188: Broaden Your Base with Alex Bianchi

Alex Bianchi is a Silver-level pro from Buffalo, New York with 1 Grand Prix Top 8 and 1 win (GP Pittsburgh 2015). He is also the team captain of Team Dave & Adam’s for the 2016-2017 Pro Tour Team Series, and writes articles for ManaDeprived.com.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Alex Bianchi when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep188

First Set

Mirrodin

Favorite Set

Ravnica City of Guilds

Favorite Card

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

The game is challenging and the people are great.

Early Challenge

Deck selection. It took a while for Alex to realize he should play the best deck.

Worst Magic Moment

Needed 2 points to get the silver; got it, then needed one win to made top 8. He missed it three times in a row.

Proudest Magic Moment

Winning GP Pittsburgh. When he made Top 8, he qualified for his Pro Tour and went with two friends.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Networking and traveling.

Best Format

Death Shadow Jund

Magic Mentors

Kai Burnett taught Alex how to grind.

Deepest Thing You’ve Learned About Yourself

The social aspect of the game is more important.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Focusing too much on specific formats. You need to be good at many formats.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Big Event

Alex plays a lot of MTGO competitive leagues.

Shortcomings As a Magic Player

Getting unintentional draws.

Tournament Day Tips

Rest between rounds, drink water.

Magic Resource

Twitch.TV, MTGCoverage.com, SCG, MTG Pulse

Connect With Alex Bianchi

Twitter:@Gemmanite

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