i noticed that the player base has drastically declined as of late and i think it calls for some minor changes. i suggest we make the regular saturday "newbie" tournament a lazy peon tournament instead. the regular saturday format is a good idea but, let's face it, there are actually more veterans playing it than newbies. i don't even have an idea when a newbie becomes a veteran. me - i'm ok playing in it because i'm always a noob.
a couple of reasons why i think we should do this:
1. in a lazy peon tournament, EVERYONE can play, including veterans.
2. a player doesn't need to invest a substantial amount of cash to make a competitive deck. these days, a tier 1 constructed deck is worth AT LEAST a few thousand pesos. a lot of players, especially new ones, are turned off at this prospect. also, a lot of kids (which should be a sizable chunk of the market) don't really have a lot of spending cash to begin with. Really old people, like joel, kennard, paolo, patrick, pherie, lloyd, etc, can afford it because, well, they're old.
3. new players don't get intimidated anymore because they don't have to worry about the prospect of facing a bomb rare or epic card that just downright wins the game every time it comes out. with the format limiting the cards to just commons and uncommons, the odds are evened out because everyone has access to them. so now, it's more about player skill and less about the value of deck.
4. the card pool is so small these days that it's almost impossible to get the really good cards without spending a lot of cash on boosters. there were times i couldn't build the deck i wanted to build just because no one was willing to let go of the singles i needed. the only option left is online trading but that's not something a lot of players want to do.
5. the format invites new ideas for deckbuilding. it would actually be a lot of fun to try out new stuff without worrying about where to get the cards for the deck.
6. we can still play regular constructed tournaments on sundays. in fact, once new players understand why we find so much pleasure flipping pieces of cardboard, they just might actually buy more cards and join the regular constructed tournaments.
7. i saved the the most compelling reason of all for last: less money spent on the game = more money for weed. 'nuff said.
i love this game and i want to continue playing it as long as i can. i'd really hate to see it wither and die. i think if we just provide the right atmosphere for new players to play without getting intimidated, we just might see this game grow huge again. just my 2 centavos. =)
Battle Report – September 28, 2008
Battle Report – September 28, 2008
Format: Constructed
Hero: Fallenstar
Tourney rank: 2nd
Final score: 3-2
Round 1: vs Patrick - Kil'zin
Result: win
Round 2: vs Joel - Litori
Result: win
Round 3: vs Kennard - Ressa
Result: loss
Round 4: vs Paolo
Result: win
Finals: vs Kennard - Ressa the Leper Queen
Result: loss
Format: Constructed
Hero: Fallenstar
Tourney rank: 2nd
Final score: 3-2
Round 1: vs Patrick - Kil'zin
Result: win
Round 2: vs Joel - Litori
Result: win
Round 3: vs Kennard - Ressa
Result: loss
Round 4: vs Paolo
Result: win
Finals: vs Kennard - Ressa the Leper Queen
Result: loss
Battle Report – June 22, 2008
Battle Report – June 22, 2008
Format: Constructed (9 players, 5 preliminary rounds + Finals)
Hero: Fallenstar
Tourney rank: 2nd
Final score: 4-2
Today was another good day at Neutral Grounds for my fallen hero, Fallenstar. Had a couple of tough matchups in the preliminary rounds but managed to make it to the finals. The final round matchup was against Joel and his druid Yanna Dai'shalan deck, another rush Alliance deck. But while both our decks are built for speed, our win conditions differ. My deck is a mixed bag of allies and equipment; his was very ally-centric with Gift of the Wild for the buff and Force of Nature for those pesky little allies to aid his cause. We both also carried Myriam Starcaller. For the final round, like our prelim matchup, I lost initiative again and had to play catch-up. In the prelim round alone, I destroyed his Myriam Starcallers 3 times but couldn't stop the fourth iteration. The final round went the distance with Joel wining the final game. Good game. =)
