I am pretty new to playing magic the gathering and am looking to go to my local store to play people on random days. I do know the basic rules and all that but I am looking for tips and little things that would make you want to help a new person fit in and play rather than ignore and hope goes away.
I don't know anyone there either so tips on approaching people too would be great. And maybe what rules I should hold my decks too until I figure out what they like to play.
Thank you all.
Quote from: Walkhard on January 27, 2014, 04:35:06 PM
I don't know anyone there either so tips on approaching people too would be great.
Sorry, but I couldn't resist. This.
You'll do fine. Mike said it best. Just ask if anyone wants to play and I'm sure SOMEONE will want to.
Tips on approaching people? Just remember that you're all there for the same thing. Use little things like "what type of deck are you playing?" "What colors are you playing?" "What format do you play?" etc., or just go up to someone and ask if they want to play a couple rounds to break the ice. If they're anything like a normal Magic player, they'll jump at the chance to talk about their deck, and you can go from there. If they just blow you off, well they're an .rearexit. anyway and I wouldn't worry about it. Good luck and welcome to the forum!
Exactly what they said. Just don't be shy and have fun! If its just at a LGS it's very casual so if you make a mistake here or there who cares? Just laugh it off and thank them for pointing it out. Also after the game ask your opponents if they can help you with your deck and ask if you made any mistakes. This is a good way to advance your play and avoid the same future mistakes!!
Shower, dress clean, and dont be afraid to smile. The thing with smiling though is if you walk into a room smiling (naturally not forced) then people will gravitate toward you instinctually. If you walk into a room without a smile and then smile when you look at someone then it's creepy. People are weird like that and they dont even realize it.
Find out who the judge or TO or whatever final authority on rules is there so you know who to ask when their is a discrepancy.
Have your trades nicely organized. Trading is the best way to meet people and if they like trading with you then theyll talk to you a lot more.
Don't expect to get along with everyone lol
Of all the people I've met in MtG and taught how to play at school or LGS, I can honestly say a key attribute of a new player is learning positive humility. Don't reject advise deck building or tactics if the more experienced player has just smashed you, expect to lose repeatedly and don't let it get to you (on the other hand, if you win repeatedly, don't let it go to your head).
Thank you all for the advice :). Hope the people there are half as cool as you guys have been.
If you've got more tips I would love to hear them.
most important rule ive learned other than be nice etc is "FILO". First In Last Out. this is how the stack resolves.
Quote from: Kaleo42 on January 27, 2014, 06:04:14 PM
Shower, dress clean, and dont be afraid to smile. The thing with smiling though is if you walk into a room smiling (naturally not forced) then people will gravitate toward you instinctually. If you walk into a room without a smile and then smile when you look at someone then it's creepy. People are weird like that and they dont even realize it.
Find out who the judge or TO or whatever final authority on rules is there so you know who to ask when their is a discrepancy.
Have your trades nicely organized. Trading is the best way to meet people and if they like trading with you then theyll talk to you a lot more.
I guess I'm creepy :'(
Here's a little info if you want to go to the pre-release
http://www.wizards.com/magic/magazine/article.aspx?x=mtg/daily/feature/284
Here's a good tip. Always try to be humble and courteous. For instance...don't be one of those people who T3 you missed your counterspell. Start cussing and making a huge scene...although those scenarios are generally hilarious. ANYWAYS. Be calm. Have fun. And run {B}{W} :p
And ALWAY shake hands after a game. ALWAYS!!!
Little things that would help: the FAQ section in the Rules subforum
Quote from: Taysby on January 27, 2014, 10:07:16 PM
Quote from: Spencer Addington on January 27, 2014, 09:50:54 PM
And ALWAY shake hands after a game. ALWAYS!!!
I honestly think that's stupid and just wastes times and makes us all feel like were 3 and can't handle a game loss. :P
Ssshhhhhh.
So you don't think shaking hands after a game isn't good? You think it's a waste of time?
No I agree, shaking hands an thanking your opponent for the game is all part of a pleasant, friendly and positive attitude. Not to mention it's polite and courteous.
If you have fun (isn't that what it's all really about anyway?) or even if you didn't, at least you come away from the game with a positive attitude and people will often remember that more than anything else. So next time you ask to play a game with them they will often regard you as someone they would like to play with.
Confidence and knowledge really won't matter if you are a friendly and polite opponent. The rest will all fall into place.
It's amazing how far a little manners goes. ;)
Manners matter, yo. The handshake is just sportsmanship. You offer it when you lose to say "That was well played, you beat me and I'm glad I got to play against you. Well done, and thank you for a good game!" You offer it when you win to say "I enjoyed pur match, and you were a great opponent that I'm glad I got to play against! Thank you for a good game!"
Now, you may not want to shake hands for other reasons (germ phobia, or you're sick or your opponent is sick and don't want to spread illness, for example), and that's fine. But be a good sport and make sure you convey the message that those handshakes represent if you elect not to do them.
Snubbing a hand shake (I've seen it happen) is just spiteful and rude. Not exactly a good way to make an impression. Unless you like making the impression of "wow, what an ass. Maybe I should slap this guy in the face for being an arrogant wank."
My 2¢ on sportsmanship ;)
Quote from: Gorzo on January 28, 2014, 12:14:16 AM
Manners matter, yo. The handshake is just sportsmanship. You offer it when you lose to say "That was well played, you beat me and I'm glad I got to play against you. Well done, and thank you for a good game!" You offer it when you win to say "I enjoyed pur match, and you were a great opponent that I'm glad I got to play against! Thank you for a good game!"
Now, you may not want to shake hands for other reasons (germ phobia, or you're sick or your opponent is sick and don't want to spread illness, for example), and that's fine. But be a good sport and make sure you convey the message that those handshakes represent if you elect not to do them.
Snubbing a hand shake (I've seen it happen) is just spiteful and rude. Not exactly a good way to make an impression. Unless you like making the impression of "wow, what an ass. Maybe I should slap this guy in the face for being an arrogant wank."
My 2¢ on sportsmanship ;)
We always enjoy when you add to the piggy bank of opinions :)
I normally shake hands before game one and wish them luck.
I do the same when I play 40k normally.