Shaun shares lessons learned from Grand Prix Las Vegas 2015 so you will be better prepared for your next big event. This episode is especially useful if you've never been to a Grand Prix or other premiere Magic: The Gathering event.
Preparing for Big Events
 
1. Go!
If it's within a 4 hour drive you should go.
2. See which artists are going to be there and prep your cards
3. Go with a friend to double up on card signing
4. Prepare
What’s the format?
Review the set by looking at spoilers, reading articles, listening to podcasts (like Limted Resources) and watching event coverage.
Play test your deck a TON. There is no substitute for playing.
 
5. Arrive early
Get into town the day before the event starts.
Crash at a friend's house, stay at a local hotel or find a place on Air BnB.
Go with a group of friends to reduce travel costs or take your family on a mini vacation and stay an extra day to reconnect with them and explore the city after your event.
 
6. Bring spending money (make sure it's cash)
You may want cards signed, singles, swag or to get into side events, all of which require some extrah moola.
 
7. Sleep
Get a good night's sleep the day before your event. You will want to be well rested so your mind is sharp.
 
8. Take food
Eat a good breakfast in the morning and take water, snacks and a meal with you. You'll be busy all day and will want some fuel to keep your biology balanced. This will help keep your mind on Magic and off your stomach.
 
9. Play all the rounds
You’re there to play, so stay and play. You will learn so much just by playing all the rounds.
 
10. Call a judge
Don't be afraid to call the judge to ask questiosn or to point out something that happened. They are there to help. My big take-away was to call a judge on a slow playing opponent. I should have and didn't so I received a draw.
 
11. HAVE FUN!