Having not yet seen the video, I hope the professor takes the same quality-control measures on these books as he does on many of his other reviewed products. Shaking it, tossing it in the air, banging it on his desk, dunking it in water...
Next Level Deckbuilding helped me improve my building abilities. I recommend it for the advance player or intermediate players looking to take that next step
I love getting Book Reviews from you professor because you can feel that you truly know what you are talking about not only in the realms of MTG but also in the realm of how a good book should be written. Awesome combination, mORE!
I've never clicked on one of your videos faster. I've been incredibly interested in these for quite a while, but never actually picked them up. I believe that will change, now. Thanks, professor!
I saw these for sale a while back, but I wasn't sure if they were for me. I can honestly say that you've convinced me to give them a shot. Thanks for the great videos!
Michael Zarkos I still need to get the Art of Zendikar, but have Innistrad. It's a good read for anyone into the lore of the plane and sets the plane covers. I just want to know where Art of Keladesh is since we have Art of Amonkept coming out.
I borrowed the first book from a friend a few years ago. It was a great tool to understand the 4 basic deck types and also more concept like card advantage, tempo, setbacks, famous pro plays, information control tricks, tricks tricks tricks, Mr Chapin is very knowledgeable and willing to open up on all MTG lines of thought in this first book. I find myself wanting to go back and read a few paragraphs over and I would definitely love for an opportunity to possess both books. I'm also looking forward to purchase the 2nd book. I would say that both books mean as much to the deck user and to the deck builder. Finally, I will add do not feel intimidated by the volume, when you love the game, it is an easy read of 2-3 weeks. Thank you for the review professor!
Would you consider making a series of videos with Patrick Chapin in the style of extra credits history or crash course centered on the books? you being a college professor and all ;) might be a great draw to get new students.
I was wondering when you were going to get around to this. Is the "Official Miser's Guide" on the reading list? Totally agree with the assessment that these are like text books. I've cited Chapin and Flores in a grad school strategy class. No kidding.
Thank you Professor! I loved this review, especially since I probably wouldn't investigate the books otherwise. I even learned that there was an alternate way of using the expression, "fount of information." I prefer your version now that I know what a font is!
I would love to see you start from the beginning of magic and review all the books. There's a lot, some good, some really bad, but I think it would be really interesting to get your critical analysis of each.
The review was dead on. Chapin's books took me from a decent player to a very solid one. That does not sound like much however going from a low end intermediate to high end intermediate is a world apart in MTG. I felt that before reading the books, some years back, I had a solid understanding of how to play the cards but not always why I was playing certain cards. That insight makes all the difference. Why play 3 of a card and not 4 of or why sideboard out this type of card versus a certain matchup. And for aspiring deckbuilders the book is essential, if only to learn how to build mana bases consistently.
great to see you addressing queries so much in the comments Professor - if I'm someone who only plays casual formats (Commander, Cube, etc.) but plays and builds seriously (fetches, duals, Thoughtseizes, modern/legacy staples, "rude" combos) would I benefit from something like this or is this more steeped in the Standard/Modern tourney-grinding culture that Chapin cut his teeth in?
Next year i'm looking to play more competitivly. Going to more PPTQs and hopefully going to my first GP and just playing more in general. So Next Level Magic sounds like a great Christmas gift for me!
Thank you for this review! I've had my eye on these books for awhile, but hadn't looked deeply into them. In fact I'm not sure that the info you just have in this video even was available elsewhere. My main concern was if they were updated or relevant or some dusty relic from the 90's, which you answered. The books both look amazing. I learn very well from textbook style, they look wonderfully dense so I will break them up into sections. My mouth literally started to water as you showed the headings of the deckbuilding book, lol, as I am very keen on deckbuilding. Excellent and useful review. I want them! *grabby hands*
Sounds like the perfect set of books for improving my game, my overall skill level in Magic. Now, where did I put all the couch change that I have found over the past 2 semesters? :P
If I'd had a marker this weekend, I'd have had Megan sign my playmat. I mean, I found myself watching her play in person (drawing against Jund as an Elves pilot--I love tribal decks, which is why I'm interested in building Elves, Merfolk, and/or Bant Spirits in Modern). My playmat is actually the Professor's face from the jargon video.
