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1995-03-19
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▌ULTRADECK(c) 1995 Alexander Schonfeld, All Rights Reserved ▐
▌ The Ultimate Deck/Collection Development System for Magic:The Gathering{tm}▐
▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
USERS MANUAL
0.0 CONTENTS:
1.0 Files Included
1.1 Copyrights/CONTACT INFORMATION
1.2 Purpose
1.3 Updated Datafiles or Versions
1.4 Credits
1.5 Bugs/Fixes
2.0 General Use
2.1 Keyboard Commands and Cursor Movement
2.2 Keyboard Commands in Text Editing
2.3 Using the Mouse (what to click on)
3.0 What It Displays, LISTING Details
4.0 ULTRADECK Functions, GRID Details and more
5.0 Using ULTRADECK to Create a Deck
5.1 Making a Sidebar
6.0 Deck Making Tips (IMHO)
1.0 FILES INCLUDED:
file_id .diz - The description file for BBSs
ultdeck .ico - Icon file for use with windows
ultdeck .pif - Pif file for use with windows
ultdeck .exe - The executable program
ultdeck .cfg - The configuration file, set selection color, key delay
and sort methods at start-up. Edit it as a text
file...
ultdeck .ud - Data file
restrict.lst - A text file of the cards RESTRCTed, change this
banned .lst - A text file of banned cards, ULTRADECK uses these two
.LST files as data files, so edit them and you change
the RESTRCT function.
//begin registered only
price-ud.exe - A utility to update the "ultdeck.ud" prices
price-ud.doc - Quick comment on how to use "price-ud.exe"
price .lst - The text file this utility reads to update the prices
card-ud .exe - A utility to update the "ultdeck.ud" card data
card-ud .doc - Quick comment on how to use "card-ud.exe"
card .lst - The text file this utility reads to update the card data
//end registered only
convert .exe - Util. to convert ver 1.1-1.2 .DCK files to 1.3+ .DCKs
allcards.dck - A deck of all the cards
ultdeck .doc - The documentation, this file
features.txt - A text file of features
whatsnew.txt - A text file of info on various releases
register.txt - How to register and why
orderfrm.txt - The form to fill out and mail to register
readme .1st - Basic info, very brief
1.1 COPYRIGHTS/CONTACT INFORMATION:
This document is copyrighted (1995) by Alexander Schonfeld. Some of
Wizards of the Coast{r} copyrighted card names are used inside of it. See
ULTRADECK for other copyrights. This document can only be distributed
with the rest of the ULTRADECK package. It is illegal to distribute the
WotC{r} card data for profit. It can be done for free, however. The
data is free. The ULTRADECK software is NOT free. Do NOT distribute the
REGISTERED version. The SHAREWARE version MAY be distributed for free.
The SHAREWARE version is noted by an "S" extension: UDCK*->S<-.ZIP
Please upload the SHAREWARE version to BBS's everywhere!
For commercial distribution or licensing rights information contact:
Name - Alexander Schonfeld
Address - 5615 SW 42nd Ave.
Portland, OR 97221
Internet - alexs@cs.pdx.edu
Phone - (503)246-6489
1.2 PURPOSE: "Wield the magic..."
The purpose of the ULTRADECK program is to make an EASY system for
creating and evaluating decks that doesn't require shuffling cards or
writing on your lands. From finding the lowest casting cost blue island
walking creatures to estimating total dollar deck cost, ULTRADECK can do
it efficiently and quickly. ULTRADECK can also manage whole card
collections with relative ease. *blatant plug* If you use this program,
please show your support and buy the registered version. It doesn't cost
much and it would encourage a next version. See "register.txt".
1.3 UPDATED DATAFILES OR VERSIONS:
New ".ud" data files will be released with new data (prices and
card data updates) and for future expansions of the game. These will work
with any version, as will your ".dck" files (see pressing F5 to update
data). Updates will be available for FTP at:
ftp.itis.com
/pub/deckmaster/misc/utilities/pc
You also might check out this web page for updates and Magic{tm} info:
http://weber.u.washington.edu/aforster/ccgs/magic/announce.html
If you don't have InterNet access, NorthWest Computer Support BBS will
have updates, phone:
(503)655-3927
The newest shareware version will also be there. Updates of the
REGISTERED software are available to registered users for $5.00.
