276: Happiness and Self-Worth with Ben Ragan

276: Happiness and Self-Worth with Ben Ragan

Author: Shaun Penrod talks tips and stories with professional Magic: The Gathering March 16, 2018 Duration: 45:52

Ben Ragan began playing Magic with Magic 2010 after quitting competitive chess in middle school. He top 8ed GP Toronto and has multiple SCG Tour Open Top 8s, as well as a heartbreaking ninth-place finish at an SCG Invitational.He has a minor addiction to casting Collected Company in Modern and firmly believes that Magic is about maximizing your options. When he isn't competing, you can find him re-watching Game of Thrones or cook Italian food. Ben lives in Greenville.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Ben Ragan when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep276

First Set

Zendikar

Favorite Set

Zendikar

Favorite Card

Collected Company

Early Challenge

Ben struggled with not playing fast enough and having no idea what his opponents were doing.

Worst Magic Moment

When Ben was 13, he won a match at an event and his opponent was rude to him. Ben lost his cool and got angry too. He has since learned to not let others opinion bother him.

Proudest Magic Moment

Top 8 at GP Toronto and getting respect from his friends.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Even when you're unhappy with some part of life, you can find happiness.

Advice To New Players

Read everything you can about Magic.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Not playing sideboard games. Players don't practice with their sideboard.

Tournament Preparation

Ben studies the meta and reads articles on the decks he wants to play. Then, he practices a ton. Ben did 20 Leagues leading up to the Grand Prix.

Parting Guidance

Find a group of people you can go to events with people who can grow with you.

Magic Resource

SCG, CFB, Ari Lax articles, Jim Davis stream, TCG Player

Connect With Ben Ragan

Twitter:@castingcoco 

Check Out Magic Story

Magic Story brings the lore of the Multiverse to life in an audio presentation never before heard in the Magic community.

Listen to Episode 1 here or on www.magicthestory.com

 

Sponsors

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Every Tuesday and Friday, MTG Pro Tutor-Insights, Tips & Advice from Magic: The Gathering Pros brings you straight into the minds of the game's top competitors. Host Shaun Penrod sits down with professional players and respected community figures, moving beyond simple decklists to explore the real journeys that shaped them. These conversations uncover the habits, mental frameworks, and often-overlooked practical advice that separate good players from great ones. You'll hear specific, actionable strategies you can apply in your very next match, distilled from countless hours of practice and competition. This isn't just about theory; it's about translating the hard-won experience of pros into tangible improvements for your own game. Whether you're aiming to sharpen your technical play, better understand complex interactions, or simply enjoy the personal stories behind the cards, this podcast serves as a consistent resource. The focus remains on genuine insight over hype, offering a clear path to leveling up your skills. Tune in for a direct line to the collective wisdom of the Magic community, all designed to help you play smarter and with more confidence.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

MTG Pro Tutor - Insights, Tips & Advice from Magic: The Gathering Pros
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