Round 1: vs Pherie - Deacon Markus Hallow
Result: win
Round 2: vs Patrick - Kil'zin
Result: win
Round 3: vs Joel - Yanna Dai'shalan
Result: loss
Round 4: vs Paolo - Ixamos
Result: win
Round 5: vs Jim Paul - Ta'zo
Result: win
Finals: vs Joel -Yanna Dai'shalan
Result: loss
Tournament winner: Joel
Tournament runner-up: me
Format: Constructed (9 players, 5 preliminary rounds + Finals)
Hero: Fallenstar
Tourney rank: 2nd
Final score: 4-2
Today was another good day at Neutral Grounds for my fallen hero, Fallenstar. Had a couple of tough matchups in the preliminary rounds but managed to make it to the finals. The final round matchup was against Joel and his druid Yanna Dai'shalan deck, another rush Alliance deck. But while both our decks are built for speed, our win conditions differ. My deck is a mixed bag of allies and equipment; his was very ally-centric with Gift of the Wild for the buff and Force of Nature for those pesky little allies to aid his cause. We both also carried Myriam Starcaller. For the final round, like our prelim matchup, I lost initiative again and had to play catch-up. In the prelim round alone, I destroyed his Myriam Starcallers 3 times but couldn't stop the fourth iteration. The final round went the distance with Joel wining the final game. Good game. =)
Round 1: vs Pherie - Deacon Markus Hallow
Result: win
Round 2: vs Patrick - Kil'zin
Result: win
Round 3: vs Joel - Yanna Dai'shalan
Result: loss
Round 4: vs Paolo - Ixamos
Result: win
Round 5: vs Jim Paul - Ta'zo
Result: win
Finals: vs Joel -Yanna Dai'shalan
Result: loss
Tournament winner: Joel
Tournament runner-up: me
Battle Report – June 15, 2008
Battle Report – June 15, 2008
Format: Constructed (8 players, 4 preliminary rounds + Finals)
Hero: Fallenstar
Tourney rank: 1st
Final score: 5-0
I decided to use the same warrior traitor deck I used the previous week. It has seen only one tournament play so far and lost only one round so I figured it deserved another chance.
The first round game was very singular for me for one reason: for the first time in my cardboard-playing life, I drew a full set in my opening hand - 4 Apprentice Merrys, in fact. What are the odds of that happening? It kind of feels like getting quads in poker on the flop. Anyway, my play was Turn 1 Merry, Turn 2 two more Merrys and Turn 3 Izza. Suddenly, it was the "Attack of the Little People". It wasn't an easy game, though, as Patrick put up a strong fight and I just happened to deal fatal damage first.
My matchup versus Paolo also stood out for me. I faced him in the preliminary rounds and in the finals. Playing a deck like his always feels like an uphill battle for me, with all the healing and AOE spells going on. His Paladin comes equipped with Aegis of the Vindicator, Consecration and Lay on Hands, which can cause serious problems for my deck if left unchecked. In our prelim round, I made a very careless blunder but nonetheless was able to win. The final round was even harder. At one point, he played the Aegis no less than 3 times and Consecration twice. I won the final round in 3 games. Cheers.
Round 1: vs Patrick - Kil'zin the Bloodscalp
Result: win
Round 2: vs Larry - Elendril
Result: win
Round 3: vs Paolo - Hekto
Result: win
Round 4: vs Edber - Ixamos the Corrupted
Result: win
Finals: vs Paolo - Hekto
Result: win
Tournament winner: me
Tournament runner-up: Paolo
Format: Constructed (8 players, 4 preliminary rounds + Finals)
Hero: Fallenstar
Tourney rank: 1st
Final score: 5-0
I decided to use the same warrior traitor deck I used the previous week. It has seen only one tournament play so far and lost only one round so I figured it deserved another chance.
The first round game was very singular for me for one reason: for the first time in my cardboard-playing life, I drew a full set in my opening hand - 4 Apprentice Merrys, in fact. What are the odds of that happening? It kind of feels like getting quads in poker on the flop. Anyway, my play was Turn 1 Merry, Turn 2 two more Merrys and Turn 3 Izza. Suddenly, it was the "Attack of the Little People". It wasn't an easy game, though, as Patrick put up a strong fight and I just happened to deal fatal damage first.
