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

[Ekann1]

Wow. I just started looking at the rules for Competitive REL, and they're much stricter than I thought. I didn't even know you needed to register a decklist... wow.

Guess I have a lot of learning to do...

[Coffee Vampire]

If you want to avoid breaking the rules, a great thing to do is to study how the phases progress, how priority works, when people get priority, and also know how to cast a spell. The last one may seem simple, but it's not as straightforward as one might think. In the comprehensive rules, search "casting spells".

[MuggyWuggy]

It's actually really helpful to start playing with competitive REL in mind. You begin to understand the importance of declaring phases, how to correct your own misplay without a "take back" & how to watch your opponent for potential cheating.

Also you will definitely just want to buy a new pack of sleeves for the event.

Make sure you don't do any modifications to your deck after you've submitted your decklist. You could plow thru and then forget that you changed a land by 1 at your previous FNM, then end up DQing yourself.

Also: don't let another person(opponent or non judge)  tell you what you can and can't do. That's what judges are for, it's very easy to let some boardtalk of spectators affect your playing decisions

[Coffee Vampire]

That's some solid advice, Muggy. +1

Edit: oh also make sure you always shuffle your opponent's deck after they present. Don't just cut.

[Ekann1]

Also you will definitely just want to buy a new pack of sleeves for the event.

Do you think that's really necessary? I was hoping to avoid opening a few of the packs of sleeves I have lying around right now...

[Ekann1]

If you want to avoid breaking the rules, a great thing to do is to study how the phases progress, how priority works, when people get priority, and also know how to cast a spell. The last one may seem simple, but it's not as straightforward as one might think. In the comprehensive rules, search "casting spells".

I'm pretty good with priority, but casting spells and phases is something to work on.

Thanks for the help, and +1

[Lyriczulu]

Using new sleeves ensures that there won't be any problems with "marked" sleeves that are just a bit worn out. It's not absolutely necessary but it can avoid any problems if you're using older sleeves. Another tip is to not use sleeves with designs on them unless you're confident a card or two will never get turned around while shuffling because it can be misconstrued as a marked card.

[Ekann1]

Using new sleeves ensures that there won't be any problems with "marked" sleeves that are just a bit worn out. It's not absolutely necessary but it can avoid any problems if you're using older sleeves. Another tip is to not use sleeves with designs on them unless you're confident a card or two will never get turned around while shuffling because it can be misconstrued as a marked card.

I had someone mention that to me last game day. As those are the only sleeves I have right now, I'm planning to use them and shuffle carefully. I guess I'll just have to either buy some new sleeves or put some new ones that I already have (with designs) on them.

I have so many old worn out sleeves around that I can't actually use. I guess I can use them for a cheap commander deck.

[MuggyWuggy]

I have these awesome foily styled kmc sleeves I use for my standard deck, but I figure at a bigger tourney just gotta buy a new pack of matte sleeves

[Ekann1]

I have these awesome foily styled kmc sleeves I use for my standard deck, but I figure at a bigger tourney just gotta buy a new pack of matte sleeves

I still have some unopened packs of the old nicol bolas horns thing from m13. I use those for everything (that way I have lots of spares) but I guess I better buy or borrow some matte sleeves.

[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. The last one is the trickiest, but the best thing to do is keep back lands. BE CAREFUL though. Don't hold back a land on turn two, but if its turn 7 and you've already made your land drops, why should you play the land? Its better (many times, not always) to hold it back and make your opponent fear what it might be. They may hold something back if they think you have a counterspell or be more careful about plays if they think you have removal.

[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. The last one is the trickiest, but the best thing to do is keep back lands. BE CAREFUL though. Don't hold back a land on turn two, but if its turn 7 and you've already made your land drops, why should you play the land? Its better (many times, not always) to hold it back and make your opponent fear what it might be. They may hold something back if they think you have a counterspell or be more careful about plays if they think you have removal.

All good advice. Thanks and +1

You guys are great! So helpful

[Sparkle Ninja]

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

[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?

[Agrus Kos, Enforcer of Truth]

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.