153:Masters of Modern Founder Alex Kessler Talks Content Creation and Mana Management

Alex Kessler is the creator of the web show Top Decking, the previous host of Mad Magic, and the creator and host of the Masters of Modern Podcast. He’s a Founding member of the website www.Collected.Company, and is the President and game and toy designer of the KessCo toy and Game company. Alex lives in Santa Monica, California.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Alex Kessler when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep153

First Set

5TH Edition

Favorite Set

Innistrad

Favorite Card

[draft]Geist of Saint Traft[/draft]

What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you?

The content creation has been a large hook for Alex. He also loves the brewing side of magic as well. The creation is key.

Early Challenge

Attack step. Alex is a more passive player and plays a deck that doesn’t attack a lot.

Level Up Moment

Reading a draft and pick article in Zendikar block led to his first win.

Worst Magic Moment

Alex assumed he lost a game that he actually won. He didn’t count the damage and scooped. His opponent lets him lose.

Proudest Magic Moment

The first decent finish at an event. The positive response to Top Decking.

Best Format

Modern

Deepest Thing You’ve Learned About Yourself

Alex is more competitive than he realized. He’s also greatly improved his ability to learn.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

The mana management. Tapping the wrong land, Keep your mana organized.

Shortcoming

Learning the deck that he should play and sticking to it.

Advice to Yourself 5 Years Ago

Buy fetch land.

Underplayed Card in Standard

[draft]Gideon Jura
Geist of Saint Traft[/draft]

Improvement Suggestions

Always ask for help. Call a judge if you need to.

Mentors

LSV(Luis Scott-Vargas), Patrick Chapin,Brian Kibler

Connect With Alex Kessler

Twitter:@mmcast

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