Would you suggest these books to someone who only plays commander? I understand that edh is a "casual" format but in our play group it's taken pretty seriously. Also, I know that standard, modern, and other non-singleton more "competitive" formats have a completely different skill set and philosophy.
Cody Lee Nope. I've read next level deck building and its aimed more for competitive 75 card formats. They have "complete commander" on scg's website as well, but it's more for people who are just getting into the format
That's all well and good professor, but I got a book that's a little better when it comes to the philosophy and strategy of a battle that's about $5.00 at your local B&N. It's called "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu and from what I've heard it's been pretty successful for past, what? 10 or so centuries?
$37 is not very much for factual textbooks (non-fiction). Comparing it to the books I need for a course at univeristy (physics) both of them would sum up to one of those books, as they tend to go for at least €70 per course.
those look terrific. They are going on my Christmas list. One thing to note on the price - these seem equivalent to what I would pay for a technical book on software and presumably involved at least as much effort and skill to write. So, expensive to be sure, but the price seems fair to me.
Everyone has their own price range that sits more reasonably for them. For me personally asking $40 is a little much, even if the book subject is heavy and interesting with care, I personally think the $25-30 range is more fair... I mean I have books on various histories, philosophy and biographies that are much heavier and even in hardback for the same price or less than. I know, in the long run it doesn't matter, but I would like to know WHY this price was settled on, I mean sure in theory this is like a text book for a college course in a way...but it's not. I'm just very curious on any of the whys other than, "we can make the most profit without too high of an entry cost" type of reasoning.
Thanks, Professor! I had heard of these but assumed they were exactly what you said they are not - just another tips and tricks guide. I will now be reconsidering my decision not to buy.
Thanks for reviewing these! I've been interested, but just haven't pulled the trigger. I've mainly been wondering if they're right for someone like me: Interested in building competitive to semi-competitive decks, but little to no interest in participating in tournaments.
Hey Prof! Would you be willing to do a review of Travis Woo's book on MTG? I've been thinking about purchasing it, but I'm not sure how it'll be as an advanced player
Thanks for the review profesor, this is great for us long time casual players who wish to be a little more competitive! And 37$ is cheap if you compare it to let's say Snapcaster Mage! As always thanks for your reviews
At first glance, the whole goblins and spells hoopla makes it seem like just another fantasy niche game, but in reality MTG is closer to a dressed up chess (and much more than that). I am very happy that it gets the analysis and respect it deserves! I cannot afford to even consider attempting to become a "pro" but I want to treat this as a very serious hobby and learn as much as I have time and energy to. I hope that one day I will be ready for these books!
I am attempting to make my own games so I have been looking for books like these to help understand good advanced game mechanics and help myself understand the mind set of what card game players really want in a game.
download the pdf check if u like it than decide to buy or not we live in 2016 no need to just trust what other ppl say. btt the books are good ofc because they are written by one of the greatest guys in magic for ppl who wanna go in depth what patrick thinks bout magic. so my resumee if u have money buy it if u havent download it its helpful for any magic player who is gettin a bit more srs with the game.
I'd really love to get my hands on these books, too bad I live in Europe and SCG's shipping costs more than the combined prize of both of them. :/ Not even sure if other sites sell these, of course getting them in ebook form would save me money but having them in my bookshelf would be amazing...
Thanks so much for the review! I was looking at these books, trying to figure out if they would be for me. I think they are now. One quick question that most likely doesn't have an answer. Does anyone know if Patrick Chapin is planning on updating these books anytime soon? I'd hate to spend $75 and find out not long after that there is now a 2017 edition. Anyone know? Gonna order these books in a few days if I don't here a definite yes. Thanks again Professor!!!
Completely random question for you, Prof: Have you felt that producing TH-cam videos has affected the way that you teach? I have wondered if it has caused you to change your approach toward presenting and explaining ideas. I am a 5th semester history student from Denmark, and I certainly feel that many of my instructors could learn a lot from you. Thanks for the videos as always!
