Subject: Girls in Magic
Date: Wed, 10 Jun 1998 16:15:18 +0100
From: Kim Eikefet <kim.eikefet@ba.no>
To: fkusumot@ix.netcom.com

Hi all,

As a female Magic-players, I would like to comment on this long thread
about girls and Magic.

I started playing just after Alliances was released. Perhaps to some
people's surprise, I did not start because my boyfriend played, but because
my sister introduced me to the game. Actually, my boyfriend at that time
hated me playing, because, in his words, "he hated seeing me so competitive."

However, the game really fascinated me, and as soon as I had bought my
first booster, I was totally hooked. Fortunately for me, I got to play with
some of the most experienced players in Norway, and the somewhat "tough"
environment made me learn fast. I just skipped the whole "fun" period.

Many people would perhaps have been discouraged by playing with people that
are so much better than you. The first good constructed deck I played
against, was Turbo-Stasis. Of course, I was crushed. But still, I didn't
quit. And that's exactly what's made me go on. I don't quit, even though
times may be rough. Even though I've had my share of bad luck. Many times
it has been hard, and I have been on the edge of selling all my cards and
just forgetting about the whole game, but I can't. I always come back.

I am not a scrub. Actually, I just got to hear that I am considered an
"elite" player here in Norway. In addition, I am a level 3 judge, one of
two in this country. Cathy Nicoloff mentioned that female players aren't
respected. Well, I am, I actually feel like one of the boys. Perhaps I was
born with too much testosterone, that's what I use to say. Of course, I
have experienced some boys just explaining very carefully to me what
certain cards do. I respond by crushing them, at least I try to. :) The
only really embarrassing moment in my career, was when the Swedish
tournament organizers in a PTQ in Gothenburg gave me a prize for being the
best girl at the tournament. I was the only one.

As for the reasons why most girls ignore Magic, I think there are several
of them. First of all, being a dedicated Magic-player costs time and money.
I have spent an enormous amount of money getting all the staple cards,
travelling to tournaments, buying new sets and so on. In order to do so, I
have had to make some priorities. Many girls choose to spend their money in
other ways.

Secondly, girls are more afraid of making fools out of themselves, and many
don't want to compete or perform unless they are sure they can give a 110
percent. They break down their own self-confidence. I am good at that, but
I keep working on it. It is so important not to give up.

I will also believe that some places, it is harder to be a female bad
player (read: newbie) than a male one. There are so many male players. Of
course, some of them will be on the bottom of the lists. Still, people
don't say that all boys are bad players. As for females, when there are few
of them, we will sometimes perform badly. But since there are so much fewer
girls playing, it is easier to say that all girls are bad players, since
they don't make it to the top (or very seldom, at least.)

It is difficult to win a major tournament. Among 300 boys, perhaps two or
three girls will play. As Magic is much luck, it is so much more likely
that one of the boys will get lucky and win than it is for one of the
girls. Yes, skill is also important, but luck is still a very important
factor when people of good skill come together. Sooner or later, a girl may
win Pro Tour.

Let me put this straight - I don't care how many girls play Magic. I am not
a feminist, and I am absolutely not going on some crusade to get more girls
to play the game. If they don't have what it takes to play, fine. If they
want to play, then let them, but if they need someone to kick their ass in
order to want to play, they just don't have what it takes to play
competitive Magic.

Because Magic is very competitive. When I go to tournaments, I go there to
win, even though I normally won't. Today, the tournament system is hard,
and I can easily understand that "fun" players don't like it. And girls
tend to find a level where they feel comfortable, and stay there, while
boys strive to get to the top of the pyramid. I honestly think most females
who play now are more competitive than the average. Perhaps that's the way
it has to be?

Personally, I think the most important thing to make other girls playing is
to show that the females that are currently in the game can perform well
and be good role models. That is one way of making Magic more attractive
for women without pushing and kicking asses. Those women playing now,
should act as role models for newer players. It is important that others
can see that girls can play. Quality is just as important as quality.
Compare Magic to rock music. Earlier, rock was mainly played by boys, girls
were singers. A lot of bad female players wouldn't have changed that. World
famous, well-playing girls in rock has. They can see that it is possible,
they get role models. The Magic-playing girls now should show girls that
those who play now aren't just girlfriends playing decks their boyfriends
made, and not nerds.

We should show that Magic is a fun game that is played by perfectly normal
females.

But is is really?

Kim Eikefet
Norway