get better with more reps. Playing once or twice a week for a couple of games won't cut it.
I became a better player by playing literally the best player I could find constantly with different decks. That way I know how to react to big combos and how to play against very fast players.
I usually use their deck building experience to combine with mine so when I go to make another deck without that person, I know what to look for.
I play against a group of friends who all use different decks. I build my decks to compensate for as much as possible. My word of advice is play often. And memorize your deck in and out. What works for what. And how can you improve to beat that crazy combo your friend just pulled? Don't give up. And ask your iMTG community and outsider's for help! :D
Play with people who are better than you but not so much better that you waste their time. As you improve continue to work your way up the totem pole and play with better and better people.
After your game, match, FNM, whatever, pick one thing to focus on improving next time you sit down to play. I've found having specific goals for myself can be quite rewarding and stimulate regular progress.
Ask questions.
Learn from them and from experience.
Best advice I can offer.
Play a lot against a lot of decks, and even pilot decks you wouldn't play normally. I use Cockatrice for that and it really helps. The community is...well, questionable to say the least. But there are definitely some good chaps out there. Find them and buddy them!
Go to every tournament you can. Where you can find good competition you'll surely grow.
Really think about what you should play before you do it. When I was first starting out, I would through down a card without thinking about it and it would almost always bite me in the butt latter.
Quote from: xStrayKnightx on December 03, 2013, 06:26:38 PM
If someone plays a really good card like {Iona, Shield of Emeria}, instead of openly complaining, find a way to deal with it.
Unless said card is any big man Eldrazi creatures. At that point it's pretty much gg. Or more so FML.
Everything that has been said + have fun, don't get mad or frustrated, just roll with it and learn from losses. The best way to be a better player is to be a better player to play with. :D
Quote from: IceScythe on December 06, 2013, 05:42:10 PM
Everything that has been said + have fun, don't get mad or frustrated, just roll with it and learn from losses. The best way to be a better player is to be a better player to play with. :D
That is a great philosophy. For every great player playing right now, there is a player that wants to be that good. If you become that good there will be a player that wants to be as good as you. Don't discourage that guy. Hell, we're all probably that guy right now. Love it IceScythe
Quote from: Ertai on December 06, 2013, 03:45:22 PM
Quote from: xStrayKnightx on December 03, 2013, 06:26:38 PM
If someone plays a really good card like {Iona, Shield of Emeria}, instead of openly complaining, find a way to deal with it.
Unless said card is any big man Eldrazi creatures. At that point it's pretty much gg. Or more so FML.
No, the same thing applies. You find a way to deal with it. If you can't, then find a way to play around it.
Watch twitch streams of scg tournaments. I've learned a lot watching good competitive magic.
Play against opponents of a high skill level. That don't mind pointing out miss plays! And use some of the top teir decks. As they take skill to play and in using them you increase your ability
Know your deck!!! Can't stress this enough!!! Know exactly every card in your deck and SB so you know possible outs and future scenarios!! This ESPECIALLY is true if you bet deck.
Also know how to play in certain scenarios if I'm playing RDW I may play this card T2 instead of waiting or I might wait until he over commits to verdict etc.
Quote from: IceScythe on December 06, 2013, 05:42:10 PM
Everything that has been said + have fun, don't get mad or frustrated, just roll with it and learn from losses. The best way to be a better player is to be a better player to play with. :D
This is fantastic advice. If you aren't hot headed when you lose, your mind is clear to actually learn something. Same with winning, but you learn more when you lose, usually.
Learning how to properly build a sideboard, and when and what to board in will make a person a better player.
In addition to all the intellectual growth required to pilot a deck, evaluate cards, etc. I argue for a psychological/mental growth:
With each match and round understand that this event sitting across from that opponent has never happened in the history of the universe. It's possible you win, lose or draw regardless of the matchup. Additionally, take bith winning
And loosing gracefully. A past win/loss doesn't guarantee a future one. Work to understand your feelings/frustrations in the moment and work to avoid it impacting your performance.
Learn to play under pressure, with many onlookers, under unfavorable circumstances like being sleep deprived. I feel like these are the kind of player skills rarely talked about that are instrumental in being an exceptional MTG player.
Also, nothing frustrates someone more whn the opponent is calm and difficult to read. ;)