Hi Professor! I am an avid EDH player. Would you still recommend these guides? I was thinking the deck building book may not follow the 100 card singleton format. Thanks! Keep up the great work!
Hey! If this is still a noticeable video to the college. Could you do more "Assumed Knowledge" videos. Your team would be perfect for those everything from forcing a google vocabulary (evergreen, hehe) to i dunno y'all are creative Tolarian Tutor me man!
hi I'm a returning player to mtg haven't touched mtg for a really long time haha may I ask how does standard rotation work again? when do the sets rotate and how frequently? secondly what decks would you recommend for someone on a budget? like around 50 and standard competitive if possible. any help would be great thx :)
Professor: what are your top picks for Magic the Gathering resources? I know there are a few players that have authored books and curious what your "reading list" for advanced Magic would look like.
I think I'll pick up Next Level Magic at some point, but I think asking $40 for a book is a little steep ( I have a disdain outlook on E-books and much prefer holding a physical copy in my hands and store along my other books, call me old fashion or what have you.)
Thanks for making me aware of those seemingly great books with an imo amazing video. I clicked on the link right away. Sadly the cheapest shipping costs for me living in Berlin(Germany) are about 18euros, which is honestly too much for me. Do you maybe know any other way to acquire the physical books or do you know the how the e-books feel in usage?
i am considering to buy those books or not, because I only play French EDH and regular EDH. Maybe the book will not cover everything in EDH, and also concept in EDH are quite different compare to normal MTG.
Hey prof which one would u suggest to become a overall better magic player. I dont have money for formats such as standard, modern and legacy since im in university. I only play pauper and limited and was wondering which book was better for me?
Given that you recommended these works for intermediate to advanced; would you consider these for a new player that has the basics down but has to learn solo? Other than mtgo and the duels series I do not have many face to face matches unless I make it to a fnm. Being a textbook style is great for me; I'm one of those learning is fun people, haha. Is it easy to section and take in small portions at a time, or is it more like a sprint out the gate style read? My worry is that it may be more alien to me with having little experience.
3:53 - 4:17 Does it mean that I can use this to help me in different card games? Like, even if it is more focused on MtG strategies, the philosophy would still apply?
I have a personal goal to be a better card evaluator/brewer, but haven't read either book. Do you think it's okay to skip the first book and just get the deckbuilding one? Obviously there is value in the first book, but does the second book become less valuable without the first?
the best way to do that is just to play a lot, learn the rules in depth so you can find weird card interactions, and maybe watch some youtube videos/ read some articles to speed it up a bit.
I can recommend the series ''Judge's corner'', where a lot of the basic rules are explained. It's here in TH-cam :) Otherwise, simply playing in your local game store each week should do the trick.
I cannot direct you towards any books, however, I can suggest watching gameplay and/or draft videos from people like Luis Scott Vargas and Caleb Durward who focus on explaining possible/actual lines of play. Watching those guys has helped me so much towards being a better player.
I don't know how much this will actually help, but to move past the mindset of a beginner I read a lot of strategy articles for MTG deckbuilding. Just all over, as many as I could find. They don't always make a whole lot of sense at first, but I started to absorb and understand all the unfamiliar terms after a while. However, this probably isn't the best way to learn it and it ended up being rather time-consuming for me. Watching competitive games with SCG commentary I would also recommend. Their commentators are almost always excellent at explaining why certain lines might be taken and what aspects of a deck will cause it to perform the way it does. Again, this will require some learning osmosis at first since you will be dealing with a lot of cards you may be unfamiliar with, but I'd say it's worth it in the end.
You know I have a pretty good knowledge of Magic the gathering, but I'm only 15, do you think at my age level could I sit and read this or are there things I just wouldn't understand
Connor Laverty if your knowledge of mtg is good, I think you should be absolutely fine. Go through them slowly though as to fully absorb the info, which is what I will be doing. The info will be a bit DEEPER than high school textbooks. Probably.
