The Event Horizons Invitational: Thoughts, Memories and Etiquette
By Rob Lawing

For the last 2 years (and 3rd coming up) the Event Horizons folks have held a wonderful tournament for some of the best Magic players from Texas and Louisiana - and a few scrubs like me - called the Event Horizons Invitational (The EHI). The EHI is one of the high points of the Magic Season for everyone who comes because of the fun and fellowship the participants bring and the tremendous work put into it by Tim and Sheila Weissman, Don James and others from Event Horizons. Since the 3rd EHI is coming up in February, I wanted to send out some thoughts about the event from a soon-to-be 3-time attendee. These are my own thoughts and are not necessarily those of Event Horizons or anyone else who matters, although Lan D. Ho once said that everything I say is right.

The Format

The EHI is a 16-player round robin style event. There are 3 rounds of play in each of 5 formats. The formats are decided by Event Horizons with the previous years champion allowed to help design a format of his choice. The formats are not your normal PTQ type formats. In the past we have had hard strategic formats like Extended Spy, Extended Highlander, pick a block, and wacky ones like Duplicate Sealed with cards of EH's own design-like the '4 Color Mage Card' (which was insane), Block Constructed where all participants got to design one card of their choice to supplement the deck, and the ever-popular Auction Draft where cards are auctioned off with play money and then used to build decks.

The multitude of formats makes it not only a test of Magic playing skills but also puts a premium on skills like diplomacy, quick thinking, adaptability, and patience. It also makes practicing formats very difficult. Try going to your local game store and finding someone who wants to practice Type 2 Highlander and see what sort of response you get.

Advice for new invitees

Obviously this tournament attracts some really fine players. I don't want to list them here because I would forget someone's name and they would be mad at me. So I will just mention one Skye Thomsen (Isn't he dreamy!).

Because I have attended the previous EHIs, I thought it might be a good idea to share some thoughts for new invitees about the tourney which will make it more enjoyable and maybe more successful. It will also keep you from being a beating in the eyes of the veteran players and the organizers. So here they are:

1) Come to have fun- I know people will say "I always have fun at tournaments." This is often a lie. I have seen people cuss out, threaten and throw things at their opponents after a loss. This kind of behavior is not taken well at the EHI. Sure we all want to win but this tourney is much more than that. It is a reward for your skills and contributions to the game over the last year. It is also a time to showcase how the best players should act to those who are watching, and there are always people watching. So enjoy yourself, relax, and be an example to others. By the way if you don't, there are usually a few huge guys like James Stroud or Donny Paul to sit on you until you act right.

2) Get to know the other players. Some of the best memories of the events I have been to have resulted from getting to know my fellow players better. For example did you know that until I gave him lessons at the EHI 2 years ago that Lan D. Ho did not know how to pick up teenage girls? Did you know that Jeff Zandi does an amazing impression of Christopher Walken? There are an amazing group of interesting people at this tournament who are in an environment that is conducive to making friends and learning from others. I would encourage everyone new who is attending to get involved in the friendly exchanges.

3) Be flexible. Sometimes wacky or new formats may not play out exactly like you want or newly created cards require on site errata or rulings. Remember it's ok, nobody is out to get you or rules cheese you when this happens. It probably won't happen but if it does just get over it.

4) Be on time and ready to play. This is self explanatory except to certain players who seem to be late every year. I wouldn't say I am referring to my favorite Texasan player but I am. Kisses to Mr. Ho again. (Side note: I am not sure if the lateness in arriving was due to the teenage girl thing referenced above or not. If it does then congratulations and see you on time this year.)

Finally I wanted to say thanks to my fellow players who voted me in this year. I am very honored and I hope I didn't get voted in so that 13 out of 15 players could have a bye (i.e. easy win over me) this year. I also want to apologize to my great friend Adrian Sayers for my top decking 3 times in a row against him last year for the win. I guess we all get to be Kai for a few turns in our careers.

By the way, you should know that I have won a trophy every year at the EHI, and the horses-ass trophies sit in a place of honor in my living room. I predict that someone new may get last place this year, and I don't think Jason Krysak will mind the new last place trophy…Gotcha last.

Rob Lawing
Texas Guildmages Ltd.