My matchup versus Paolo also stood out for me. I faced him in the preliminary rounds and in the finals. Playing a deck like his always feels like an uphill battle for me, with all the healing and AOE spells going on. His Paladin comes equipped with Aegis of the Vindicator, Consecration and Lay on Hands, which can cause serious problems for my deck if left unchecked. In our prelim round, I made a very careless blunder but nonetheless was able to win. The final round was even harder. At one point, he played the Aegis no less than 3 times and Consecration twice. I won the final round in 3 games. Cheers.
Round 1: vs Patrick - Kil'zin the Bloodscalp
Result: win
Round 2: vs Larry - Elendril
Result: win
Round 3: vs Paolo - Hekto
Result: win
Round 4: vs Edber - Ixamos the Corrupted
Result: win
Finals: vs Paolo - Hekto
Result: win
Tournament winner: me
Tournament runner-up: Paolo
Battle Report – June 8, 2008
Battle Report – June 8, 2008
Format: Constructed (10 players, 4 preliminary rounds + Finals)
Hero: Fallenstar
Tourney rank: 4th
Final score: 3-1
Round 1: vs Jim Paul - Ta'zo
Result: loss
Round 2: vs Pherie - Anchorite Kalinna
Result: win
Round 3: vs Patrick - Lionar the Blood Cursed
Result: win
Round 4: vs Dudes - Fallenstar
Result: win
Tournament winner: Joel
Tournament runner-up: Kennard
Format: Constructed (10 players, 4 preliminary rounds + Finals)
Hero: Fallenstar
Tourney rank: 4th
Final score: 3-1
Round 1: vs Jim Paul - Ta'zo
Result: loss
Round 2: vs Pherie - Anchorite Kalinna
Result: win
Round 3: vs Patrick - Lionar the Blood Cursed
Result: win
Round 4: vs Dudes - Fallenstar
Result: win
Tournament winner: Joel
Tournament runner-up: Kennard
Battle Report – May 4, 2008
Battle Report – May 4, 2008
Format: Constructed (9 players, 4 preliminary rounds + Finals)
Hero: Ta'zo
Tourney rank: 2nd
Final score: 3-2
It's been exactly 3 weeks since I last joined a tournament and I was really looking forward to facing against new decks in the local tourney scene. The Betrayer set is already a month old so I knew control decks would be out in force.
Once again, I went with my wingman - Ta'zo, the Horde mage. In fact, this is the 3rd straight time I rolled with the fire-loving troll. I just couldn't leave it behind – in the last 2 tournaments I played in, the deck landed in the top 3 and won 11 of 13 rounds played. He's ugly as hell but he delivers the goods. I guess I'll keep playing it until it fails spectacularly or I get bored with it. Whichever comes first.
In today's game, the only deck that beat Ta'zo was, well, Ta'zo. Jim Paul was packing a similar deck and we both reached the best of 3 final round. Mage rush versus mage rush is akin to a 50-meter dash - no leisurely walk down the beach, no stopping for tea and crumpets - just a mad mad dash to the finish line. I didn't draw the cards I needed and he got there first. GG.
This tourney had many firsts. It's the first time I had a bye win. Ever. I had bye loss once for being late but never a bye win. Also, the "Curse of the Perfect Preliminary Game" was finally broken. The curse is if you sweep the preliminary rounds, you're bound to lose the semi-final or final round. It wasn't broken by me, unfortunately, but it's broken nonetheless. The credit goes to Jim Paul. That curse has plagued me way too many times. In fact, twice in the last 2 tournaments I joined. I'm not the superstitious type but that's at least one less thing to think about. Cheers.
Round 1: *bye*
Result: win
Round 2: vs Joel - Vor'na
Result: win
Round 3: vs Jim Paul - Ta'zo
Result: loss
Round 4: vs Emil - Bloodtusk
Result: win
Finals: vs Jim Paul - Ta'zo
Result: loss
Tournament winner: Jim Paul
Tournament runner-up: me
Format: Constructed (9 players, 4 preliminary rounds + Finals)
Hero: Ta'zo
Tourney rank: 2nd
Final score: 3-2
It's been exactly 3 weeks since I last joined a tournament and I was really looking forward to facing against new decks in the local tourney scene. The Betrayer set is already a month old so I knew control decks would be out in force.