1.4 CREDITS:
Software - Alexander Schonfeld (alexs@cs.pdx.edu)
Andrew Eigus, the great mouse routines,
and source on changing vga fonts! (very helpful)
Price list - Cloister Bell (kindly distributed often)
See "price-ud.doc" for FTP...
Check out his WWW page:
HTTP:WWW.HHHH.ORG/~CLOISTER/MAGIC
Card data - Lots of nice people on the net. (please tell me
about mistakes)
Icon/Pif - Help from Ritchie Hunt
Features - Rene Reichardt, and all other people who have sent
suggestions.
1.5 BUGS/FIXES:
It locks up when I run it?
Disable all the funny graphics stuff and MOUSE in the ".cfg" file.
Windows problems?
If you have had problems running this under windows, see above.
OR, edit the ".pif" file to run in full screen mode.
Mouse problems?
Try a few different drivers. Leave the realm of the "alt" key
impaired, use the keyboard. :)
It crashes when my printer runs out of paper?
Yep.
What are all the colored blocks?
Ansi graphics.
When in doubt, free up more base memory. "memmaker" may cause
problems.
2.0 GENERAL USE:
Run "ultdeck.exe" follow by an optional ".dck" name. This deck will
be automatically loaded.
You can move the select bar around with the cursor keys. To edit the
text you are over or add a new card you press Enter. To adjust card #
values use +/- or 0-9. To delete a card press the Delete key. Tag a card
with the Spacebar or by using the TAG function. Imagine all tagged cards
are tied together or linked. When you move over one and press "+" all go
up one #. When you move over one and press Delete all tagged cards are
deleted. If you adjust or Delete a untagged card it will not effect the
tagged cards. Esc clears all tags. Add cards by Entering a name or
pieces of the name in the "New Card..." box. When asked a "(Yes or No)"
question, the "y" key answers yes and anything else (even "Enter") is no.
The "Esc" key is used to cancel almost every operation.
2.1 KEYBOARD COMMANDS IN CURSOR MOVEMENT:
Delete = Deletes current card, or if tagged, all tagged cards
Tab = Changes from HELP to GRID to CARD TEXT
?,#,%,$,T = Change to the corresponding GRID mode (fast version of Tab)
Shift+Tab = Switches between the GRID displaying all CASTING COSTS and
actual NUMBERS of cards, (click on the grid with the mouse)
Enter = Change current card, "Enter" again when done
Insert = Goes to "New Card..." and presses "Enter"
0..9 = Changes current selected card # to number pressed,
or if current tagged, then all tagged cards
+ or - = Increments or decrements current selected card #,
or if tagged, then all tagged cards
Esc = Untag all cards
Space = Tag current selected card
Page Up = Up a page
Page Down = Down a page
Home = Go to top card/new card
End = Go to bottom card
Arrow keys = move cursor
Alt+key = Activate highlighted (key) function
Alt+O = Togl all tagged cards quickly
F5 = If you download a new data ".ud" file and want to update
your ".dck"'s data, this will re-read all the data
from the new data file, making all the data current.
Re-save after this.
F6 = Cycle the selection bar color
2.2 KEYBOARD COMMANDS IN TEXT EDITING:
Any text keys = Edit the name
Arrow keys = Move cursor right and left
Enter = Accept text and continue
Esc = Don't change text and continue
Ins = Toggle overwrite and insert mode
Home = Go to front
End = Go to back
2.3 USING THE MOUSE:
Things you can click on (all left button unless noted):
+ ALL the buttons
+ Click on the columns to increment #'s and edit text!
Right button: -1, Left button: +1 to the # column...
+ Click on tag area to tag cards
+ Click right button on the list area to clear all tags...
+ Click on the WHITE LINE at the top and bottom to do a Page Up
and Page Down...
+ Click on the "Yes" of a "(Yes or No)" prompt to answer yes,
anyplace else will answer no.
