I’m going to tell you what it takes to win. Perhaps I’ll say the same things over and over just to get the message across, but first, let’s ask this question: When is good enough, really good enough? I often ask myself that very question when I’m playtesting a deck.

I never really quite get it either. Majority of the time, I settle for a deck that has a decent mana curve and contains quite a few "outs" or ways to achieve victory. I know, I know, some of you might say “at least you have fun”. However, I don’t think anyone has as much “fun” losing as they do when they’re winning. I once won a tournament that lasted all day. My record at the end was 16-0-1, and I was so exhausted I couldn’t even eat. Had I made it to the finals, only to lose I probably would have driven my car into a ditch. The deck I had played in that tournament had almost no flaws, it was nearly perfect. It was a complete deck with answers to everything but it was exhausting to play.

Now we move to today, and we’re on the brink of another year’s Regionals tournaments as well as a the constructed Lorwyn/Shadowmoor Block season for PTQs. I’m not sure if someone out there has all the answers, but I can assure you that I don’t. What I do know is that I’ve already begun my gauntlet of testing and I’m finding more and more answers to my questions. What I wanted to do today was explore the questions YOU should be asking yourself.

Let’s begin:

#1 Do you really want to win?

I’m torn when it comes to the answer to this question. I love to win, but it appears as if I may NOT be able to go to Berlin, even if I qualify. So, do I plan on dropping to a buddy or doing something else? I believe that 99% of you out there play this game to win. If you really want to win, then you need to pay the price. THIS question will be the sole source for inspiration and dedication towards the pursuit of happiness -- If you really want to win, then there should be no price you wouldn’t pay or no extent or limit to your testing. (Obviously within reason.)

#2 Inform yourself

Do you KNOW what decks are the “best” decks in the format? Do you know their percentage of victories? Where are these decks winning? Is it in Kalamazoo Michigan at some Friday Night Magic or a Grand Prix where there was a record set for attendance? All of this information matters. Whether you’re playing it or playing against it, the information regarding top tier decks is valuable and within your best interests. Usually you’re either playing the most popular deck or playing something that beats it.

#3 What is YOUR card pool?

Let’s face it, Tarmagoyf is a pretty hard to find. It might not be that beneficial to pay $200 for 4x of them for one tournament. However, the fact is, Tarmagoyf is THE best creature in constructed standard right now. This goes back to dedication and what you’re willing to do to increase your chances to win. Notice I said “increase your chances to win” I did NOT say this will make you WIN. This is about your budget, this IS about the chances you may (or may NOT) have to obtain the cards you choose to get you to win. This game is expensive and often times people sell cards after they feel they aren’t usable. Then, they buy them again because they’ve been reprinted or the choice to play a format with that card is available. Ideally, you have 4 of every card, which would make things much easier. No one will say that you cannot win with a Looter Il-Kor, but are your chances better when you play a Tarmagoyf? 4x Tarmagoyf $160, 4x Bitterblossom $60, Victory… Priceless.

#4 What’s your story morning glory?

Some people just cannot play control decks. My good friend, Daniel Mondragon, doesn’t always play his best when there are islands in his deck. Those who know him, always tease him about having mountains ONLY in his decks as he’s usually running a more aggressive deck. This is just the way some people are and you have to determine if YOU even have the “skill set” to play said “best deck”. Now some people will say “I’m so good, I can play anything” and I will tell you right now, that some of those people are lying to themselves. Not everyone can pick up a random deck and win. Most people have a certain “taste” for control or aggro. Thankfully, WOTC and the DCI have made the competitive format one that is not dominated by any one card or a particular deck type (although we don’t see as many mono-blue decks as we used to). The constructed gauntlet seems to be rather equal amongst it’s top tier decks. So you’re free to choose your poison. Just try to understand where your strengths and weaknesses are.

Some rogue decks win and some don’t. It’s very possible that someone out there has put together the newest “best deck” in the format. As Shadowmoor comes over the horizon, some people are speculating that little to no impact will be made by the inclusion of this new set. All of the questions above will, hopefully, answer your concerns over whether or not you’re ready for your next tournament. Personally, REGIONALS is the first step in representing your respective area of your country to get into the hardest tournament in the world, Nationals. I wish you all luck, except against me!

-- Lee