Once again, I went with my wingman - Ta'zo, the Horde mage. In fact, this is the 3rd straight time I rolled with the fire-loving troll. I just couldn't leave it behind – in the last 2 tournaments I played in, the deck landed in the top 3 and won 11 of 13 rounds played. He's ugly as hell but he delivers the goods. I guess I'll keep playing it until it fails spectacularly or I get bored with it. Whichever comes first.
In today's game, the only deck that beat Ta'zo was, well, Ta'zo. Jim Paul was packing a similar deck and we both reached the best of 3 final round. Mage rush versus mage rush is akin to a 50-meter dash - no leisurely walk down the beach, no stopping for tea and crumpets - just a mad mad dash to the finish line. I didn't draw the cards I needed and he got there first. GG.
This tourney had many firsts. It's the first time I had a bye win. Ever. I had bye loss once for being late but never a bye win. Also, the "Curse of the Perfect Preliminary Game" was finally broken. The curse is if you sweep the preliminary rounds, you're bound to lose the semi-final or final round. It wasn't broken by me, unfortunately, but it's broken nonetheless. The credit goes to Jim Paul. That curse has plagued me way too many times. In fact, twice in the last 2 tournaments I joined. I'm not the superstitious type but that's at least one less thing to think about. Cheers.
Round 1: *bye*
Result: win
Round 2: vs Joel - Vor'na
Result: win
Round 3: vs Jim Paul - Ta'zo
Result: loss
Round 4: vs Emil - Bloodtusk
Result: win
Finals: vs Jim Paul - Ta'zo
Result: loss
Tournament winner: Jim Paul
Tournament runner-up: me
Battle Report – April 13, 2008
Battle Report – April 13, 2008
Format: Constructed (8 players, 4 preliminary rounds + Finals)
Hero: Ta'zo
Tourney rank: 2nd
Final score: 4-1
For this tournament, I decided to use the same Ta'zo deck I used the last time 2 weeks ago. I had a good reason - the deck won 7 out of 8 rounds in the tourney. So, as the saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I noticed a couple of guys in the event that I haven't faced before so I was looking forward to some new matchups and find out how my deck stacks up.
For the second straight time, I won all my games in the preliminary rounds. I lost the final round to come in 2nd for the tournament. The highlights for me were the games against the guys I haven't played before that day.
My 3rd round match was against a guy named Paolo and he was packing Nathadan the Paladin. I haven't played against him before but I met him when I was playing Guild Wars about a year ago and he's a nice enough fellow. I was actually looking forward to this matchup because Paladin decks won a couple of US Regionals a few months back. But with the new Betrayer set available, I really didn't know what to expect. I assumed he brought a couple of Paladin staples such as Lay on Hands, Hammer of Justice, etc. so my plan was to either try to counter if Lay on Hands does come out or just keep allies in play long enough to overwhelm him. The game was going my way when he casted Lay on Hands and healed for 21 points of damage. I still had allies on the board so, although I had to start from the beginning again, I maintained control of the game and eventually won the round. It also didn't hurt that I was able to Nether Fracture his Aegis of the Vindicator which would have seriously put a dent in my game.
The 4th round was against another guy new to me named Lloyd. Turns out to be a nice guy as well. He brought Daspien, that wily Rogue. On the 6th turn, he dropped a bomb on me - Evasion. It was a new Betrayer card and it was something I've never even seen before that day. I had to read it twice because I couldn't believe its power. Here it is: "Ongoing: Prevent all combat damage that would be dealt to your hero." Wow. He still had more than 10 life left and my allies were as useless as snow skis in Cebu. All I could hope for was to get enough direct damage cards from my deck to deal fatal damage before he does the same to me. He was dual-wielding already so I knew it was only a matter of time. I finally got him down to 3 life and fired a Dragon's Breath. He countered with a Kick and I countered that with a Fizzle. Good game.
