Don't Call It A Comeback (Why comebacks fail or succeed)
TappedOut forum
Posted on Dec. 9, 2017, 11:19 a.m. by StardustDragon11
...I've been planning this for months.
Having a plan is the number one factor in if a player's journey back into MTG will be a success or a failure.
If you want to get back into magic, ask yourself a couple questions. If you cannot answer each of these questions clearly, you might consider waiting and thinking on them until you can.
1) Why? What is it that is pulling you back to this game? Do you love the flavor of newer cards, do you finally have disposable income or time? Any number of reasons can bring you back in. I finally have the time to devote two afternoons a week to something that isn't work or family.
2) What are your goals? If you don't know where you are going, you'll never get there. The same holds true for this game. There are so many ways to play this game that it can be overwhelming both mentally and financially. While some formats are more expensive than others, the most expensive thing you can do in magic is aimlessly wander from one thing to the next. Have a purpose and a clear goal in mind when you decide to get into the game again. I know for myself that I am going to play Legacy on Tuesday nights at my local shop and then draft for FNM. I will attend at least one of these two events each week but hopefully both. That is a very clearly stated and attainable goal. Set yourself up for sucess by having a similar plan that you can achieve.
3) What deck are you going to build? Did I say that not having a plan is expensive? This is where that will destroy your wallet and your spouse's patience. Have a good idea of what are the first two or three decks you are going to build. I would suggest a budget deck and then a not budget deck. These two can share cards to help reduce some of the costs as well. This may not work if your are wanting to jump back into Standard but that is another beast entirely. If you are planning to get into Standard I would suggest waiting until the next rotation hits and then buy in, in the meantime save some cash up so you can the easily purchse the deck of your choice. For legacy and modern players I would suggest the budget and then pedigree deck model. For myself I have identified that I want to play legacy. I am building Mono-Red Burn to be my budget deck and then CoCoCombo Elves to be my Pedigree deck. As an added bonus almost 3/4s of each deck can be played in modern as well for even more added value. If you want to get the absolute most value for your money, build decks that can grow into other decks. Mono-Red Burn can become Boros or Naya Burn in Modern with the purchase of certain fetches. Combo Eles can become CoCo good stuff easily. My mono red deck came together with only about 40 bucks cash and some astute trading of other gaming items so I am back into the game with a fun and fairly competitive deck for less than I spend on fast food lunches at work in a week. Elves are a passion project. Elfball was my very first deck that I had any success with back in the day. I am going to slowly grow this deck. Gaea's Cradle is going to be a huge hurdle but I have a plan. Every deck will have the chase cards that are so insanely expensive that you will question yourself but stay the course. I know that I am going to acquire cards from the cheapest to most expensive. The bottom up model allows you to rapidly acquire many cards. This will allow you to also get functional quicker. Sure Elves need those cradles to be competitive but witout them I can still put a functional deck on the table with the same 56 cards with four different lands. By knowing which order I am going to acquire cards and which deck we are building, we are not flailing madly in the wind, randomly buying whatever strikes our passing moods.
If you can answer these three questions. I bet you will be able to accomplish your goals and you will be back in the game. Please have fun and enjoy this wonderful game and occasionally awesome community.
StardustDragon11 says... #3
I figured most of this could apply to all levels of player but it can be espeically lethal to player new or returning to the game, they aren't as commited to the game and are more likely to say "FU$& IT!" and then give up. Especailly if it seems so financially impossible.
Suns_Champion says... #2
Good thoughts.
I think #2 applies not only to people getting back in, but to people already in. A goal to help you stay focused is essential if you don't want to waste time, money, and energy.
The "While some formats are more expensive than others, the most expensive thing you can do in magic is aimlessly wander from one thing to the next" part can definitely apply to many people regardless of how long they've been playing.
December 9, 2017 6:22 p.m.