+ Click on the scroll bar, basically a page up and down or
up arrow or down arrow equivalent
+ Click on the GRID to switch between NUMBer and casting COST
Disable the mouse in the .CFG file.
3.0 WHAT IT DISPLAYS, LIST DETAILS:
Name = This is the name of the card color coded by card color.
Comment = A general comment you can enter on the card, maybe how many
you still need for your deck? Sidebar?
# = The number of that specific card you have? (+/- or 0-9)
Type = The card type. (ie. Summon, Enchantment, etc...) This is
also color coded, by my best guess!
Cost = The casting cost of the card. These values are as seen on
the card. These are also color coded.
Rarity = Color coded printing (f,a,etc...) and rarity
(C,U,1,2,etc...). The higher the number the more of them
printed on each sheet. The "+" on some "a" cards refers to
a misprint. On half the cards the cost were a darker gray.
The lighter circle is more valuable, sorta.
Value = An average dollar representation gained from a frequently
posted internet price list. This value is not always the
best gauge as it is based on auction sale. Sometimes there
are not enough data points for a reasonable guess. Some
cards are "$0.00" because of spelling differences. I will
fix them soon, look for a new ".ud" file.
4.0 ULTRADECK FUNCTIONS, GRID DETAILS:
TAB (grid information) -
This key cycles through the different views available at the bottom
of the screen. These include:
? = The help screen showing what various things in the rarity
column and others equal.
# = A grid presenting either CASTING COSTS or NUMBERS OF CARDS.
See the upper left hand corner of the grid. Select this
pressing "Shift+Tab" or clicking on the GRID with the mouse.
NOTE: if any cards are tagged, the grid will only show these,
else it shows all cards.
% = A grid presenting the percentages of the data in the number
grid described before.
$ = The dollar values of cards and such based on color and type.
Casting cost is not involved here.
TXT = The text of the card your cursor is currently over. Nicely
colored?
FILE, SAVE, LOAD -
Normally to start ULTRADECK one will enter a command line parameter,
like this: "ultdeck allcards". This will load the "allcards.dck" file.
The extension ".dck" is assumed if not added. Inside the program there
is a function, Alt+F, that allows you to edit the first 8 characters of
the dos filename. The ".dck" extension is automatically assumed within
the program as well. Once a filename is specified you can load (Alt+L)
and save (Alt+S) the ULTRADECK data to that file. This data is not
viewable in a text editor. Alt+L pops up a nice selection of ".dck"
files. Next to the deck is a number representing the # of different
cards in the deck.
PRINT, TO -
Once you have selected your output destination, using Alt+T select
Alt+P to print it to that location. Alt+T selects the destination which
can be either:
lpt = to the printer attached to your lpt1 port
txt = a text file named FILE name + ".txt"
CLEAR -
This function (Alt+C) basically removes all the cards you have
selected.
RESTRCT -
This function (Alt+R) restricts your current deck and zeros all the
cards that are not tournament legal. It also limits normal cards and
such. Edit RESTRICT.LST and BANNED.LST to update them.
Delete -
This deletes the card under your cursor, or if the current card is
tagged then it will delete ALL tagged cards.
TAG -
This function (Alt+G) tags all cards of the type specified in the
"CRD" box after it. If the current card is a "red" card and you have
selected (Alt+D) "colr" then you press Alt+G, all the "red" cards in the
deck will be tagged. If you then cycle to "togl" (Alt+D). And press
Alt+G it will invert all the tags and thus tag everything that is NOT
"red". You could then move to one of the tagged cards and press "delete"
to remove every non-red card in the deck. NOTE: the hot key to "togl"
the tagged cards is Alt+O.
+ or - or 0..9 -
These keys set the card number your cursor is currently on. If you
are over a tagged card then all tagged cards will be adjusted.
SORT 1,2,3 -
Pressing "Alt+1" cycles the current top level sort. If this is
"colr" then it will sort based first on color then inside color on the 2nd
sort selection. This process is continued on through the third level. So
you can find the lowest casting cost blue summon by sorting by "colr",
"type" and "cost". This feature is set to all "alph" in the shareware
version. Please register for the full version.
