[cpecharka@msn.com]
Preparing for Regionals Tip - SiphonX
Hello everyone, and for those of you that desire some advice on what to bring, how to play, and what to do at your local Regional tournament, you've come to the right place.
 
What to Bring
Now, everyone knows that when you go somewhere, you need things that will allow you to do what you want to do.  If you go to the movies, you need to bring some cash to buy ticket(s).  If you go skateboarding you need to bring your board, a rather large tank of water, and whatever else you need to satisfy you for the time you are there.  Going to Regionals is no different.
 
If you just bring your deck and the $10+ that you need to get in, you may want to reconsider how long you'll stay there.  Most importantly are those two things, but how to prepare them may be different.  I suggest double-sleeving your cards in your deck - possibly your sidedeck and fusion deck too.  Make sure they're all color-coded so you know what's what.  I suggest first starting with new YGO-sized UltraPro sleeves - all the same color.  Put them on your deck, sidedeck, and fusion deck.  Then, buy three different colors of M:TG sized sleeves to enclose the sleeved cards you just bought.  Have a good, durable deck box ready to hold everything.  It's find if you enclose evrything within 2 or more deck boxes, just make sure the judges know.  Make sure you have a decklist ready so you don't need to completely search for separate cards to place on the official decklist.
 
You need at least two dice to help you in your duel - make sure they're perfectly cubical as well; you wouldn't want someone to call you for lopsided dice.  Also, bring at least 5 quarters.  These will be your token markers.  It doesn't matter if you don't play Scapegoat, it's always a good idea to bring them when you need them.  Plus, the opponent may not like starting the duel with a toss of a die; he/she may prefer a more conventional style, like a coin flip.
 
If you have a large or small card collection, bring it. There should be many, many traders there, and you may want to get your hands on a piece of the action - I myself managed to trade an extra D. D. Warrior Lady I had before the tournament started for around $50-60 worth of cards.  Bring all your rares, and some good commons, too.  There will be some people there in need of some last-minute cards, you can cash in on that.  Be sure to watch your cards at all times.  It's a good idea to store everything in a backpack with a master lock on the main zipper.
 
You will need a hearty supply of snacks and drinks, because hunger can be a real pain.  I was fortunate enough to have a concessions stand right in the midst of the convention room, but others may not be as fortunate.  It's horrible when you need to grab a bite to eat, and the nearest Burger King is three miles away.  Make sure to include something somewhat sugary, fruit of your choice, a carbohydrate-based snack (like potato chips or pretzels), and Gatorade or water, lots of it.  This will tide you over between rounds and allow you to sit back and enjoy the atmosphere.
 
If you have some form of a portable game console, like GBA, GBC/GB, or even just a magazine or book to read will be a good idea when you find that nobody else you know is there.  Boredom leads to fear, fear leads to anger, anger leads to rage, rage leads to stress, and stress leads to doobies...er, stupid mistakes.  Also, bring at least $30 in addition to the entry fee, so if you want to buy a pack, new deck box, etc., you can do so.  Wear loose clothing, and bring a hat and sunglasses.  Regional tournaments aren't a time to show off your new dog collar chain you got at Hot Topic, despite your valiant efforts to express yourself.
 
And the absolute most important thing to bring is....a friend!  This way, whenever you need to use the restroom or go somewhere your backpack can't attend, your friend can watch it for you.  Plus, he/she may be able to carpool you there, allowing for maximum efficiency.  And also, a friend is probably the single greatest contribution to the extermination of all boredom - just talk to him/her!  If need be, you can provide your friend with something he/she didn't bring for himself/herself.
 
What to Do
While there, you may want to check out the various activities you could attend, like booster box/pack drafts or separate tournaments.  Regionals tournaments are excellent for a player to enjoy the atmosphere of a brand-new meta, or just the atmosphere of a huge tournament.
 
While dueling, make sure you extend the hand of benevolence, not malevolence.  First impressions say it all, and if you come off arrogant, the opponent probably won't let you have any breaks during the entire game and will watch you as closely as possible.  If you'd like to be able to win, act as though you would wish your opponent to act towards you.
 
It is equally as important to be polite - to both your opponent and judges.  Offer them a handshake before and after a match, and despite the outcome, whether he gets a first-turn kill both times, be the good sport and applaud his victory.  If you win, don't get cocky.  If you don't want your opponent to know your strategy, ask him/her politely to shuffle your deck without looking at any of the cards.  If so, he/she will most likely oblige.  Most duelists aren't rude and obnoxious. 
 
When calling a judge, make sure to address him/her as "Sir" or "Ma'am" and state the problem clearly, with no emphasis in your voice; this shows you are genuinely trying to find out whether or not the procedure is legal, not because you want to win - judges will respect that.  Later in the rounds, that same judge may help you.
 
Don't cheat.  Don't lie.  Don't explain false rulings to your opponent or anyone else.
 
Follow these bits of advice and you'll most certainly have a wonderful time at your Regional Tournament.
 
 
AIM:  mrfilbertiert
Email:  cpecharka@msn.com
 
~SiphonX~