Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts, get ready for an exciting showdown in the upcoming Standard Format Tournament of the MTG Iloilo community, which will be held during the Dinagyang Festival Odyssey 2026 this weekend, January 9-11, 2026. Whether you’re a seasoned planeswalker or a competitive deck-builder looking to test your strategies, this event promises thrilling matches and a chance to claim some exclusive prizes.

The registration fee is set at ₱300, making it accessible to all players who want to showcase their skills and enjoy a day of strategic gameplay.

The tournament will be held at the SM City Iloilo Cyberzone (5th floor of the mall), and will follow Swiss rounds, ensuring that every participant gets multiple opportunities to play and prove their mettle. The stakes are high: the 1st place winner will take home a PR Pass for Lorwyn Eclipsed, while the 2nd to 4th place finishers will receive promo cards and MTG Spider-Man Play Booster Packs. In addition to these top prizes, raffle prizes will be awarded, with quantities varying depending on the number of participants, ensuring everyone has a chance to take home something special.

Beyond the competition, this event is a fantastic way for MTG fans to connect with the community, exchange strategies, and enjoy the excitement of Standard gameplay. Whether you’re aiming for the top prize or just looking to have fun with fellow players, the tournament is set to be a memorable gathering of strategy, luck, and camaraderie. Don’t miss your chance to join the battle and see if you have what it takes to claim victory!

See you at the tournament!

Preparing for a first Magic: The Gathering tournament is equal parts excitement and nerves. After countless casual games and late-night deck tweaks, stepping into a real competitive setting feels like a big milestone. There’s a mix of anticipation and self-doubt, but also a strong sense of accomplishment just for taking the leap and signing up.

In the days leading up to the event, preparation becomes more focused and intentional. The player fine-tunes their deck list, double-checks card counts, and practices key matchups to understand common lines of play. Sideboard choices are carefully considered, sleeves are replaced, and even small details—like bringing dice, tokens, and a life pad—start to feel important. It’s not just about having the strongest deck, but about feeling confident and ready.

On the eve of the tournament, mindset becomes just as important as deck strength. The player reminds themselves that the goal isn’t only to win, but to learn, meet other players, and enjoy the experience. Win or lose, that first tournament represents growth as a Magic player—a step into a wider community where every match offers a lesson and every game tells a story.

In the end, the first tournament isn’t about the final standings, but about gaining experience, building confidence, and taking the first real step into the world of competitive Magic.

From a judge’s perspective, a well-written and properly prepared decklist in Magic: The Gathering is more than just a formality—it’s a vital part of tournament integrity and player organization. A clear and accurate list ensures fair play, prevents confusion, and helps avoid unnecessary penalties or disputes during events.

Whether a player is submitting a decklist for a local Friday Night Magic or a high-level competitive tournament, the same principles apply: the list must be precise, readable, and consistent from start to finish.

First and foremost, accuracy is everything. Every card on your list must be clearly identifiable by its full English name, and you must specify the exact number of copies you’re playing. Abbreviations, nicknames, or partial names (like “Bolt” for Lightning Bolt) can lead to confusion and possible penalties if the intent isn’t clear. If a card has multiple printings or versions, always use the official card name without worrying about the set code or collector number—unless the tournament specifically requires it for special formats. Double-check that your main deck and sideboard match the tournament’s rules for size and composition—usually 60 cards minimum in the main deck and up to 15 in the sideboard.

Second, organization and legibility matter just as much as accuracy. Tournament staff and judges must be able to read your list quickly and without ambiguity. Write or type neatly, group cards by type (creature, instant, sorcery, etc.), and list them alphabetically within each category if possible. This not only makes it easier for judges to verify but also helps you spot errors when cross-checking. Avoid crossing out or rewriting cards on the same line—if you make a mistake, start a new list or a new section. Clean formatting can prevent disputes later if a judge needs to confirm what you intended to play.

Third, always verify your deck against your list before the event begins. Physically sort your cards and match them line by line with the decklist. It’s common for players to accidentally register the wrong card count, forget a sideboard card, or write down the wrong version of a land. A single mismatch between your deck and your submitted list can lead to game losses or disqualifications in competitive events. Take five extra minutes to confirm every detail; it’s time well spent.