Round 1: vs Jim Paul - Kassandra
Result: win
Round 2: vs Dudes - Pagatha
Result: win
Round 3: vs Paolo - Nathadan
Result: win
Round 4: vs Lloyd - Daspien
Result: win
Finals: vs Dudes - Pagatha
Result: loss
Tournament winner: Dudes
Tournament runner-up: me
Format: Constructed (8 players, 4 preliminary rounds + Finals)
Hero: Ta'zo
Tourney rank: 2nd
Final score: 4-1
For this tournament, I decided to use the same Ta'zo deck I used the last time 2 weeks ago. I had a good reason - the deck won 7 out of 8 rounds in the tourney. So, as the saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I noticed a couple of guys in the event that I haven't faced before so I was looking forward to some new matchups and find out how my deck stacks up.
For the second straight time, I won all my games in the preliminary rounds. I lost the final round to come in 2nd for the tournament. The highlights for me were the games against the guys I haven't played before that day.
My 3rd round match was against a guy named Paolo and he was packing Nathadan the Paladin. I haven't played against him before but I met him when I was playing Guild Wars about a year ago and he's a nice enough fellow. I was actually looking forward to this matchup because Paladin decks won a couple of US Regionals a few months back. But with the new Betrayer set available, I really didn't know what to expect. I assumed he brought a couple of Paladin staples such as Lay on Hands, Hammer of Justice, etc. so my plan was to either try to counter if Lay on Hands does come out or just keep allies in play long enough to overwhelm him. The game was going my way when he casted Lay on Hands and healed for 21 points of damage. I still had allies on the board so, although I had to start from the beginning again, I maintained control of the game and eventually won the round. It also didn't hurt that I was able to Nether Fracture his Aegis of the Vindicator which would have seriously put a dent in my game.
The 4th round was against another guy new to me named Lloyd. Turns out to be a nice guy as well. He brought Daspien, that wily Rogue. On the 6th turn, he dropped a bomb on me - Evasion. It was a new Betrayer card and it was something I've never even seen before that day. I had to read it twice because I couldn't believe its power. Here it is: "Ongoing: Prevent all combat damage that would be dealt to your hero." Wow. He still had more than 10 life left and my allies were as useless as snow skis in Cebu. All I could hope for was to get enough direct damage cards from my deck to deal fatal damage before he does the same to me. He was dual-wielding already so I knew it was only a matter of time. I finally got him down to 3 life and fired a Dragon's Breath. He countered with a Kick and I countered that with a Fizzle. Good game.
Round 1: vs Jim Paul - Kassandra
Result: win
Round 2: vs Dudes - Pagatha
Result: win
Round 3: vs Paolo - Nathadan
Result: win
Round 4: vs Lloyd - Daspien
Result: win
Finals: vs Dudes - Pagatha
Result: loss
Tournament winner: Dudes
Tournament runner-up: me
Battle Report – March 30, 2008: WoW 4k
Battle Report – March 30, 2008: WoW 4k
Format: Lazy Peon (19 players, 6 preliminary rounds + Quarter + Semi + Finals)
Hero: Ta'zo
Tourney rank: 3rd
Final score: 7-1
It's been a few weeks since the last time my Sunday afternoon was free so I was glad I could join this tournament. Problem was, I had no idea what decks players were going to bring to the tourney. All I knew was that this was going to be one of the biggest tournaments of the year in terms of attendance and one of the longest. True enough, an unprecedented number of players joined and we played for at least 5 hours straight - well, at least for me.
I didn't have time to playtest so I just took out my trusty mage burn deck and replaced the rares. It's probably not the best deck out there but I like its speed and consistency plus I had a fair amount of experience with it.
The 6 preliminary rounds were pretty straightforward affairs. I planned to win majority of my games to gain a spot in the top 8 but I somehow managed to win all 6 rounds. This was a good sign. Of the top 8 remaining players, I had already played against 5 which meant I went with the right deck choice.
However, 5 of the top 8 were Team Gago members so I knew the road to the finals was going to get bumpy. Team Gago members practice constantly and are pretty strong players overall. But I had already faced 4 in the prelims so I liked my chances. My first opponent in the top 8 was Dudes. Yep, Team Gago member. I won the round in 3 games.