DRAW -
This function (Alt+A) allows the user to draw a sample hand from
their deck. The card names drawn are presented with a percentage chance
for each. This chance represents your percentage chance of drawing that
card. If any non-zero cards are tagged, then it shows the percentage
chance of drawing those cards if you draw 1 of each tagged together.
Assuming only one of each.
QUIT -
Exit the program (Alt+Q).
5.0 USING ULTRADECK TO CREATE A DECK:
ULTRADECK's main function is to create real play decks. The best way
to do this is to start adding cards you think are useful. You might
first want to do some planning with the "allcards.dck". Get an idea of
the kinds of cards out there. Once you come up with a general strategy
use the "allcards.dck" file and sort to find the ones that fit your
strategy. You might work with the "allcards.dck". Tag the cards
you want and then at the end "togl" (Alt+O) all the tags and delete
the rest. Another option is just to enter all the cards you want in the
new card space. Adjust the "New Card..."'s # before entering its name
(1-9 or +/-).
Adjust any numbers that were not entered before you typed the name.
Then press RESTRCT (Alt+R) to check your deck is legal. Look at the
casting costs, do they form a pyramid? Can it do damage quickly? If not
are there some defenses? Can you say every card serves a purpose or
better yet, many purposes? Is the deck exactly 60 cards? Are there any
better ways of doing the things my cards are doing--more efficient ways?
SAVE (Alt+S), then start DRAWing (Alt+A) a few random hands. Look at
the cards. Are you getting combinations? Is there some defense? Try to
continue drawing: do you find your deck losing momentum? Remember this
is completely random. Different types of shuffling can do different
things to increase your odds of drawing land and such.
Look at the charts (Tab). Can I cut casting costs and still do
damage? Think of the # chart as the weight of your deck. You don't want
it to be too skinny or too fat. Try and cut down as much as you can
without decreasing damage or effectiveness or diversity. Good luck! Am I
dependent on one type of card? Is 20% of my deck enchantments, artifacts?
Will a "shatter storm" kill me? Is my deck all creatures? What happens
when they cast "wrath of god" or "drop of honey"? Do I have the most
"mana" for my highest percentage of casting cost totals? Is there one
card which will kill me? Is my deck totally reactionary?
Last, but not least, can I afford to buy the cards in this deck? Do
I want to find those four "ydwen efreets"? Look at the dollar values.
Usually these are relatively high, with a little shopping, lower values
can be found, or trades of course.
5.1 MAKING A SIDEBAR:
With ULTRADECK the easiest way to make a sidebar is to use the comment
field to specify "side 4". Then you can sort by comment to organize your
deck. The sidebar cards should have zero as their # so that they do not
come up when "drawn".
6.0 DECK MAKING TIPS (IMHO):
Start to think about what are some good card combinations. What
casting cost will these cards take? Do I have to get them together? An
example might be "Manabarbs" and "Drain Power". This would require a red
and blue deck. It would also require the game to have progressed for some
time and that you still be alive. There are a few important elements to
think about:
1) What kind of deck is mine? Defensive or offensive? How does it
progress as playing continues? Take for an example a red speed
destruction deck. If someone pops out a red circle and they are at 2
life you are in trouble. Not only because of the circle, but because a
red speed deck will not have the cards necessary to kill a "Serra Angle"
without using say two "lightning bolt"s. This brings us to point 2.
2) You have to think about progression. As time goes along does my deck
build in strength at an adequate rate? Usually think of a pyramid. Lots
of low casting cost cards at the bottom, moving up to higher casting
costs at the top. You want a few high casting cost cards at the top.
This is not always true. By changing the amount of land in your deck you
might adjust so that getting to higher costs is easier. Or play alternate
"mana" supplies such as creatures that produce "mana", "artifacts", etc.
This can allow you to get a lot more "mana" early in the game. You would
thus be able to bring out high casting cost creatures early or do massive
damage. Don't make the mistake of assuming you will have the "mana" to
cast a "juggernaut" early in the game. The main point is that as the
game progresses you want to use all your "mana" supply. Thus, later in
the game you should be doing MORE damage with FEWER cards. This is not
always true if you are playing around certain combos or playing a
defensive deck.
