Newbie's in the metagame by Sean





---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
From: seanslcars@comcast.net
Date:  Sat, 19 Mar 2005 22:27:01 +0000

We all know who the newbies are. The new guys that are at their second 
tournament and have a deck made up out of a starter deck and three or 
four packs. They have no idea what they’re doing when they sit down across 
from you. I see these kids get picked on a lot. Remember this-you were a 
newbie once too. We all were. These kids just need extra support. When I 
beat a newbie at a tourney, it’s usually well before the 40 minute mark, 
so I go through their deck with them and help them with designs, and I 
occasionally give them free cards to help them out. Quick note-if the person 
doesn’t want your help, don’t give it. It’s only your business if they make 
it your business. 
This brings me to another point. I know you’ve all heard it before, but 
I’ll reiterate. Stealing from kids is wrong, and stealing does not necessarily 
mean palming their cards when they’re not looking. Getting them to trade Black 
Luster Soldier, Envoy of the Beginning for the Structure deck version because
 Yugi uses the starter deck one is also wrong. People who do this say, "It’s 
 their choice, so I’m in the clear." You’re exploiting innocent kids. It’s bad 
 enough when people scam adults. People who convince kids to make these lopsided 
 trades are exploiting them, and I try to stop it whenever I see it. Oh yeah, 
 that IS my business. 
I do have one thing to say against newbies and in the case of little kids, their 
parents. I’m getting tired of hearing, "Hey, you won the tournament the last 
couple weeks, and you beat my son in the first round last week. Let him beat 
you in the first round this week." Simply because they’re a newbie doesn’t mean 
they should get a bye. The best way to learn is to lose. You can’t learn from 
victories. Plus, I paid an entry fee too. I’m more than happy to help kids revise 
their decks, redesign them, give them tips on how to use them. But stop asking 
experienced duelists to throw the duel to your kid. A, they’re not going to learn, 
and B we paid to play, and have every right to.
Comments? Questions? My email is seanslcars@comcast.net and my AIM screenname is 
NazGul0010. I’m not one of those people that says "No hatemail please". I love 
reading that stuff. Until next time-SetoKaibafan13