Life on the Grind by Gold Pro Christian Calcano

I understand why people would always take it a joke whenever someone would talk about his dreams of becoming a Pro Player. I believe it's because people think it's impossible. I don't blame them. It takes a lot of hard work, exceptional skills and a great deal of luck to actually become one. $3,000 appearance fee with free plane tickets and hotel to add to all the invites to premier tournaments. To live the life of a Pro Player sure sounds too good to be true. And so I've asked a Gold Pro, Christian Calcano, to share his story.

I met Christian back in Grand Prix Singapore 2010 and have kept in touch through Facebook. I remember we played beside each other in one of the rounds. I ran RDW while he ran Caw Blade. 
He used to correct me whenever I would do 'illegal plays' during my games when he had the chance.

I hope this write up encourages you to pursue your dreams of becoming one of the Platinum Pros. I'd like to thank Christian for inspiring us by sharing his own story of success, and for telling each of us that it is possible. I'd gladly buy you that beer on October in Dublin! :))

Follow his adventures on twitter: @CCalcano.

LIFE ON THE GRIND
by: Gold Pro Christian Calcano

Hey everyone, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Christian Calcano and I’m a Gold Pro from New York City. Today I’ll be talking about the life of being a Magic Pro and my experiences as one over the past few years. But first, I’ll tell you how I got to be where I am today. I started playing way back in 2004 at my local game store Neutral Ground (no not the one in the Phillippines :p). After learning the game through casual games and FNMs, I found out about the Pro Tour and was instantly infatuated by it. My dream was to make it to the Pro Tour, so I began traveling to PTQs and Grand Prix all over the States in hopes of finally getting that invite. It wasn’t until 2010, where I qualified for my first PT (San Juan) through an online PTQ. I remember the feeling of disbelief when I finally dealt the last points of damage and I realized I had finally made it onto the Pro Tour. Everything I worked for up that point, the countless PTQs, GPs, playtesting, it all finally payed off. I went to the Pro Tour and I was a bit star struck at first, but I held my own over the first few rounds. After a bad draft record though, I found myself playing in side events the rest of the weekend. I was devastated that I did not do well and had to qualify again, but I learned a lot that weekend. I learned that I was good enough to be there, and that even the best players in the world are beatable, and I was good enough to beat them. Ever since San Juan, I’ve yet to not be qualified for a PT. The past three years have been without a doubt the best years of my career as I’ve put up some good results:

Pro Tour Amsterdam 2010 33rd

World Championships 2010 15^th

Pro Tour Paris 2011 56^th

Pro Tour Honolulu 2012 27th

Grand Prix Minneapolis 2012 1^st

The Pro Players Club is the best way to be on the Pro Tour. Depending on your level, you earn byes at GPs and PT invitations. It starts at Silver, which you reach by getting at least 20 pro points in a season. You get two byes at all GPs and one PT invite to the next PT you’re not qualified for. The next is Gold at 35 pro points (my current level), you’re awarded three byes to all Grand Prix you play in, and receive an invitation to every PT along with a $500 appearance fee. With GPTs not awarding three byes anymore, it’s certainly a great advantage to be a Gold player now. The goal though, for any pro (besides winning a Pro Tour ofcourse) is to reach the Platinum level. The ultimate status to have as a pro, you get all the benefits that Gold does, but you receive a $250 appearance at GPs, and your PT appearance fee is raised to $3000 along with a free flight and hotel covered. Only players who reach 45 pro points make Platinum. I came 11 pro points shy of reaching it last season, but rest assured in this season I’ll be going for it again.

I’ve played countless matches over the years, over 65 GPs, and a dozen PTs. The winning is great, the perks of being in the Pro Players Club are great, but without a doubt the best part of being on the PT these past few years has been seeing the world and meeting all these amazing people. I remember always looking up to the pros, wishing I could be as good as them, and now most of the players I looked up to are my friends. Whether it’s Karaoke in Japan, going to the beach in Honolulu, Basketball in San Diego, or the day 2 free drafting at the PT because you didn’t make day 2, I’ve definitely shared some great memories I know I’ll never forget. 

Playgroup Anyone?

With the third World Magic Cup Qualifiers fast approaching, and as I have mentioned in my previous post, we are working on starting a playgroup. I believe (if it's not already common knowledge) that regular playtesting will do wonders for your tournament results. You probably have seen live streaming of games of pro players on the internet and wondered, "How could they make quick decisions over very complicated situations?". I'll tell you why. It's because Magic: The Gathering is a game of familiarity.

To give you a few examples, the week after I made my Naya Blitz, I accompanied Rein to playtest with one of the Pinoy pro players, Mr. Gerald Camangon. After a few games, we decided to drop by a newly opened shop by MRT Shaw Station, Tobey's. We were able to get enough people to fire a tournament and so we did.

