311: Never Play a Deck You Don't Like with Kellen Pastore (4th place GP New Jersey 2018)

311: Never Play a Deck You Don't Like with Kellen Pastore (4th place GP New Jersey 2018)

Author: Shaun Penrod talks tips and stories with professional Magic: The Gathering November 16, 2018 Duration: 49:42

Kellen Pastore is a 3 time Grand Prix Top 8 Competitor, a full-time grad student, and a noted enthusiast of linear aggro decks. Kellen lives in MAPLE GLEN, Pennsylvania.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Kellen Pastore when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep311

First Set

Carrion Ants

Favorite Set

Zendikar

Favorite Card

Bellows Lizard

Early Challenge

Getting used to the inconsistency of Magic because Kellen came from a game that was more consistent.

Worst Gaming Moment

Before Kellen got into Magic, he lost a miniature game and really lost his cool. Since then, he has gotten better at regulating his emotions by reminding himself that his opponent is trying, just like he is.

Proudest Magic Moment

When Kaladesh was released, Kellen created a Red-Black Zombie deck that ended up impacting the metagame at that time.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Meeting and making friends.

Biggest Mistakes of Players

Ever committing into sweepers. Playing too many creatures when the opponent has a board wipe.

Tournament Preparation

Kellen practiced a lot with his deck leading up to events. He looks to make sure that his deck holds up against the top decks.

Parting Guidance

Never play a deck you don't like to play.

Magic Resource

Misplaced Ginger (twitch.tv) for Standard; MTG Goldfish

Connect With Kellen Pastore

@TheOddEngineer ‏

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

 


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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