3) What matters in this game? There are a few things: TURNS, CARDS and
your OPPONENT'S LIFE. What you want to do is decrease your opponent's
life to 0 using the least number of cards in the least number of turns.
You want to maximize your deck around these concepts. If you find
yourself using 3 cards to destroy one of your opponents cards you are in
trouble. If you see your opponent always disenchanting your "ornithopter"
with 2 "giant strength"s on it you are in trouble. The problem is they
are using one card to destroy 3 of yours. As far as turns, games tend to
get very nasty after about 10 turns. Combination moves start to become
all too common. Your 20 life is in jeopardy. Think, am I not getting a
creature out early in the game? Is that why his first turn "juzam djinn"
is killing me? This rule does not only apply to creatures. Your deck
might include "counterspell"s or maybe some "swords to plow"s doing the
job just as well or better. These work as well as any low casting cost
creature. Your deck should be able to kill before you are killed in a
reasonable amount of turns.
There are a few ways to do this. Plan around the different card
types. They all do damage. Think, can you defend against all types of
cards? The types include: "enchantments", "instants", "interrupts",
"sorceries", "summons" and "artifacts". Permissions or "counterspell
decks" can be good because of their ability to shut down any type of
deck. Their fatal flaws are that they do not do enough damage, sometimes
take more "mana" to stop cards than the casting cost and take on a
defensive posture. There are of course ways to make these types as deadly
as any other. One other way is to not worry about defense and take a
totally offensive posture. Usually a deck should only have minimal
defenses for things like "vises" and "manabarbs". Four "disenchants" is
what I call adequate.
Then think about what you are going to do to kill them. How does my
deck do damage? Does it do it quickly, or long term? How long do I have
to stay alive to kill them?
Are there any cards that can shut my deck down? A red circle can
shut down almost any red destruction deck. Do I have a similar problem?
4) Remember combination is the key. Almost no game can be won on all
cards being used individually. Clever combinations are the best way to
fool an opponent into death. Make sure your whole plan doesn't hinge
around one card. Using multiple combinations can be very useful. Say
you want the power of "goblin grenade"s, but don't want your goblins
sitting around waiting to die. Put in some "blood lust"s and "fork"s to
give the goblins something else to do. Leading us to 5.
5) Never become dependent on combinations. Or at least have combinations
which can slowly make themselves evident. For example you may put down a
"winter orb" and then 5 turns later find your "black vise" with relative
ease. Don't make it so cards REQUIRE each other unless you have lots of
them (ie. 12 goblins for your "goblin grenade"s). Don't make it so your
cards require your opponent to have certain cards unless they are sidebar
and color/land/etc... specific and you KNOW they have them.
6) Total number of cards. NEVER go above 60. There is no reason to and
it may decrease your odds of drawing the most important cards in your
deck. You want to maximize your odds of drawing your most important
cards such as a "black vise" first turn.
7) You should either have low casting cost defenses or some way to get
cards and "mana" quickly into play. 30 percent "mana" is adequate for a
deck with only a few cards at a casting cost of 3 "mana". If you shuffle
it in it can be adequate for higher costs. Watch out for land
destruction!
8) Shuffling is another key point. Usually before a tournament I will do
a round robin on all my cards in nice stacks of type. Then lastly
shuffle the land in evenly. You might want to do this before each game as
well. Sort out your land and then shuffle it in. Then shuffle it in few
more times to make your opponent reassured. If you notice your opponent
doing this make sure they shuffle at least as much as you did. 3 times is
usually fair for both players.
9) Sidebars should contain a good mix of cards that target other colors
specifically. Maybe target the color you are weakest against. Be
careful of falling into traps which expect you to cast certain offensive
cards. If you have space left over, put in some land for land
destruction. Make sure you have cards in your deck that you would be
willing to take out. If you are playing an all red deck with your blue
and white deck you might want to replace "counterspell"s with "elemental
blast"s.
10) When playing semi-intelligent people, with good decks, its mostly
luck anyway! (see quotes) :)
Enjoy! Alexander Schonfeld