If you haven't paid Tobey's a visit yet, I suggest you do. I love how the place is conducive for testing. They have really nice tables, delish food and very friendly people. See map below. Check out their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tobeys-Games-Cafe-Manila/380470332031625?fref=ts

During the tournament, I made lots of misplays which may easily be considered downright stupid. You might even actually find them funny. Like this one time when I had several copies of Cavern of Souls and named them all 'Human' when I had Flinthoof Boars. And yes, those boars ended up stuck in my hand for the rest of the game. Even Ge himself couldn't hold back the laughter when he snickered 'Walang nakalagay sa Cavern of Souls na Human.' (Cavern of Souls doesn't say it has to be named 'Human').

I also played against a green deck which of course ran Thragtusks. I had Pacifisms and Volcanic Strengths in my sideboard as the list I got off the net had them but I didn't know exactly what they were for. I believe I lost that game. During the drive home, Ge explained to me 'Hindi nakikipagbakbakan sa Thragtusk. Ang dami mong dadaanan dun. Para mong hinarap yun gain 5 life, 5/3 Thragtusk, 3/3 Beast token.' (I'm too lazy to translate that in English so. Haha!) And only then did I realize how effective those cards were.



Rein's collection of playmats. Hope we'll get an addition to the collection from the Game Day tomorrow. Hihi.

I also had a discussion with Bayani Manansala recently. I asked him about his opinion on my first post. He said two copies of Renounce the Guilds in the sideboard is okay but I should never consider putting them in the main. And you know how Yani is one who thinks outside the box. He also suggested to add copies of Unflinching Courage in my board, together with Boros Charms against aggro decks. This way, I have the chance of winning via infinite life. If that doesn't work, I should know how painful it is playing aggro and my opponent gains life. I was just stunned. I never would have thought of that on my own. He stressed how we should always take the interaction of the cards into consideration whenever we think of what cards to put in the main or side.

With all that said, I cannot stress enough just how important it is to have a playgroup or a team to make it in a game like Magic: The Gathering.

Brainstorming
Not all of us are innovators. I admit, I'm one of the people who resort to the internet for deck ideas. I read articles when I have the time to keep abreast with updates on the latest deck developments. It's always good to have someone in the team who can think out of the box for solutions to problems your deck may encounter. I would also now make room for Unflinching Courage in my board as Bayani suggested.

Learning from your teammates
You can always learn a thing or two from your teammates. 'Two heads are better than one' is a cliche for a reason. Just like how I never make the same mistake whenever my opponent would do a 5th turn Thragtusk because Gerald told me 'Hindi nakikipagbakbakan sa Thragtusk.' Now I know I should board in Pacifisms and Volcanic Strengths. Also, whenever I get 2 copies of Cavern of Souls in my opening hand, I now would never forget to name the other copy 'Boar' if needed be.

Playtest
I have actually started inviting people to organize a playgroup. Imagine having the best players of the popular decks like UWR, Junk Rites, Junk, RDW and Naya in your team. Now imagine getting to playtest with them regularly. And with every game, you become more familiar with just about every possible scenario. Like say for example you're down to two against UWR, and you need to decide whether to play conservatively or to race. You would know what to do. You're playing against RDW. What do you + and - from your sideboard to your main? You play with them regularly so come the tournament day, you know you're prepared and that you have nothing to fear.


Magic: the Gathering was not designed to be played alone and I think that just adds to the beauty of the game. I'm sure you also have a few ideas of your own on how having a playgroup can contribute to your development in playing the game. Feel free to share them!

Also, should you be interested in being part of the playgroup we're trying to organize, please leave a comment and I will get back to you on the date for the first meeting. Ray De Guzman of Tobey's was kind enough to have the playgroup in his store.

Naya Blitz finally out of the Dragon’s Maze

Yesterday, Rein and I participated in Regran’s ‘Enter the Maze’. It would be our first with the new set, Dragon’s Maze, finally legal (counting off FNM’s). I remember we were asked by Mr. Will ‘Boom’ Dizon to write about how DGM would affect Naya Blitz or if there would be possible additions from the new set, but I think with the 8 rounds yesterday, we now have a clearer and better understanding.

Rein and I both ran Naya Blitz with the exact same build but with the only difference in the number of Boros Reckoner on the sideboard as we were 1 Reckoner short. Hahaha. It’s actually the same list that won me PTQ Theros, a top 8 for GPT Bangkok a week after and a WMCQ top 8 for Rein. We both had a decent finish of 5-3 so I guess it’s safe to say that Naya Blitz is still alive and very much competitive. 

NAYA BLITZ

Main	Sideboard
4 Cavern of Souls	3 Boros Reckoner
4 Stomping Ground	3 Pillar of Flame
4 Sacred Foundry	3 Boros Charm
4 Temple Garden	3 Skullcrack
2 Sunpetal Grove	2 Pacifism
1 Rootbound Crag	1 Bonds of Faith
1 Clifftop Retreat
20 Lands
4 Champion of the Parish
4 Experiment One
4 Boros Elite
4 Burning-Tree Emissary
4 Flinthoof Boar
4 Lightning Mauler
4 Mayor of Avabruck
4 Frontline Medic
3 Thalia, Guardian of Thraben
1 Ghor Clan Rampager
36 Creatures
4 Searing Spear
4 Instants

The three losses from yesterday were against RDW, GW and Mikko Rodas, who had an undefeated 8-0 after swiss with his UWR.

