Instant Decisions
Most of us are seasoned veterans of the MTGO casual rooms. We
see a great variety of decks on a day to day basis. We see almost every situation possible in the game at one time or
another. But have you ever thought about the most simplest thing such as when you were going to perform an action and
whether it was the best time to do it?
I've been playing Magic since around 1995 with Fallen Empires.
I was on the tourney scene for a little while but came disinterested when I did not have tons of money to pour into my collection.
As a result, when I came back to Magic on MTGO, I was starting all over. My play was sloppy. Little mistakes where
losing me games on a regular basis. Practice and concentration have gotten me to a more comfortable point. I still
make mistakes, but they are not the small things that bite me anymore.
When do you want to cycle your Secluded Steppes? On your turn?
Only if you think that it will net you a playable card. I see it so many times. My opponent will play a land from
the start and immediately cycle a land on his main phase? Why? It is now obvious, that he has NO play whatsoever!
If he would have held that cycle land and left that island untapped until the end of MY turn, it might influence my decisions
on what to play or not to. The first couple of turns may not matter much, I know, but its just good practice to hold
it so you don't use that mana.
The same thing goes for casting critters. Unless there is some
benefit in casting a creature during your 1st main phase (ala Haste or some other benefit), why use the mana? Wing Shards
alone has taught me not to overextend before combat, if I can help it. Aside from Wing Shards, the land-cycling equation
stands to reason. If you leave the mana untapped before you attack, your opponent has to guess if you have some sort
of combat trick waiting in the weeds, when really all you are going to do is cast a Timberwatch Elf to join your elf gang.
The Timberwatch was of no benefit before combat due to 'sickness'. Perhaps your opponent was ready to cast Infest or
a Starstorm when you attacked with the team. If the Timberwatch was on the board during your main phase, he will be
lost with the rest. If you waited, at least you can get him on the board after the destruction has taken place.
I could go on and on, but I hope this illustrated the benefits of 'waiting'.
The question you need ask yourself before you perform an action is: "Will this benefit me now, or later?" OH....and
don't forget to set a 'stop' on your opponents End of Turn phase! I play with this constantly! In fact, I have
stops on each combat phase as well. It doesnt take that much extra time. Just takes some getting used to!
Good luck with your Instant Decisions!
