Subject: [ISSUE] Re: Why are prereleases sanctioned?
Date: Tue, 15 Sep 1998 09:30:10 -0400 (EDT)
From: Dane Woodall <dpw8549@garnet.acns.fsu.edu>
To: fkusumot@ix.netcom.com

Re: Why are Pre-Releases Sanctioned?

I don't get it either.

But then again, that isn't all too surprising, taking into account my
situation. Just for historical purposes, I'll spew out a little
background. I've been playing Magic for about 8 months, give or take a few
weeks. I myself began to draft/play sealed about 4 months ago, so I do
have some experience, yet not the same as seemingly everyone else. I as
well, plan to attend the pre-release, which will coincidentally be my
first, God help me, sanctioned event. Which doesn't sound too good for my
rating-to-be. Yes, I'll get a DCI number when I get there, and yes I will
probably have the crap kicked out of me. Down goes the rating, I assume,
since constructed is what I'm good at.

Which leaves me at a crossroad. Either go and forget about rankings, or
be a wussy and stay here. I plan to go. I plan to draft. And I plan to do
it many times. But I am baffled all the same, why is such an event
sanctioned? Sanctioned drafts? For the purpose of what? To give all those
people with years of drafting experience a surpreme advantage because
they can practically pick good cards on sight? And yes, my question is
relevant. If anyone can still recall when they began drafting, did you
pick the better cards? When I began during the Te-Te-St draft area
thingy, I had no idea cannibalize or rolling thunder were good. I thought
what was good in constructed is all that was good in draft. Soon I
learned however, that dungeon shade and dauthi slayer kicked some ass.
Then came exodus, and I immediately realized what was good. I still draft
the same exodus cards as I did when it first came out, and I usually come
in 2nd or 3rd in the overly-abundant draft tournaments locally.

So here is my point. Yes, I will be aware of some good cards, but the
people with incrementally more experience than I, will notice other,
better cards, and draft them. And I will probably lose. That doesn't
bother me, I don't mind losing rating points or whatever, seeing as I
hardly understand what they are worth as of now, anyways. But what about
other people that have been playing for a little over a year, have gone
to a PTQ or two, and this is their third pre-release? They like their DCI
numbers I assume, and being paired up against 4-5 year veterans would
only put them at a disadvantage, in which they will most likely lose.

This is all pretty much assumed, based on my assessments. I draft (and
lose) to pro tour players every week. I'm kind of getting used to it, but
would someone of esteem care to explain why exactly they are sanctioned?
I just wanted to get to the pre-release, draft, have fun, even play in
the PTQ if time permits. But what kind of fun is it knowing that "Here is
your DCI number, now have fun losing."? That'll be enough bickering from
me. I hope I've made my point.

Dane "I'm drafting all Opal Gargoyles, because 2 for a 2/2 flyer is
strong!" Woodall

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| Dane Woodall             | Email: dpw8549@garnet.acns.fsu.edu        |
| Slacker Anonymous        | URL: http://garnet.acns.fsu.edu/~dpw8549/ |
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|        "Hard work pays off someday, laziness pays off now."          |
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