Competitive Standard Pauper Ups and Downs

I don't even want to give it a try, I'm too scared of the regulars Mum'.

Gwyned just published the New Player Primer / 2014 Edition for Players Run Events (PRE).

In case you missed it, you can find it here :

http://puremtgo.com/articles/writer-adept-new-player-primer-2014

It provides all information needed to get started if you are a new MTGO player and updates the old version if you are a Players Run Event regular in the format, for both MPDC and SPDC. Hope is it will bring more new players to the game and the Standard Pauper format, increasing attendance of these awsome Free to enter and Tix-rewarded Events, and having them running in a smoother way. Thanks Gwyned for this great walkthrough !!!

While registering and entering MPDC or SPDC for the first time is really exciting, as I can tell from my first experience, way back 5 years ago, it can also quicly turn into a disappointing and even frustrating adventure.

Why? Well in fact it all depends on what you are expecting from attending these competitive events. Let me explain that further...

The regulars

There is a growing standard Pauper Community Online, and many experienced players have been attending these events for years. Some are skilled deck brewers willing to share and discuss innovation, some show up with the best decks around because a list fits their playstyle, others are focused on the Metagame and always trying fun and more or less competitive builds. A few regulars are using MTGO to test the lists they'll be playing on Paper at their local game store sooner or later. Regulars will attend each and every event or be around from time to time depending on their time schedule or their will to play there.
Yes, those guys are experienced and looking for competitive play, some may even care about their Win / Loss Ratio record on Gatherling. But there's no need to fear them. They will beat you often, but you'll learn from them, their gameplay, and they will make you stronger. Then you will beat them down sometimes. Most of them are really kind and talkative people and will give you hints or feedback on your missplays if you ask them (sometimes even if you don't, how does it feel?). Don't ever forget MTGO is a game, and Standard Pauper is a cheap and fun format. There are experienced regulars as well as begginners in our Clan, so all the resources are within to all get better at this game. Short version : you'll have Ups and Downs with regulars, as well as with clanmates.

The shuffler

Shuffler hates me whatever I play, Mum'.

You will be facing many different opponents in MPDC or SPDC, regulars, just starting out,  and you can make friends with all of them, except for one. The Shuffler ! If you are used to playing paper Magic before you fall in love with MTGO, he will be the greatest obstacle in your way and will often make you feel like you want to quit. Random, what is randomness? Before entering an event, I suggest you try and draw several starting hands samples using the Solitaire game feature, and see how it goes. Maybe there's a problem with your deck manabase. When I say several, I like it to be statistically viable, so I usually test like 30 or more starting hands and the 4 or 5 draws after that. It really will give you ideas and thoughts on your list's potential in events. Still, the shuffler is the same for all and you'll have to deal with it. It can bring regulars to their end as well as you. Luck takes a big role at Magic, and it's also true for the Standard Pauper Format !
You can expect Ups and downs from the Shuffler.

The Gameplay

Coming up with a good decklist in the Standard Pauper Format is nice. Being aware of what others play in the Online Metagame, and building an adapted sideboard accordingly is really nice. Knowing how well the decklist you copied or created fares in its environment is the best. Some players are good pilots for easy to play lists but may have problems when it comes to more complicated strategies, or in-game choices. Mastering the playstyle of a decklist depending on the matchup can really give you Ups, but requires a lot of play experience. Sometimes you'll think you're lost, feel like you don't know what to do, like there's no out to the situation and wonder if it was all your fault in the end. The rememberance of your past missplays may even make you an insomniac. No big deal ! You'll have Ups and downs with your gameplay.
Until you master it and finally blame the regulars or the shuffler only. Or maybe....

The Mood of the Day !

Am I really Up for a six hours long Marathon? Who knows?

Sometimes you just feel like you just don't want to play at all. But you can't help turning your PC on and joining your buddies on MTGO for a few competitive games. Surprisingly then, you'll be successful, avoiding the regulars in swiss and beating them down in the finals. Other case scenario : you'll be hot with a brand new list full of hopes and get your 0-2 record in swisses and just drop the event. Both MPDC and SPDC are seasonal cycles, and you'll be awarded points even for your losses there, so what matters is  just your overall result at the end of the whole season. The mood of the day is really the most important part of the game in my opinion. Some game moves or turnovers will make you happy and keep thinking this Card game is great, others will just make you want to turn your PC off and go to bed. How can you manage this from event to event in the long term of a season? Real life is only made of Ups and Downs.
 
So what' the point not joining the Standard Pauper Competition Online? 

- Events are full of regulars and grinders, 

- Shuffler is your real best friend, 

- You do trust your decklist and gameplay skills, 

- Today was another day in real life and you are attending a Free to Enter Event for FUN !

Join the MPDC and SPDC

 Competitive Standard Pauper Events 

NOW !

Edit : added the SPDC Report Event Section on Clan Blog Home, scroll up !