The semi-final round was the one I lost. I was matched up again versus JP Kuan (Team Gago as well), whom I faced him in the 5th round. He too went Horde mage. But his hero was Exaura, the undead mage, so I knew he was packing Cannibalize.
I guess I should have mulliganed for a Fizzle or a Nether Fracture but I had neither in our previous matchup and I won that one anyway. Also, the curve was there in my hand. So, when the game started, I got down to business and the game went pretty much my way until he completed One Draenei's Junk. I knew what he was digging for and, sure enough, he got Cannibalize. I couldn't find one Fizzle/Nether Fracture and he healed 22 points of damage to zero damage (he had 7 allies in his graveyard and I had 4 in mine - the bastards). I dealt another 22 points of damage to him once again but couldn't finish. The 2nd game went to me and the 3rd to him. Good game.
Round 1: vs Kennard - Bloody Mary
Result: win
Round 2: vs Edber - Grennan
Result: win
Round 3: vs Orlando - Dizdemona
Result: win
Round 4: vs John Ma - Zenith
Result: win
Round 5: vs JP Kuan - Exaura
Result: win
Round 6: vs Adam - Omedus
Result: win
Quarter-finals: vs Dudes - Grennan
Result: win
Semi-finals: vs JP Kuan - Exaura
Result: loss
Tournament winner: Orlando
Tournament runner-up: JP Kuan
Congratulations to Team Gago. Your preparation sure paid off. Cheers.
Format: Lazy Peon (19 players, 6 preliminary rounds + Quarter + Semi + Finals)
Hero: Ta'zo
Tourney rank: 3rd
Final score: 7-1
It's been a few weeks since the last time my Sunday afternoon was free so I was glad I could join this tournament. Problem was, I had no idea what decks players were going to bring to the tourney. All I knew was that this was going to be one of the biggest tournaments of the year in terms of attendance and one of the longest. True enough, an unprecedented number of players joined and we played for at least 5 hours straight - well, at least for me.
I didn't have time to playtest so I just took out my trusty mage burn deck and replaced the rares. It's probably not the best deck out there but I like its speed and consistency plus I had a fair amount of experience with it.
The 6 preliminary rounds were pretty straightforward affairs. I planned to win majority of my games to gain a spot in the top 8 but I somehow managed to win all 6 rounds. This was a good sign. Of the top 8 remaining players, I had already played against 5 which meant I went with the right deck choice.
However, 5 of the top 8 were Team Gago members so I knew the road to the finals was going to get bumpy. Team Gago members practice constantly and are pretty strong players overall. But I had already faced 4 in the prelims so I liked my chances. My first opponent in the top 8 was Dudes. Yep, Team Gago member. I won the round in 3 games.
The semi-final round was the one I lost. I was matched up again versus JP Kuan (Team Gago as well), whom I faced him in the 5th round. He too went Horde mage. But his hero was Exaura, the undead mage, so I knew he was packing Cannibalize.
I guess I should have mulliganed for a Fizzle or a Nether Fracture but I had neither in our previous matchup and I won that one anyway. Also, the curve was there in my hand. So, when the game started, I got down to business and the game went pretty much my way until he completed One Draenei's Junk. I knew what he was digging for and, sure enough, he got Cannibalize. I couldn't find one Fizzle/Nether Fracture and he healed 22 points of damage to zero damage (he had 7 allies in his graveyard and I had 4 in mine - the bastards). I dealt another 22 points of damage to him once again but couldn't finish. The 2nd game went to me and the 3rd to him. Good game.
Round 1: vs Kennard - Bloody Mary
Result: win
Round 2: vs Edber - Grennan
Result: win
Round 3: vs Orlando - Dizdemona
Result: win
Round 4: vs John Ma - Zenith
Result: win
Round 5: vs JP Kuan - Exaura
Result: win
Round 6: vs Adam - Omedus
Result: win
Quarter-finals: vs Dudes - Grennan
Result: win
Semi-finals: vs JP Kuan - Exaura
Result: loss
Tournament winner: Orlando
Tournament runner-up: JP Kuan
Congratulations to Team Gago. Your preparation sure paid off. Cheers.
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