The MTG Community - Get Lucky [Edward Eng - Battlemage, Level 42]
Over the years I've noticed people like to use particular dice, certain sleeves, or cut their deck the same amount of times every time. I guess people like to do this in an effort to bring more luck. While I do think it's important to keep your mojo up throughout a tournament, I also think it's important to be careful of falling into the pitfalls of superstition.
It's okay to bring your lucky dice to every tournament, but don't worry if you have to use your opponent's dice to roll to see who goes first or as counters on your cards.
It's okay to use the same type of sleeves every time. But be careful, people keep track of what sleeves you use for certain decks. And be sure to change your sleeves often because clumping happens when they get dirty. You could also get warnings if judges think your sleeves are marked.
I think Brian Kibler mentioned that he likes to have a theme song for each tournament he plays in. I think that's cool. But don't worry, sometimes a tournament doesn't go your way. It has nothing to do with the song you picked.
The most important thing is to keep your mojo up but also be flexible. Like Bruce Lee said, "Be water, my friend." Create good habits like shuffling your deck well and also your opponent's. Change your sleeves often. Use the same versions of cards. Use paper and a writing instrument to keep track of life totals. Eat and stay hydrated. But don't waste your brain power on superstition and luck. Use that energy to focus on each game and every action that'll give you the best chance of winning. As Donald Trump once said, "The harder you work, the luckier you get."
Do you have any superstitious habits that are hard to break?
Peace, love, and have fun…
Eddie
Additional Reading
1. Event - $1k Magic Tournament Hosted by Galactic Treasures & The Card House
2. The MTG Community - Why You Should Play More Limited [Ty Thomason - Archmage, Level 46]
3. The MTG Community - Pros & Cons of Playing Two-Headed Giant [Edward Eng - Battlemage, Level 42]
4. MTG Reporter - Horseshoes & Hand Grenades [Jon Waldrop - Task Mage, Level 12]
A Little Bit about Eddie
He started playing Magic around December of 1994 then hit the sanctioned competitive tournament scene in 1997. He played till about 2000 and was on the cusp of making the Pro Tour but stopped to focus on school. He found his old teammate on Facebook in 2009 and got back into the game in 2010. Since then he's played in two Nationals, top 16ed an SCG Invitational, and day 2ed multiple Grand Prix.
Edward Eng
Galactic Treasures