Andy Ayala ...really...both books seem to cover very big aspects of magic the gathering...running 2-3 more or less lands in a deck may leave your hands dry or late game drawing into dust
Andy Ayala while knowing what a players cards do keeps you up on there hands...if a player has 5 cards in hand and runs a play set of counterspells you should test the waters or duress there hand (if in black)
Patrick hoban (who is one of the best yugioh players) said that he read both books and it changed his views on yugioh in such a way that if he never read them he never wouldve become a pro
Hi, I´m from Spain and not native english, I considere myself pretty decent at english and I wonder if this books have a very intrincate language or are comprehensible enough for me to read them without having stop every page to check words on a dictionary. Thanks for the help P.D. Spain is in europe americans
Tolarian Community College I believe you were giving one out to your viewers way back when.(I wished I had won) It is an awesome looking deck-box, the way it sits next to your books reminds me of the Serra Angel Alpha Investments has on his bookshelf. P.S. I really liked the Hedron deck box you reviewed, it seemed sturdier in comparison.
![“อ.เบียร์ คนตื่นธรรม” มาตามคำเรียกร้อง แหกศาสตร์ฮวงจุ้ย เตือนสติอย่างมงาย | แฉ 7 พ.ย. 67 [1/3]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/5fc4S3xBNfc/mqdefault.jpg)
Having not yet seen the video, I hope the professor takes the same quality-control measures on these books as he does on many of his other reviewed products. Shaking it, tossing it in the air, banging it on his desk, dunking it in water...
+Planeswalker999 Okay, I laughed. :)
So, how about use of the book as a projectile/bludgeoning tool?
Joe Momma exactly; book sock, followed by a paper bag folded in to an outer sleeve
Here in my garage with my new black lotus. But you know what I like more that material things? Knowledge.
Necro but this comment was severely underrated.
Next Level Deckbuilding helped me improve my building abilities. I recommend it for the advance player or intermediate players looking to take that next step
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Tolarian Community College when the prof gets too lazy to write full comments
Bought both of his books months ago, LOVE THEM. So happy to see you review them :D
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I love getting Book Reviews from you professor because you can feel that you truly know what you are talking about not only in the realms of MTG but also in the realm of how a good book should be written. Awesome combination, mORE!
I'd love to see him talk about Menedian's books too, but I'm not sure he's exactly the target audience.
I've never clicked on one of your videos faster. I've been incredibly interested in these for quite a while, but never actually picked them up. I believe that will change, now. Thanks, professor!
I saw these for sale a while back, but I wasn't sure if they were for me. I can honestly say that you've convinced me to give them a shot. Thanks for the great videos!
With the holiday season around the corner- I would LOVE a video on the "Art of X" books that WOTC is now making :D please?
Michael Zarkos I still need to get the Art of Zendikar, but have Innistrad. It's a good read for anyone into the lore of the plane and sets the plane covers. I just want to know where Art of Keladesh is since we have Art of Amonkept coming out.
art of kaladesh is coming out in january iirc
I borrowed the first book from a friend a few years ago. It was a great tool to understand the 4 basic deck types and also more concept like card advantage, tempo, setbacks, famous pro plays, information control tricks, tricks tricks tricks, Mr Chapin is very knowledgeable and willing to open up on all MTG lines of thought in this first book. I find myself wanting to go back and read a few paragraphs over and I would definitely love for an opportunity to possess both books. I'm also looking forward to purchase the 2nd book. I would say that both books mean as much to the deck user and to the deck builder. Finally, I will add do not feel intimidated by the volume, when you love the game, it is an easy read of 2-3 weeks. Thank you for the review professor!
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Tolarian Community College: And I'm sold. My play group is going to hate me till I choose to share!
Would you consider making a series of videos with Patrick Chapin in the style of extra credits history or crash course centered on the books? you being a college professor and all ;) might be a great draw to get new students.
I bet prof was so excited to do reviews on informative magic books. Right up his alley.
this chanel is far the most in depth explication on any thing magic and is easy to follow. I'm so glad I came across this channel.
I saw these on your shelf in a previous video, I was wondering about them. Thanks for the vid.
Thanks Professor. Just in time for Christmas.
