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Two friends and I will leave for Malaysia today and after more han a week of travel and nightlife two of us will be playing in Singapore Grand Prix sealed. Unfortunately due to the end of the period I have no byes.  =  (

I'll tune you guys into anything interesting at the event, specific or general. I'll most-likely post something with the pools of my friend and I to see if there were better builds or at least different ideas. If I can improve on Taipei's 5-2-1 record I'd be thrilled.

Wish us luck...we're going to need it!

Good luck!

Safe travels and good beats!

Good luck!

Good luck! May you forever open your packs to Pack Rat .

UPDATE: Singapore GP

I've made Day Two!

Over 850 people (I believe) entered, and I managed to make the cut.

7-2 (the hard way...no byes)

Started 3-0

then lost 2 straight matches

finally won my last 4 matches to get the automatic qualification with 21 points.

Rix Maadi Guildmage, Lobber Crew, Sewer Shambler and Stab Wound were the unsung heroes...Desecration Demon, Spawn of Rix Madi (3)!! and Carnival Hellstead were good as well.

Wish me luck...we have draft at 9am! 

Grats!  And good luck!

SWEET! Good luck big guy!

Good luck!

Nice job! Keep working hard.

Awesome work, good luck in the upcoming days!

So how badly did you lose?

Jan 15, 2013 -- 11:18AM, Catotheyounger wrote:

So how badly did you lose?

What do you mean?

 I finished 10-5 that's pretty good...is it not?

Jan 15, 2013 -- 7:30PM, Urzasapprentice wrote:

Jan 15, 2013 -- 11:18AM, Catotheyounger wrote:

So how badly did you lose?

What do you mean?

 I finished 10-5 that's pretty good...is it not?

Well, you didn't win the GP, and the opposite of winning is losing.  10-5 isn't losing very badly, which is good for you.

Jan 16, 2013 -- 3:44PM, Catotheyounger wrote:

Jan 15, 2013 -- 7:30PM, Urzasapprentice wrote:

Jan 15, 2013 -- 11:18AM, Catotheyounger wrote:

So how badly did you lose?

What do you mean?

 I finished 10-5 that's pretty good...is it not?

Well, you didn't win the GP, and the opposite of winning is losing.  10-5 isn't losing very badly, which is good for you.

He, how did you do? Oh you didn't go? The you probably should refrain from making rude comments.

Jan 16, 2013 -- 5:20PM, orin02 wrote:

Jan 16, 2013 -- 3:44PM, Catotheyounger wrote:

Jan 15, 2013 -- 7:30PM, Urzasapprentice wrote:

Jan 15, 2013 -- 11:18AM, Catotheyounger wrote:

So how badly did you lose?

What do you mean?

 I finished 10-5 that's pretty good...is it not?

Well, you didn't win the GP, and the opposite of winning is losing.  10-5 isn't losing very badly, which is good for you.

He, how did you do? Oh you didn't go? The you probably should refrain from making rude comments.

Rude is subjective.  Victory isn't.  If you don't win, you lose.  It happens a lot of the time, and if you can't handle it, go play some children's game where everyone's a winner, because I'm not going to pretend that he won the GP to preserve your delicate sensibilities.

Jan 16, 2013 -- 3:44PM, Catotheyounger wrote:

Jan 15, 2013 -- 7:30PM, Urzasapprentice wrote:

Jan 15, 2013 -- 11:18AM, Catotheyounger wrote:

So how badly did you lose?

What do you mean?

 I finished 10-5 that's pretty good...is it not?

Well, you didn't win the GP, and the opposite of winning is losing.  10-5 isn't losing very badly, which is good for you.

I see it differently than you I guess. Many of my opponents in Day Two had 3 byes. Due to variance in limited (and all formats) they held a distinct advantage on me.)

If you see the other 890 people that didn't get first place as "losers" than we'll just have to agree to disagree.

I would say anyone who left with a winning record was a "winner".

I've gone 5-4 and 6-4-1 in my two first Grand Prixes. That did not feel like wins. While Cato's position is extreme, I see where he's coming from. Still, congratulations on the fine result.

Jan 16, 2013 -- 10:36PM, Lobster667 wrote:

I've gone 5-4 and 6-4-1 in my two first Grand Prixes. That did not feel like wins. While Cato's position is extreme, I see where he's coming from. Still, congratulations on the fine result.

I went 7-2 Day One with no byes, then had a mediocre first draft to add 1-2 to that (this would be the only really disappointing thing), then in draft two I went 2-1 losing the third match on excessive mulligans.

For me 10-5 against really high level competition in a format with as much variance as Limited is pretty good.

I had zero expectation of winning the event, nor making the top 8 (this is a thing involving a lot of luck).

I played each game with all out effort, was respectful, even friendly to ALL my opponents, and had a fantastic time.

Won most of my games and did better than I had imagined...difference in mindset I guess.

Happy I have mine!

7-2 is pretty impressive and basically said that you actually had a good deck. Day 2 has alot more variance. Congrats on competing at such a high level. 

