05.17.10

Magic the Gathering

WPN Championship - San Juan Qualifier Tournament

We had our qualifier yesterday and it was a lot of fun. I had not participated in a high level tournament is a long time since coming back to the store and it was 16 of us fighting for the top spot and an invite to the WPN Championship in San Juan, Puerto Rico. I would have loved to have gone but since my passport is expire and I have not renewed it yet, it probably worked out that I didn't win. But I did finish 3rd so I am happy as I gained some points and had a lot of fun. The top spot and the invite went to Josh Merrill with George Salisbury second and Erik Silsby rounding out the top 4.

We saw an assortment of the newer powerful Planeswalker decks using Gideon, Jace, Elspeth as well as Mono Red, Time Sieve and White Weenie. There was of course Jund and some interesting rogue desks that did fairly well. One in particular was Christian Alfaro's Blue/Black mill deck sporting the likes of Hedron Crabs, Mind Funerals, Nemesis of Reason, Ravenous Traps and Telemin Performances. I played Christian in the third round and count myself lucky that I won the second game. Even with my Emrakul, Christian could have easily disrupted my graveyard recur with a well timed Ravenous Trap or stolen my Emrakul either of which would have left me defenseless against his mill.

All in all, it was a great tournament and I even got to play Warmachine afterwards. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday.

Warmachine and Hordes

Have you heard of the Iron Kingdoms where warcasters controlling steam powered mechanical behemoths and units of battle mages and bane knights collide for battle in a world of 30 mm table top miniature gaming. If you have ever wanted to play Warhammer and never did because it was too much work or money, Warmachine and Hordes by Privateer Press may be what you are looking for. The game scales from small armies of 5-7 models to massive armies giving you the flexibility to control your spending.

I played my first game last Sunday and it is everything I thought it would be and more. It was fun with really epic actions and turns. The game seems to be about massive damage and aggression. There is no running arounding in this game unless you want to get wrecked from behind. Games usually last 20-45 minutes and last 3-6 turns at the most.

I have always love the visual gratification of a tabletop miniature game. I was a huge fan of Mage Knights back when it was still available. The 3D setting and the beautifully decorated terrain makes this a must try for every gamer.

Game on! Until the next time......