By Twinblaze

Every Magic player has their own style.  The thoughts that run through your head as you analyze a game state or map out a series of potential plays are as unique as a fingerprint.  Identifying certain aspects of your own thought process can help you become a better player, and even help you choose the right deck to play.

[caption id="attachment_13559" align="alignright" width="251" caption="Finger goggles make identifications easier"][/caption]

Just like being right- or left-handed, most players have a natural affinity for playing either proactively or reactively.  Of course, there are always a few people who are truly ambidextrous, with no preference either way, and some people are more flexible than others about switching things up when they need to.  Even if you have experience playing both proactive and reactive decks, you may be making mistakes without realizing it, due to your own subconscious pushing you towards the side that comes most naturally to you.  Reactive players may waste cards killing off opposing creatures when playing an aggressive burn deck, believing that dealing with the opponent's threats and preserving their own life total is a good move.  Similarly, proactive players may play out their finisher as early as possible when playing a control deck, neglecting to leave open mana to counter the opponent's threat.

The first step is to identify which type of player you are.  If you think you're above this distinction, that you can play any deck in the world with equal proficiency, you're probably wrong.  Even the best players in the world have a preference for certain types of decks, and they will usually stick to their preferred deck type if at all possible.  If you don't know which type fits you best, here are some questions you can contemplate:

• Would I rather cast a big spell, or counter one?
• Would I rather attack with a huge creature, or destroy one?
• Do I try to always leave mana open in case I need to respond to my opponent's play?
• Am I willing to sacrifice cards to deal even small amounts of damage to my opponent?
• Would I rather present problems, or deal with them?

Once you know which side you lean towards, you can use that information to your advantage.  The first step is trying to play decks that reward you for being proactive or reactive, whichever is your preference.  If you're a proactive player, you might want to consider playing an aggro deck, a ramp deck, or a fast combo deck.  These types of decks reward you for playing your own game, regardless of what the opponent is doing.  If you're a reactive player, you might have more success playing control decks, midrange decks, and slower, more disruptive combo decks.  These decks will reward you for playing it safe, and getting rid of anything that might be a threat to you.

Although it's usually best to play a deck that rewards your natural tendencies rather than punishing them, you can of course play a deck from the opposite side of the spectrum if you wish.  As long as you're aware of your affinity towards playing a certain way, you can remind yourself of the role you need to take, and watch yourself to make sure you don't slip back into the groove of playing the way you're accustomed to.  It will require a little more effort, but can still lead to great success.

Every mind is different.  Your thought process is not something easily bent and molded to your will.  But even if you can't change the way your mind works, you can understand it, and that can be a potent weapon in any battle.