Jan 17, 2013 -- 3:24AM, Shadowchu wrote:

7-2 is pretty impressive and basically said that you actually had a good deck. Day 2 has alot more variance. Congrats on competing at such a high level. 

Thank you!

I appreciate the sentiment.

Having to make three decks from scratch and play against high level players definetely tests your abilities and I'm happy with the result.

I may be attending GP Yohohama and for sure should be at GP Beijing and Bangkok.

I also think 7-2 is very impressive in such competitive environment. We are not talking FNM or Pre-release here. It's a GP.

Congratulations!

Jan 16, 2013 -- 10:36PM, Lobster667 wrote:

I've gone 5-4 and 6-4-1 in my two first Grand Prixes.

FYI... Grands Prix

Actually, it is most commonly considered that Grand Prix is the plural (i.e. no change). 

See Merriam-Webster dictionary.

Plus, is it really necessary to correct his English?  Everyone knew what he meant.

Jan 17, 2013 -- 3:55AM, Falcon_Uk wrote:

Actually, it is most commonly considered that Grand Prix is the plural (i.e. no change). 

See Merriam-Webster dictionary.

Plus, is it really necessary to correct his English?  Everyone knew what he meant.

Hum...
Except when he's using French words and the one correcting him happen to be... French.  

Jan 17, 2013 -- 3:51AM, MyPouf wrote:

I also think 7-2 is very impressive in such competitive environment. We are not talking FNM or Pre-release here. It's a GP.

Congratulations!

Jan 16, 2013 -- 10:36PM, Lobster667 wrote:

I've gone 5-4 and 6-4-1 in my two first Grand Prixes.

FYI... Grands Prix

Thanks!

I had a really strong pool of cards, I had no useable gates or mana fixing but the deck was really powerful.

In round 4 I lost to a Selesnya deck that came out pretty fast and was piloted pretty well.

Round 5 I finally hit mana screw and lost pretty pathetically, luckily I didn't hit mana screw again until the final round of the tourney.

Jan 17, 2013 -- 3:58AM, MyPouf wrote:

Except when he's using French words and the one correcting him happen to be... French.  

The words are "loan words" i.e. although they originate from French (which was the base language of English about a thousand years ago) they no longer follow french conjunction when being altered.  I agree entirely that Grands Prix is correct in French but not, I believe, in English.

Jan 17, 2013 -- 4:13AM, Falcon_Uk wrote:

Jan 17, 2013 -- 3:58AM, MyPouf wrote:

Except when he's using French words and the one correcting him happen to be... French.  

The words are "loan words" i.e. although they originate from French (which was the base language of English about a thousand years ago) they no longer follow french conjunction when being altered.  I agree entirely that Grands Prix is correct in French but not, I believe, in English.

French was never any sort of "base language" for English. English is one variation of "Western Germanic" which has many off shoots and has assimilated many words and structures from other languages such as Latin, French, Spanish, etc.

I meant base as in 'default' i.e. it was the language of the monarchy and nobles and therefore words pertaining to that social class (e.g. Large Prize) retained their French derivative when english (which, I agree is a mixture of various languages predominately Celtic, Germanic and Viking) became the common tongue.

Anyway, the intention was not to be rude or condescending, just to help him learn something he probably did not know.
I would never bug someone on typos or spelling mistakes.   
Everyone does mistakes in English (and I do certainly more than others as I'm not native) but I like to learn from my mistakes when someone takes the time to explain me if/where I'm wrong.

This is why semantics is the worst stuff to argue. It is completely useless and as long as meaning is conveyed there really isn't a problem. 

Agreed

In case it is not clear, English is not my first language. That said, I don't feel like I make a lot of mistakes (and those I do make are very niche). You'll forgive me for that small one, I'm sure.

UA: I did not mean to indicate that I had a bad time at those Grands Prix/Grand Prix - they were a blast! All I'm saying is that I'm also really focused on improving my deck building/play skill (results should improve as these improve), and I feel like I've come far since my first Grand Prix and hope to improve even more. I would certainly be overjoyed if I day two'ed a Grand Prix (here's hoping for London next month), especially without byes, but that is something different from being satisfied in my mind. When I leave for a Grand Prix (such as London), my ambition is to win it (though you could push me and I might concede that I would perhaps settle for Top 4). Finishing 5th (or 99th) would make me content (or even happy), but not satisfied.

I guess "never be satisfied" is different from your mindset, but I do not think our points of view are antagonistic. We're both having fun playing in a competitive event, after all.

Jan 17, 2013 -- 7:27AM, Lobster667 wrote:

In case it is not clear, English is not my first language. That said, I don't feel like I make a lot of mistakes (and those I do make are very niche). You'll forgive me for that small one, I'm sure.

UA: I did not mean to indicate that I had a bad time at those Grands Prix/Grand Prix - they were a blast! All I'm saying is that I'm also really focused on improving my deck building/play skill (results should improve as these improve), and I feel like I've come far since my first Grand Prix and hope to improve even more. I would certainly be overjoyed if I day two'ed a Grand Prix (here's hoping for London next month), especially without byes, but that is something different from being satisfied in my mind. When I leave for a Grand Prix (such as London), my ambition is to win it (though you could push me and I might concede that I would perhaps settle for Top 4). Finishing 5th (or 99th) would make me content (or even happy), but not satisfied.

