What is this game?

It's called Magic: the Gathering, and it's the greatest game OF ALL TIME! It's kind of the grandfather of all trading card games and is the most popular in addition to being the longest running. It is a strategy game that can be played competitively or casually with friends for fun, and everywhere in between.

What is this program?

It's Magic: the Gathering Online, the official client made and run by Wizards of the Coast (The Hasbro subsidiary that produces the game). It is 10 dollars for an account, but then it is just like real life Magic where you'll have to buy packs/cards and build a collection to play out of. If you want to play the game without having to buy cards, Google “Duels of the Planeswalkers”

How do you build a collection? (slash, How do you go infinite?)

It's all about your expected value. You want to play high EV tournaments and avoid low ones. A good rundown of the basics can be found in this excellent article by LargeBrandon

Who the hell are you, and why should I give a damn?

I'm AJ Sacher (pronounced like the sport, soccer). I'm a Magic player, writer, analyst, commentator, and all-around Magic dude. I've been playing Magic for about 7 years, about 6 of it professionally. I have some mediocre results that you don't care about (nor should you) including 2 GP Top8s and 10 PTs played. Despite publishing pieces relatively infrequently, I'm a fairly prolific writer. You can find most of my work on the Starcitygames archives. I'm still writing and doing videos there as well as streaming here and doing commentary for events and trying to further the development of new media for Magic.

Why do you stream?

I stream for you guys! I remember that I used to improve a lot by watching better players and asking them questions or listening to them talk about the game, and I want similar resources more available to everyone! Plus, I'm going to be MODOing anyway, why not do so while hanging out and joking around with hundreds of fellow nerd-ballers online?

I got the idea to stream from my interest in the Starcraft 2 community, and noticed there were only a couple of streamers with not that many viewers playing Magic and set out to change that. Working with twitch.tv and helping other pros get started, I'm extremely proud of how far Magic streaming has come! And it's still only the beginning!!

Can't your opponent just look at your hand?! Wouldn't that be a huge advantage?!

WOAH CALM DOWN! Yes, they can. And yes, it would. However, most Magic Online tournaments don't really matter all that much. For example, in PTQ Top 8's, I've hidden my hand to prevent any potential ghosting. However, if someone wants to scum me out of my 6 tix or whatever, then more power to'em; they obviously need it more than I do. I like to believe that people are generally good, and ghosting is not something a good person would do. It's also not something a true fan of the game would do, not only because it takes all of the sport out of that match, but because it hurts the community by discouraging streaming, and streaming existing is extremely good for the game.

How can we support the stream?

By watching! And telling your friends to watch! I don't like taking money from my viewers, so I don't have a donation button or anything like that (though this could change, as many people have asked for it). Instead, I try and make my money through sponsorships (And soon, lessons!). You can support me by supporting my sponsors so they'll continue to give me money so I can buy burritos and stuff. I also get some pennies by running commercials, so please disable your adblock! I run very few commercials and only when nothing else is happening, and those pennies make it possible for me to waste my time streaming for you fine folks.

Why did I get banned? -or- Unban me please!

I don't ban people very often, but I give time-outs occasionally. If you got banned, it was probably for hate speech or something. If you got timed-out, just take it and move on. As for unbannings, I'm a pretty understanding dude, so if you think you were unfairly banned, or apologize for whatever got you banned, odds are that I'd lift the ban. Remember that my mods are people too.

Why are you so angry? Do you hate puppies or something?

Nah, pupsters are usually chill. I'm a human being, I get annoyed or frustrated sometimes. My patience tends to run extra thin when the chat has an aggressive/accusatory tone rather than an inquisitive one. Words I would generally try to avoid would be “snap,” “obvious,” and “strictly” as they are often hyperbolic and discourage thinking.

What's that on your shoulder? -or- What's wrong with your shoulder?

I had an injury a couple of years ago that is still hurting me, and my compensating for it has messed up my back and neck, so I'm in a decent amount of pain these days. In addition to working my injuries and taking copious amounts of advil, I also use heating pads to ease the pain. I'll often microwave them just off camera and put them on muh bod while I stream.

I want to be a better player! How do I go about accomplishing that?

Study and practice, just like every other discipline in the universe! Read articles, watch videos, view streams, and play! The best thing you can do is try to improve with the help of better, more experienced players.

Can you help me with my deck?

I'm not a deck doctor and am usually busy playing or answering other questions, but I will try and take a quick look if you ask politely between rounds or something. I may be offering lessons soon, as well!

What's up with your hair/face/clothes/nails?

I don't know, I just do stuff that I think is awesome apropos of nothing else. /( 'o')/

Are you standing up?

Yup! I've been using a stand-up desk recently. It helps my back, makes me feel more energetic, and is just good for you! :)

What's up with the art on those cards? -or- What's up with the background/playmat?

You can customize the art on MODO because all of the files are held locally on your computer. I wouldn't be surprised if it violated the TOS, so I don't want to put directions here. :P Google it!

What the HELL is going ON here?!

Sometimes when we're not doing anything else, we'll play little games for fun, like Squeeze or Pictionary. Or dance parties. And yes, I know my voice sucks :P I sing when I'm bored and/or tired and can only apologize for how bad I'm sure it sounds!

Magic Online PTQ with Tap-Out Esper

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