I really enjoy the diverse array of items you review. As an enthusiast for both casual and competitive play, I see you as an invaluable resource.
I was wondering when you were going to get around to this. Is the "Official Miser's Guide" on the reading list? Totally agree with the assessment that these are like text books. I've cited Chapin and Flores in a grad school strategy class. No kidding.
Thank you Professor! I loved this review, especially since I probably wouldn't investigate the books otherwise.
I even learned that there was an alternate way of using the expression, "fount of information." I prefer your version now that I know what a font is!
I would love to see you start from the beginning of magic and review all the books. There's a lot, some good, some really bad, but I think it would be really interesting to get your critical analysis of each.
great video! still waiting for the Professor's review on the Commander 2016 decks!!
The decks aren't out yet.
The card lists are though.
Wilson Correia He usually like to play with them first I believe, so it might be a little while.
It'll be out in a matter of days.
Looks like a set I just might pick up. Great recommendations as always from the Professor!
cheers!
so how we actually judge these are by whether or not the prof gets a lot better at magic
Even someone as talented as Mr. Chapin can only do so much....
Tolarian Community College haha
I've discovered a broken standard combo with Aetherflux Reservoir 4x and Panharmonicon 4x
The review was dead on. Chapin's books took me from a decent player to a very solid one. That does not sound like much however going from a low end intermediate to high end intermediate is a world apart in MTG. I felt that before reading the books, some years back, I had a solid understanding of how to play the cards but not always why I was playing certain cards. That insight makes all the difference. Why play 3 of a card and not 4 of or why sideboard out this type of card versus a certain matchup. And for aspiring deckbuilders the book is essential, if only to learn how to build mana bases consistently.
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Awesome that you made this what with you being an English professor. I really appreciate your expertise.
great to see you addressing queries so much in the comments Professor - if I'm someone who only plays casual formats (Commander, Cube, etc.) but plays and builds seriously (fetches, duals, Thoughtseizes, modern/legacy staples, "rude" combos) would I benefit from something like this or is this more steeped in the Standard/Modern tourney-grinding culture that Chapin cut his teeth in?
Well done, for those wondering this book does help in commander, but very limited. It's more for competitive but worth considering
Would you ever do a giveaway on these books, like you do with deck boxes? These seem like the perfect target for those.
Thank you for making this Sir. Gonna have to get me hands on these. Had no idea they, hard-copy gold, existed!
Oooh this sounds great! I'll definitely see if I can get my hands on these
Next year i'm looking to play more competitivly. Going to more PPTQs and hopefully going to my first GP and just playing more in general. So Next Level Magic sounds like a great Christmas gift for me!
Thank you for this review! I've had my eye on these books for awhile, but hadn't looked deeply into them. In fact I'm not sure that the info you just have in this video even was available elsewhere. My main concern was if they were updated or relevant or some dusty relic from the 90's, which you answered. The books both look amazing. I learn very well from textbook style, they look wonderfully dense so I will break them up into sections. My mouth literally started to water as you showed the headings of the deckbuilding book, lol, as I am very keen on deckbuilding. Excellent and useful review. I want them! *grabby hands*
Sounds like the perfect set of books for improving my game, my overall skill level in Magic. Now, where did I put all the couch change that I have found over the past 2 semesters? :P
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one book you can find online for FREE
If I'd had a marker this weekend, I'd have had Megan sign my playmat. I mean, I found myself watching her play in person (drawing against Jund as an Elves pilot--I love tribal decks, which is why I'm interested in building Elves, Merfolk, and/or Bant Spirits in Modern).
My playmat is actually the Professor's face from the jargon video.
Bant Spirits is so much fun.
Would you suggest these books to someone who only plays commander? I understand that edh is a "casual" format but in our play group it's taken pretty seriously. Also, I know that standard, modern, and other non-singleton more "competitive" formats have a completely different skill set and philosophy.
Cody Lee Nope. I've read next level deck building and its aimed more for competitive 75 card formats. They have "complete commander" on scg's website as well, but it's more for people who are just getting into the format
Also, playing multiplayer changes so much. Mana curve etc might be applicable but a lot of it would probably be useless
That's all well and good professor, but I got a book that's a little better when it comes to the philosophy and strategy of a battle that's about $5.00 at your local B&N. It's called "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu and from what I've heard it's been pretty successful for past, what? 10 or so centuries?
