So, Grand Prix Albuquerque is this weekend. Don’t ask me why this barely-top-fifty market in the US is having a second Grand Prix since 2013. Perhaps somebody at WotC wants to take the Breaking Bad tour. I’m not complaining—it’s my hometown. A few of my friends are frustrated because they’re broke and the best MTG event of the year is here now. So here are some thoughts on why you should go to the Grand Prix with zero cash in your pocket.

1 — Sell Your Cards

Any Grand Prix will have many dealers happy to clear out excess cards you have. Douglas Johnson from Brainstorm Brewery has a quick and easy guide to this process. If you’re going to sell, read it, and digest it. You’ll make more cash because you prepared: Buying and Selling at Grand Prix.

2 — Have Your Cards Signed

If you followed the guide, you sold your cards first thing. So now you at least have some walking-around money. Go check out the artists at the show. This is actually one of my favorite things about a Grand Prix. In the case of GPABQ, “Mr. Planeswalker” Eric Deschamps is at the show. I can’t wait to have a few of my Commander cards scribed by him and the five other artists attending. Now, don’t be the player who shows up expecting to have one hundred fifty cards signed and walk away without a tip. You have a couple choices: Either put a fiver in the tip jar or donate a couple of the artist’s valuable cards to say thanks. Want more ideas about having your cards signed? MTG Salvation has a good thread on the topic: Getting Cards Signed at Events.

3 — Trade Up!

Binders, binders, binders—so many binders! If you enjoy hunting down Quarum Trench Gnomes or just those last few cards for the Modern deck you’re working on, the GP is the place. Make sure you have a way to check values, never ever lose track of your binder, resist the temptation to sell your card to a non-dealer, and don’t, for the love of the gods, bring a suitcase full of cards. But otherwise, go nuts on your mercantile nature.

4 — Play Commander

One hundred cards are never sexier than when you have unlimited matches. Some GPs have dedicated events or areas to meet up and play. Otherwise, you might have to talk to some strangers. Ask some questions about power levels and expectations. It can be helpful to avoid blowouts or bad-beats stories. If you want more thoughts on the legendary format, Reddit has a useful thread: Commander at Grand Prix.

5 — Watch the Pros

GPABQ will be loaded with top-flight pro players. Those players love events capped at smaller numbers (Grand Prix Albuquerque has an attendance cap of twelve hundred fifty). Take a notebook, your camera and an open mind. Also, after a match, don’t hesitate to ask why a pro took a line of play you didn’t understand. Most will be happy to answer as time allows. You can also get an autograph or selfie with one of your favorite players. Trust me: Seeing it live is so much better than watching it on Twitch.

6 — Cosplay!

Most Grand Prix have some awesome cosplayers, and GPABQ is no different. The photo opportunities are inspired. Premier cosplayer Christine Sprankle should be attending. Simone Mularky, Arielle Lien, and Alan E. Marling will also be at the show, and while you don’t know them now, you will eventually. Get your photo so you can say, “I knew them back before they were rock stars.”

7 — Become a Judge

Once you are onsite, ask whom to speak to about becoming a judge. The benefits are many, and you don’t have a better chance to learn all the details than at a Grand Prix. Usually, the Regional Coordinator will be at the event, and RCs are great resources about how and why to get started becoming a judge. If all goes well and you have a basic understanding of the rules, you might even get to be tested that weekend. And it doesn’t cost a dime.

8 — Meet your Favorite Podcasters or YouTuber

Grand Prix and podcast hosts are like apples and peanut butter—they simply work best together. Hit your favorite ’casters on social media to see if they are attending. Then, make it a point to meet them. Don’t be surprised if they offer you chances to be a guest on their ’casts. GPABQ will include the fine folks from MTG Focus and CMD Cast.

9 — Bring Your Cube

Do you have a Cube you’ve been lovingly tuning, and do want feedback from outside your circle of buddies? Bring it to the GP. Be mindful of space; Friday and Sunday are the best days for this. Also, remember, you’re playing games with strangers. If your Cube includes a set of Power, leave it at home. But otherwise, bring it, play it, and enjoy!

10 — Make Some Money, Spend Some Money

By the end of the weekend, you’re probably ahead on the cash equation between some good trades and sales to dealers. Figure out exactly the things you want to go home with. Perhaps it’s the show play mat, or maybe it’s a print by Steve Argyle. If you bring something to eat from home (because convention food is terrible), ride in with buddies (no parking fee), and set goals early, now’s the time to part with your hard-earned cash. Perhaps you didn’t have the $150 for the Ultra-Premium Super-Duper Let-Me-Massage-Your-Feet Entry Fee, but you can have an outstanding weekend.

Every Grand Prix has something for a dedicated MTG player, even if you have no plan to win the trophy. If you plan ahead, stay focused on what works for you, and stay flexible, you will be a winner.

See you at the GP!

P.S. Be sure you bring your water bottle.