I’ve listed down some of the challenges of running Naya Blitz with fear of forgetting them before I get to share them as I have a really bad memory.

  

UWR

I’m never really happy whenever UWR would play a timely 3^rd turn Boros Reckoner, either on play or draw. I don't want it keeping me from pushing damage while killing another of my creatures when dealt damage. What I would usually do against Boros Reckoner is use Pacifism or Bonds of Faith but you would understand why this wouldn’t work for UWR as they can easily blink it with a Restoration Angel. I’ve always believed that the gameplay for Naya Blitz is to aggro your opponent in 3 or 4 turns, 5 at the most. So the longer the game takes, the slimmer your chances of winning and that’s exactly what Boros Reckoner does. They also had an addition to their removals, Turn // Burn. Unsummon was also very effective in stalling the game.

This is why I am starting to consider and probably will try Renounce the Guilds against UWR. I honestly would rather have Renounce the Guilds than Searing Spear in hand against UWR. Not only does it work against Boros Reckoner but also Geist of Saint Traft and Blood Baron of Vizkopa for Junk. I would also definitely have Fiend Hunters next time. Sure they might be able to kill it but sometimes, that one last swing without the Reckoner in play is all it takes to win the game. Like I said, the plan is to win in 3 to 5 turns.

I won the first game on the draw, lost the second and lost the third on the play with a 5 card starting hand.

RDW

I played against RDW and lost helplessly in the first two games. The problem with RDW is that they have Stromkirk Noble which I would never be able to block unless I get a Flinthoof Boar or a Searing Spear to kill it with, first striking Ash Zealot, Boros Reckoner and too much removal. First game was pretty quick with a Stromkirk Noble that got out of hand and another creature enchanted by Madcap Skills. For the second game, the 3 Pillar of Flame,  2 Pacifism, 1 Bonds of Faith and 3 Boros Reckoner I boarded in all failed me. A Boros Reckoner was in the defense while the Stromkirk Noble was out doing the damage. Until I was down to 12 and then came a Blasphemous Act which hit me for 13.

I think the 4 Searing Spear,  3 Pillar of Flame  2 Pacifism  1 Bonds of Faith and 3 Boros Reckoner I had in my deck could have handled game 2 but again the challenge lies in Boros Reckoner  You know how they say when you’re playing against aggro you have to play control? Well I think that's just as control as Naya Blitz can get against RDW.

GW

A second turn 4/4 Elephant Soldier is always a problem when playing against GW. And just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse, down came an Unflinching Courage attached to it. Oh and did I mention they have Rancor too? Can you imagine how this life gain is a real nightmare?  Again, I would gladly trade my Searing Spear for a Renounce the Guilds in this case. I put in Pillar of Flame for their dorks just to throw them off their curve. A third turn Loxodon Smiter is always better than a second turn Loxodon Smiter  Haha.  But then you want to be casting your creatures early turns too. Of course you’d want to attach your Unflinching Courage and Rancor to something as big as Loxodon Smiter  Who wouldn’t? Now imagine as he targets his Loxodon Smiter with Unflinching Courage, you respond with Renounce the Guilds. Oh the feeling I would get when I actually get to do that! Haha! But sure, Pacifism should work on Loxodon Smiter too if they don’t have Restoration Angel. Fiend Hunter would be handy too because they don't have removals. 

The 2 games against GW were pretty quick with a Loxodon Smiter enchanted with Rancor and Unflinching Courage.

With the losses in the ‘Enter the Maze’ tourney, you can probably expect me to try Renounce the Guilds (because I think it solves my problem with most of the cards I hate: Boros Reckoner, Loxodon Smiter, Geist of Saint Traft) and definitely Fiend Hunters in my sideboard in the next tourney. We’re also looking at Firefist Striker. Haha! We’ll see how it goes. I guess the only way to find out if they’ll be effective is to test them.

Please read:

We’d love to hear from you too so please feel free to make suggestions with what I have written here. Also note that these opinions are made with no play testing at all(That’s why we are trying to make a serious playgroup that can do regular testing with tier 1 decks. Should you be interested to be part of the playgroup, leave a message) and lack of familiarity with deck builds. It is also limited to an aggro player’s perspective as aggro decks are the only decks I think I can run.

I have taken serious effort in writing this as I am very very lazy so I really hope that you find this helpful. Hahaha!

We decided to start this blog to listen to everyone so we are not limited to our own ideas. Well, pretty much so we can mutually learn. So help out and make this interactive! The idea is to improve the level of the gaming community in general.

We intend to write more substantial stuff (because I wouldn’t really call them articles) from international events. This also I made in preparation for the Pro Tour in October. I would like to better myself in playing Magic: the Gathering, thus 'Road to Theros'.