Robert Perez I laughed relatively hard at your comedy.
I just laughed for longer than I should have.
Robert Perez This comment. Amazing.
Sun Tzu is a hack!! Yi Sun Shin is where it's at!
*Disclaimer! This comment is satire, the obvious real winner here is Adolf Hitler*
Know thine enemy, dawg. - Thug Sun Tzu
Thank you so much for this review, I was waiting for it :)
$37 is not very much for factual textbooks (non-fiction). Comparing it to the books I need for a course at univeristy (physics) both of them would sum up to one of those books, as they tend to go for at least €70 per course.
those look terrific. They are going on my Christmas list.
One thing to note on the price - these seem equivalent to what I would pay for a technical book on software and presumably involved at least as much effort and skill to write. So, expensive to be sure, but the price seems fair to me.
Everyone has their own price range that sits more reasonably for them. For me personally asking $40 is a little much, even if the book subject is heavy and interesting with care, I personally think the $25-30 range is more fair... I mean I have books on various histories, philosophy and biographies that are much heavier and even in hardback for the same price or less than. I know, in the long run it doesn't matter, but I would like to know WHY this price was settled on, I mean sure in theory this is like a text book for a college course in a way...but it's not. I'm just very curious on any of the whys other than, "we can make the most profit without too high of an entry cost" type of reasoning.
@Tolarian Community College: Have you read the Magic Pocket Player's Guide (1996), and if you have, how well would you say it has aged?
Thanks, Professor! I had heard of these but assumed they were exactly what you said they are not - just another tips and tricks guide. I will now be reconsidering my decision not to buy.
Thanks for reviewing these! I've been interested, but just haven't pulled the trigger. I've mainly been wondering if they're right for someone like me: Interested in building competitive to semi-competitive decks, but little to no interest in participating in tournaments.
Hey Prof! Would you be willing to do a review of Travis Woo's book on MTG? I've been thinking about purchasing it, but I'm not sure how it'll be as an advanced player
Probably going to pick these up Thanks man
Thanks for the review profesor, this is great for us long time casual players who wish to be a little more competitive! And 37$ is cheap if you compare it to let's say Snapcaster Mage! As always thanks for your reviews
At first glance, the whole goblins and spells hoopla makes it seem like just another fantasy niche game, but in reality MTG is closer to a dressed up chess (and much more than that). I am very happy that it gets the analysis and respect it deserves!
I cannot afford to even consider attempting to become a "pro" but I want to treat this as a very serious hobby and learn as much as I have time and energy to. I hope that one day I will be ready for these books!
What other MtG books are out there, and which ones are worth reading?
Michael Preczewski yes I also would love to know of any other good mtg books
Michael Preczewski you got all the novels
Nice review will consider buying these books
Chapin is such an intelligent and entertaining guy.
I am attempting to make my own games so I have been looking for books like these to help understand good advanced game mechanics and help myself understand the mind set of what card game players really want in a game.
Hey prof just wanted to say I love your videos!
I hope the local bookstores here will have a copy or 2 available.
This is effectively in my Christmas wish list.
There is a link in the description for ordering online.
download the pdf check if u like it than decide to buy or not we live in 2016 no need to just trust what other ppl say. btt the books are good ofc because they are written by one of the greatest guys in magic for ppl who wanna go in depth what patrick thinks bout magic. so my resumee if u have money buy it if u havent download it its helpful for any magic player who is gettin a bit more srs with the game.
I'd really love to get my hands on these books, too bad I live in Europe and SCG's shipping costs more than the combined prize of both of them. :/ Not even sure if other sites sell these, of course getting them in ebook form would save me money but having them in my bookshelf would be amazing...
It's nice to see Jake Gyllenhaal taking his acting career so seriously as to become a MTG champion!
Added to The X-mas list, hopefully more books will come.
please go over more books on magic the gathering! also the novels maybe?
