We have been planning to held Magic: the Gathering tournaments in coffee shops again since it has been a while since we had one and that was the Prerelease event at Coffee Break in Smallville. Before we had Sunday afternoon playtest and mini tourneys at that same coffee shop but it eventually stopped when everyone became busy.

Just recently, my friend Pete has told me if we can have a tournament at his brother-in-law’s coffee shop, the Glorys Café 3rd Gen in City Times Square. I immediately agreed that it is viable but we have to consult the players of the definite schedule and me to talk with Micheal Chua, the coffee shop owner.

I chatted with him just before the All Souls Day holiday that we would set it on the first week of November but then I got busy so I was not able to consult the players as to what weekday it would be for that week. I later on decided to have the tournament on the third week of November and asked Mike if it’s okay with him. He gave the go signal and then I posted the poll question in the MTG Iloilo groups for the players as to what day they would set it. The highest vote was Monday night at 6:00. I then informed Mike of the schedule and again with the go signal, he asked me to make an online poster so his coffee shop page can post it. Here it is below.

I went to Doctors Hospital to get the decks from Ace before going to the City Times Square. Fortunately, Ace’s class dismissal was earlier and so we just went together to the venue.

We arrived at the shop about 10 minutes before the scheduled time to check on the setup of the tables and to discuss the tournament scenario to the attendants. We were the first to arrive and waited for the players while we decide on what decks to pilot. Ace chose Mono-Blue while I locked in on Golgari Explore. Thirty minutes later, only 4 players arrived. I was hoping that those who voted for this schedule were committed to playing. I guess we should add a disclaimer next time. We still have to push through even if it will appear as just a semi-casual tournament. We set it on a 3-round of Swiss and set the tables to where the players will occupy.

Here below are some pics taken during the course of the tournament.

After 3 rounds, we both got the first Top 2 place while Mandoy placed third and also playing Mono-Blue. We then just discussed on our plays during the match while teaching the other players on the different scenario and on what they would have played and decided on.

I guess Monday night is an inappropriate time for the local Magic scene, despite the voting poll result and the good coffee. I still thank those who came to play though.

I have talked with the coffee shop owner that we will have the next tournament on probably a Wednesday or Thursday night next week. The registration might change a bit this time. We will see how it goes.

That is a wrap for this tournament recap. Until the next blog post.