I guess "never be satisfied" is different from your mindset, but I do not think our points of view are antagonistic. We're both having fun playing in a competitive event, after all.

Of course, I understand your meaning.

We all feel bad when we're eliminated.

But I'm trying to enjoy the moment a bit more, because at the end of it all, I'd rather fight like hell and feel good, than fight like hell and feel like a loser. Let's be honest, I'll probably never win a Grand Prix, I'll fight like mad to do it, but its probably not going to happen. I will remember traveling to Singapore and Malaysia, making Day two, my first GP in Taiwan, crusing around, meeting pretty girls in Taipei and the like.

I'll tell you about one thing that you'll probably agree with me on. If you build that deck and make it to Day Two without the byes you'll have a feeling similar to "This was no fluke, I caught some luck, but I just played Magic all day with little room for error and lived to tell the tale."

If I'm at that GP and see your name on the "Day Two" board I'll walk by your table or catch you for a moment. Nothing may need be said, I'll give a focused glance, nod my head, and both you and I will understand the meaning.

Congratulations on the result.  If you're at GP Bangkok in June we may cross paths.  I intend to make it there for my first GP.

Cheers

Jan 17, 2013 -- 10:07AM, LoveMonkey wrote:

Congratulations on the result.  If you're at GP Bangkok in June we may cross paths.  I intend to make it there for my first GP.

Cheers

Thank you...I should be there. Business may take me back stateside during part of the summer but Beijing and Bangkok are definetely on my radar as I live in China and I've been itching to visit a friend in Thailand.

Well I'm here all year round so I have no excuse really.  Just got to make sure I keep the weekend clear.  If you are coming, be sure to let me know.

Cheers

Jan 16, 2013 -- 10:46PM, Urzasapprentice wrote:

For me 10-5 against really high level competition in a format with as much variance as Limited is pretty good.

Variance helps the lesser skilled players overall. Good Job!

I'd keep off the subject of French if I were you.  UA isn't fond of foreign languages.

((I have two byes for London, but I appreciate the sentiment. I know how hard that uphill battle is - this is my first GP with byes.))

Jan 17, 2013 -- 5:11PM, Catotheyounger wrote:

I'd keep off the subject of French if I were you.  UA isn't fond of foreign languages.

I love foreign languages. I speak Mandarin very well and a good deal of Sichuanese in case you forgot. I just don't think its a good idea for everyone to learn them, if you already speak English.

Jan 17, 2013 -- 7:48PM, Urzasapprentice wrote:

Jan 17, 2013 -- 5:11PM, Catotheyounger wrote:

I'd keep off the subject of French if I were you.  UA isn't fond of foreign languages.

I love foreign languages. I speak Mandarin very well and a good deal of Sichuanese in case you forgot. I just don't think its a good idea for everyone to learn them, if you already speak English.

Yes, why should anyone bother learning about primitive cultures when we all know America is just better?

Jan 17, 2013 -- 10:10PM, Catotheyounger wrote:

Yes, why should anyone bother learning about primitive cultures when we all know America is just better?

The sad reality is that actually many people really do think that way...

Jan 18, 2013 -- 12:33AM, MyPouf wrote:

Jan 17, 2013 -- 10:10PM, Catotheyounger wrote:

Yes, why should anyone bother learning about primitive cultures when we all know America is just better?

The sad reality is that actually many people really do think that way...

To be fair, Americans aren't the only ones guilty of this.

Jan 17, 2013 -- 10:10PM, Catotheyounger wrote:

Jan 17, 2013 -- 7:48PM, Urzasapprentice wrote:

Jan 17, 2013 -- 5:11PM, Catotheyounger wrote:

I'd keep off the subject of French if I were you.  UA isn't fond of foreign languages.

I love foreign languages. I speak Mandarin very well and a good deal of Sichuanese in case you forgot. I just don't think its a good idea for everyone to learn them, if you already speak English.

Yes, why should anyone bother learning about primitive cultures when we all know America is just better?

I find it pretty sad that you result to strawman fallacies so much and then you accuse others of doing the same?

No one said anything remotely close to what you're talking about.

When you're done looking like a clown let us know...

Jan 18, 2013 -- 12:33AM, MyPouf wrote:

Jan 17, 2013 -- 10:10PM, Catotheyounger wrote:

Yes, why should anyone bother learning about primitive cultures when we all know America is just better?

The sad reality is that actually many people really do think that way...

I've yet to meet any...but if I did I would still find Cato's mindset to be worse...the guy that thinks he has all the answers when if fact he does all the things he blames others for.

Someone that prefers American culture in the way you're suggesting is harmless...people like Cato make the world a terrible place to live.

Jan 17, 2013 -- 7:48PM, Urzasapprentice wrote:

I just don't think its a good idea for everyone to learn them, if you already speak English.

Way off topic, but I see where UA is coming from. You know those guys who say they aren't math people? I'm not a language guy.