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Bubble19/3/2014 Where do I begin? From the start where I reach the airport at 2am or when I was playing the event? I think a brief recap from the moment I reached Bangkok and move on to the tournament itself would be more flavourful.
I had my doubts on travelling so far for a PTQ as the furthest I been was KL. Thailand declared State of Emergency a few weeks back and was deemed dangerous. There was no commotion at the airport or the area I stayed. Strolling at night was peaceful and definitely safer than Malaysia. People are friendly and respectful. Spent Friday and Saturday exploring on my own via trains and bike taxi. I had the most fun on bike taxi as they zipped through traffic effortlessly. Food and alcohol is cheap but I decided not to try street hawker as falling sick was the last thing I wanted. I'm a weak puny human. 83 players turned up for the event and there were 7 rounds to be played. I cracked Brimaz and foil Eidolon of Countless Battles which I wished god damned hard not to meet after swapping but lost to another player who had those. Facing a 7/8 Pussy on turn 4 is not funny. What are the chances? That was the only lost in 5 rounds. I was paired up in Round 6 and opponent offered to draw which I declined but asked to play a game first and decide later. I did not put up any resistance as my draws were poor. I asked if the draw was still on offer and my opponent gladly gave it to me. Live to fight another day. I was 10th after Round 6 and paired up again. Faced another Eidolon of Countless Battles. I could not handle it and went down Game 1. On the verge of elimination, I kept my concentration and claimed Game 2. My opponent was slow off the blocks and was stuck on 2 lands. I managed to build up a small advantage but not impressive enough. Then something happened. I had Oreskos Sun Guide bestowed with Nyxborn Rollicker (3/3) and Satyr Rambler (2/1) in play against Traveling Philosopher (2/2) and Hero of Iroas (2/2). I played Phalanx Leader bestowed with a second Nyxborn Rollicker to add +1/+1 counter on all my creatures and attacked with Oreskos (4/4) and Rambler (3/2). He pushed Philosopher to Rambler and we counted damage. Opponent: 4? Me: 5. Rambler trample 1. Opponent: Wait wait. (Takes back Philosopher from blocking) I gave a puzzled look. He picked up Philosopher and Hero to block Oreskos. I told him he declared blockers and we counted damage. He denied profusely and he said wait. I asked a judge if that was allowed. The judge talked to the player and declared the player was still deciding blockers. I emphasized we counted damage but it was not accepted. I went on tilt. We continued play and he drew out his land situation and I flooded. After I lost my friend claimed that was the only time he saw me burning with rage as my face was bloody red. The players I faced was not technically sound as I was able to read their plays which gave me confidence of winning the whole event. To miss out so narrowly not due to my mistake made me mad. If it was a wrong play on my part I would gladly take it. I analyzed the situation and understood what went wrong. I did not call for Head Judge. It would have given me a chance to rectify the situation. It was a very painful way to lose. My emotions are usually kept in check but it got away this time. I will learn from it and improve as a player. The next PTQ will be on 25th May at PSB Academy. It will definitely be harder to win compared to Thailand but I will try. 2 more months to sharpen my skills. Wish me luck. Chasing12/3/2014 Gonna head over to Thailand over the weekend for Pro Tour Qualifier. It will be the furthest place, for a PTQ, in search for that elusive ticket. Feeling kinda excited and kinda afraid as I do not know what to expect over there. It will be sealed event and anything can happen. Prior to my PTQ win around 2 years back which was Standard constructed, I managed 3 Top 8 for Limited format in KL but crashed out at the first hurdle. 4 Top 8 in 10 years means I still have lots to learn. Gotta be my inspirational best to build a good deck as we will usually receive a pool of cards that is good on average. If we don't, just gotten the bad end of variance. That's Magic.
Every single time when I play a Limited event I only ask for a good deck. I do not ask for a powerful deck as it is greedy. I'm fine with not having money rares as the priority is taking down the event. I remember passing shocklands and picking a common to fill up what was required for my deck in draft. Will need to search online for strategies on the current set to prepare myself. If I crash out early, will take the time to learn how Thailand players trade. Shopping and sightseeing will be after. Will update more on it when I'm back on Tuesday. Wish me luck and wait for my good news. =) AuthorLaid back and enjoys a good laugh. Archives
March 2021
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