Can you do a review on Travis Woo's Ebook?
thanks for these reviews !
Thanks so much for the review! I was looking at these books, trying to figure out if they would be for me. I think they are now. One quick question that most likely doesn't have an answer. Does anyone know if Patrick Chapin is planning on updating these books anytime soon? I'd hate to spend $75 and find out not long after that there is now a 2017 edition. Anyone know? Gonna order these books in a few days if I don't here a definite yes. Thanks again Professor!!!
37$ Is cheap when you consider my textbook in electromagnetics which cost above 100$
you can get the book online for free
grapecanz You can get a lot of things online for free but that ain't helping the authors 😆😃
Great vid, Prof.!
So I guess that "Of All Time" section belongs to the single Best Deckbuilder. Good to know.
Completely random question for you, Prof: Have you felt that producing TH-cam videos has affected the way that you teach? I have wondered if it has caused you to change your approach toward presenting and explaining ideas. I am a 5th semester history student from Denmark, and I certainly feel that many of my instructors could learn a lot from you.
Thanks for the videos as always!
You should try reviewing The Complete Commander by Bennie Smith! I've been curious about that one for some time!
Professor, can you do a colorless commander mana base video?
Before I even watch the video, like and favorite for even making this.
Hi Professor! I am an avid EDH player. Would you still recommend these guides? I was thinking the deck building book may not follow the 100 card singleton format. Thanks! Keep up the great work!
Hey! If this is still a noticeable video to the college. Could you do more "Assumed Knowledge" videos. Your team would be perfect for those everything from forcing a google vocabulary (evergreen, hehe) to i dunno y'all are creative Tolarian Tutor me man!
hi I'm a returning player to mtg haven't touched mtg for a really long time haha may I ask how does standard rotation work again? when do the sets rotate and how frequently? secondly what decks would you recommend for someone on a budget? like around 50 and standard competitive if possible. any help would be great thx :)
Professor: what are your top picks for Magic the Gathering resources? I know there are a few players that have authored books and curious what your "reading list" for advanced Magic would look like.
I think I'll pick up Next Level Magic at some point, but I think asking $40 for a book is a little steep ( I have a disdain outlook on E-books and much prefer holding a physical copy in my hands and store along my other books, call me old fashion or what have you.)
very interesting vídeo, liked it
Thanks for making me aware of those seemingly great books with an imo amazing video. I clicked on the link right away. Sadly the cheapest shipping costs for me living in Berlin(Germany) are about 18euros, which is honestly too much for me. Do you maybe know any other way to acquire the physical books or do you know the how the e-books feel in usage?
There are e-book options available, meaning you don't have to pay for shipping.
i am considering to buy those books or not, because I only play French EDH and regular EDH. Maybe the book will not cover everything in EDH, and also concept in EDH are quite different compare to normal MTG.
A appreciate this channel!
great video once again
Hey prof which one would u suggest to become a overall better magic player. I dont have money for formats such as standard, modern and legacy since im in university. I only play pauper and limited and was wondering which book was better for me?
How up to date are these books? Is it worth buying them in 2018? Have they been revised recently?
there's a section in the book called "Information Cascades in Magic Maybe I'm Just Lucky Like My Mother"? haha
Who's watching this in 2021?
Given that you recommended these works for intermediate to advanced; would you consider these for a new player that has the basics down but has to learn solo? Other than mtgo and the duels series I do not have many face to face matches unless I make it to a fnm. Being a textbook style is great for me; I'm one of those learning is fun people, haha. Is it easy to section and take in small portions at a time, or is it more like a sprint out the gate style read? My worry is that it may be more alien to me with having little experience.
How do I bring my friends back into magic,they seemed to have lost some interest and don't play with me alot?
Flyingcatfeesh think back of the last fun memory of Magic with them, then remind them of it
Flyingcatfeesh Play casual games. I made a simple cube and a couple commander decks. That's how I got mine back into the game.
3:53 - 4:17
Does it mean that I can use this to help me in different card games? Like, even if it is more focused on MtG strategies, the philosophy would still apply?
Great video
Gonna buy the deckbuilding book.
