Has MTG Forge improved your Magic skills?

Recently this question popped into my head and I was wondering whether it was true or not. Personally I think MTG Forge has helped me become a better player because, I just play Magic more often. Playing more Magic usually means that you will become a better player. You should get better if you actually focus on the game, instead of watching TV while playing Magic. Although I do listen to a few tunes while I’m playing.

MTG Forge has also taught me the value of knowing every single card in the format. This is something that I knew was important but very hard to do. It is practically impossible for me to experience playing with and against every card in a set.

Specifically MTG Forge has showed me the value of being aggressive. Remember the old Magic saying, “There are no wrong threats, only wrong answers.” Creatures, especially in limited, are always threatening. Early in my Magic career I used to chump block just to save a few life points, but now I am almost fearless and will let my life get as low as 3 without sweating. Granted if the computer is playing Mountains, I do start to hesitant when my life gets under 8 or so. I don’t want to be Shock-ed or Char-ed to death. This article about aggression by Quentin Martin really improved my game. A short excerpt is below.

“Limited is all about figuring out when it is correct to attack (as well as what the correct attack itself is). Many games come down to a single life point, be it an opponent who wins on 1 life, or not being able to be in a position to race because you will eventually fall short by that crucial point. Sandbagging your removal for when it is actually needed is an equally important skill, if slightly harder to evaluate. Next time you're doing a draft, sitting between the rounds, grab a friend and play a few practice games where you attack with everything all the time and save your removal for the next creature. You'll be surprised with how effective, as a base theory, it is.”

I want to say that my improved skills have helped me win against other players, but I am sort of a Magic hermit. I read it on the Internet (magicthegathering.com and starcitygames.com), look at the visual spoilers, and try to figure out what new and exciting cards I can add to MTG Forge. I don’t play Magic Online anymore; I cut off my Internet connection at home. And I’ve only played about 10 games of Magic in real life, they were all with 9th Edition starter decks when I was first learning. So you heard it here for the first time “Magic Hermit”, go forth and become as famous as “mana curve” and “undercosted.” Peace out.