Have the (probably stupid) idea of going to a PTQ

[Ekann1]

keep track of what the opponent has played so you know the rough probability of whether or not its likely they have it in their hand. Thats what i do in just normal FnM. It helps you to make decisions on how to play out your hand. I'm not sure if you can, but see about bringing a notebook so you can document what they've played so far. It helps you to get the idea of what the deck does and how it functions as well as with the likelyhood of getting another one. I hope this helped

I appreciate all advice, every bit of information helps. +1

anyone here (Kaleo, maybe?) know about the legality of bringing a notebook/something else to write down what they played?

I am about 99% sure that you can bring pen and paper and write down what they have played. I have seen people write down hands off a {Thoughtseize} at the Pro Tour, so I don't see a problem with writing things down at a PTQ.

Sounds good, thanks.

[Ekann1]

I'm not going to be unhappy if I don't win; I don't expect to. I'm just going to give it a try, see if it's fun, and maybe trade a bit.

However, I don't want to go if I'll be unhappy because I lose every round. So, I have one more requests for you guys: could you take a quick look at my almost final decklist? I don't need you to spend time making suggestions; all I'd like is a quick and honest opinion of whether it has any type of a chance to win a few rounds or so, assuming I play relatively well. It's call "UW agro", and it's under standard decks, of course. (Unless there are modern PTQs?)

Thanks again, you guys are awesome with all your help. More +1s will be given out in 24 hrs when I can

I appreciate all the help with this, the help from people more experienced with competitive level magic makes it so much easier for me.

[Agrus Kos, Enforcer of Truth]

Could you post or bump your decklist so we can help you with it? Also, try playtesting against the top decks (Monoblue, monoblack, esper, RG Monsters, ect.) and see how your deck fairs, what you can do to help beat them. Use the wall games, people, Cockatrice, whatever.

[Ekann1]

It's call "UW agro", and it's under standard decks.

Problem for me wit playtesting is time and play group. I don't really have anyone to test with, except people on wall games. So I've never even played against RG monsters once with this deck. Well, hopefully game day will do that.

Anyway, I've found and started reading the tournament rules. Very useful stuff to know. Relatively short too. At least compared to the normal ones...

[Ekann1]

When I get on a computer later I'll post a link to the deck

[SoshiGanrou]

I learned this the hard way. Just relax an have fun. While yes you are paying for the tournament and blah the overall experience and learning is what you need to walk away with. Relax, play the game, think and be clear of your plan. If you feel yourself getting stressed then take a deep breath and try to find your zen zone. Good luck if you do go.

[Mattao19]

I learned this the hard way. Just relax an have fun. While yes you are paying for the tournament and blah the overall experience and learning is what you need to walk away with. Relax, play the game, think and be clear of your plan. If you feel yourself getting stressed then take a deep breath and try to find your zen zone. Good luck if you do go.

So true +1

[Ekann1]

Yeah, I'm probably stressing out about this too much.

Thanks and +1

[Wally]

Don't forget to eat and hydrate

Also know your sideboard. And what you need to side in for what matches. Know the weaknesses in your deck and what to do about it, but even more inmportantly what are the weaknesses in the other decks that you can exploit.

Know your optimal plays before you even get the cards, so when you see them you know what's going to happen before it does. This will lower your stress levels and allow you to make better decisions. Again, all of this comes down to play testing. Get on cockatrice and play your deck verses every tier 1 and 2 deck there is.
That's hours of testing right there but it helps when you are up against one of these decks.

Most of all when you are there, win/lose or draw, you are there to have fun. So enjoy it

[Ekann1]

As others have said, make sure you follow all rules and get new sleeves. Other things to think about: try to look pro and don't be afraid to bluff. As for the pro part, if you make yourself look like you know what you are doing, you're opponent might overthink plays. If you intimidate your opponent, even a stupid misplay turns into a head game as he (or she) tries to figure out what is going on. As for bluffing, try to practice it before you go, so you are convincing. Bluffing includes reaching for you pen when you have a play, adjusting your lands and not playing cards so that you have a hand.

Possible to get a short explanation of some of these useful bluffs, other things?

I'd assume the tapping lands thing is to make it look like you're counting out the mana for a response you're holding...

[Apathy Reactor]

my advice is to have fun and do your best.

if you lose, then that's just the way it is, but be sure to learn from your loss rather than be bitter about it.

[MuggyWuggy]

Predict planeswalkers

If you're creature heavy and they go blue/black

You better pithing needle ashiok

No pithing needle?

Adjust before you head in

[Agrus Kos, Enforcer of Truth]

As others have said, make sure you follow all rules and get new sleeves. Other things to think about: try to look pro and don't be afraid to bluff. As for the pro part, if you make yourself look like you know what you are doing, you're opponent might overthink plays. If you intimidate your opponent, even a stupid misplay turns into a head game as he (or she) tries to figure out what is going on. As for bluffing, try to practice it before you go, so you are convincing. Bluffing includes reaching for you pen when you have a play, adjusting your lands and not playing cards so that you have a hand.

Possible to get a short explanation of some of these useful bluffs, other things?

I'd assume the tapping lands thing is to make it look like you're counting out the mana for a response you're holding...

You're correct with the lands.

The Pen Trick is when you reach for your pen when someone deals damage to you (with creatures or spells). It makes your opponent think that you are going to take the damage/have no response and may get your opponent to overextend (for example, cast a pump spell when you have a kill spell in hand).

The not playing cards in hand also helps to bluff that you have a response. This one is tricky because you shouldn't hold back cards for no reason, but the best time to do this is in a grindy match. If its turn 10 and you have 8 lands on the field, what value do you get from that 9th land? (assuming you don't have X casting cost spells) Ask yourself, is it better for me to play this land, or is it better for my opponent to think that I might have a response?

[Trugamr12]

Literally if I had to give you one good thing of advice it is to be mentally prepared, after you play X matches you are going to feel tired and make a ton of misplays due to not playing in a competitive environment constantly. Bring snacks to keep you from getting hungry and always a thing of water.

I personally just played at the SCG Open in St. Louis and I will say for my first big event it was an experience, starting 0-2 and then going on a 4-0 win streak is one of the greatest feelings ever. But then after 6 hours of play I saw myself making mistakes and it lead to two straight losses but other than that just take a deep breath and have fun it is definately worth the experience

[Ekann1]

Thanks for the advice.