I have a personal goal to be a better card evaluator/brewer, but haven't read either book. Do you think it's okay to skip the first book and just get the deckbuilding one? Obviously there is value in the first book, but does the second book become less valuable without the first?
Hey i don't know if this is the right place to ask but do you have an PO box to send you stuff and would you sign a single card and mail it back?
DatSora His PO box is in the about section of his channel and is:
Tolarian Community College
P.O. Box 562
Brisbane CA 94005
Do Menedian's gush book next!
Any books that cover moving from a beginner to intermediate?
the best way to do that is just to play a lot, learn the rules in depth so you can find weird card interactions, and maybe watch some youtube videos/ read some articles to speed it up a bit.
I can recommend the series ''Judge's corner'', where a lot of the basic rules are explained. It's here in TH-cam :) Otherwise, simply playing in your local game store each week should do the trick.
I cannot direct you towards any books, however, I can suggest watching gameplay and/or draft videos from people like Luis Scott Vargas and Caleb Durward who focus on explaining possible/actual lines of play. Watching those guys has helped me so much towards being a better player.
I don't know how much this will actually help, but to move past the mindset of a beginner I read a lot of strategy articles for MTG deckbuilding. Just all over, as many as I could find. They don't always make a whole lot of sense at first, but I started to absorb and understand all the unfamiliar terms after a while. However, this probably isn't the best way to learn it and it ended up being rather time-consuming for me. Watching competitive games with SCG commentary I would also recommend. Their commentators are almost always excellent at explaining why certain lines might be taken and what aspects of a deck will cause it to perform the way it does. Again, this will require some learning osmosis at first since you will be dealing with a lot of cards you may be unfamiliar with, but I'd say it's worth it in the end.
Nice, Christmas gift for me from me:P
Does the deck building book mention hyper geometric distribution? If so I might buy them.
I haven't read over it in a while, but I'm fairly certain there is a section on it.
Great video I will but these books because of your review
Hope you find them as useful as I did!
You know I have a pretty good knowledge of Magic the gathering, but I'm only 15, do you think at my age level could I sit and read this or are there things I just wouldn't understand
Connor Laverty if your knowledge of mtg is good, I think you should be absolutely fine. Go through them slowly though as to fully absorb the info, which is what I will be doing. The info will be a bit DEEPER than high school textbooks. Probably.
Are the books more focused on 60 card decks and limited/draft play, or can these detailed tips be applied towards Commander deck building as well?
Focused more on 60 and 40 card decks, not so much for commander.
These sound pretty cool, but as a player who plays pretty much just Commander and League exclusively, do these books still offer a good value?
I don't see why not.
professor, if i want to be a player who what's to win often, which book should i chose?
Both?
Tolarian Community College ok thanks
Andy Ayala ...really...both books seem to cover very big aspects of magic the gathering...running 2-3 more or less lands in a deck may leave your hands dry or late game drawing into dust
Andy Ayala while knowing what a players cards do keeps you up on there hands...if a player has 5 cards in hand and runs a play set of counterspells you should test the waters or duress there hand (if in black)
Can't find next level magic anywhere ordered the next level decking building though help professor lol
Patrick hoban (who is one of the best yugioh players) said that he read both books and it changed his views on yugioh in such a way that if he never read them he never wouldve become a pro
that top is beautiful. where can i find one?
Hi, I´m from Spain and not native english, I considere myself pretty decent at english and I wonder if this books have a very intrincate language or are comprehensible enough for me to read them without having stop every page to check words on a dictionary. Thanks for the help
P.D. Spain is in europe americans
Where did the professor get that nifty book end that looks like Sensei's Divining Top?
It's actually a deck box! Check out my review of it here: th-cam.com/video/YXAl-rMmxZQ/w-d-xo.html
Tolarian Community College
I believe you were giving one out to your viewers way back when.(I wished I had won) It is an awesome looking deck-box, the way it sits next to your books reminds me of the Serra Angel Alpha Investments has on his bookshelf.
P.S. I really liked the Hedron deck box you reviewed, it seemed sturdier in comparison.