Finally, keep a personal copy of your decklist and treat it as a living document. This helps you make consistent changes between tournaments and track what versions or sideboard plans you’ve tried. Whether you maintain it digitally or on paper, a good decklist is both a record and a tool for improvement. By following these best practices—accuracy, legibility, verification, and documentation—you not only uphold tournament integrity but also build stronger habits as a competitive player.

A decklist isn’t just paperwork—it’s a reflection of your precision, discipline, and respect for the game. Thanks for reading.  

Are you a seasoned Planeswalker looking to hone your skills, or a beginner wanting to dip your toes into the exciting world of Magic: The Gathering? If so, the weekly MTG tournament at Pro Reis place is the perfect event for you! Whether you play to win or just love slinging spells with new friends, this gathering offers the ideal mix of fun, competition, and community.

Pro Reis place is located on Fuentes Street in the downtown area of Iloilo City with the nearest landmarks of Robinsons Place Main and Iloilo Terminal Market.

What to Expect at Our Weekly Tournament

Every Saturday of the week, our LGS transforms into a lively battleground where players from all over the area come together to test their decks and strategies. Here’s what makes our tournament a must-attend event:

Friendly Atmosphere for All Skill Levels

• Beginners Welcome: Whether you’re new to the game or just getting back into it, the atmosphere is friendly and inclusive. Our community is full of experienced players happy to offer tips and guidance.
• Competitive Thrills: If you’re more experienced, come ready to compete against tough opponents who’ll push you to your limits. This is a great way to prep for larger regional or online events.

Formats We Offer

• Standard: Build a deck using the latest set releases and keep up with the evolving metagame.
• Commander (EDH): Enjoy the wild fun of multiplayer gameplay with 100-card singleton decks led by powerful commanders.
• Draft and Sealed: Love cracking packs? Join our Limited format events to build a deck from booster packs on the spot!

Schedule & Entry Details

• When: Every Saturday at 2:00 pm. Please arrive 15 minutes early to register!
• Entry Fee: Ranges from P100 to P150 only
• Prizes: Boosters, store credit, and special promos for top finishers. Even if you don’t place high, we have participation rewards to ensure everyone walks away with something.

Why Join Our Magic: The Gathering Community?

At Pro Reis place, it’s more than just a competition. You’ll find a welcoming space to:

• Meet New Friends: Join a community of fellow enthusiasts who share your passion for MTG.
• Learn and Improve: Face a variety of decks and play styles, helping you grow your skills and knowledge.
• Discover New Strategies: Exchange ideas with players about the latest set mechanics and how to upgrade your favorite decks.

Helpful Tips for First-Timers

• Bring Your Deck: If you don’t have one yet, we have pre-constructed decks for purchase at the store. You can also borrow decks from players depending on availability.
• Know the Format: Check which format is being played on the day you plan to attend.
• Be Patient and Ask Questions: Our players love helping others learn!

Ready to Join the Fun?

If you’ve been looking for a way to connect with other Magic: The Gathering fans in your area, this weekly tournament is the perfect opportunity. Whether you aim to top the leaderboard or simply enjoy playing some games, we can’t wait to see you at Pro Reis Place here in Iloilo City.

Covering a local Magic: The Gathering (MTG) tournament can be an exciting way to engage with your community, showcase your skills, and provide valuable content for fellow players. I have always been doing this written coverage report of our local MTG events and happenings but with the rise of video blogging and more interactive platform options, it has become a challenge now to do so.

Here are five easy ways to effectively cover your local MTG tournament, whether you’re a novice reporter or an experienced content creator.

1. Live Blogging

Summary

Live blogging allows you to provide real-time updates during the tournament. It’s a great way to keep your audience engaged and informed about the latest developments as they happen.

Steps

• Setup: Create a blog or use a platform like Twitter, Facebook, or a dedicated live blogging tool.
• Preparation: Gather all necessary information beforehand, such as player names, deck lists, and the tournament schedule.
• Content: Post updates on match results, highlight exciting plays, and provide brief commentary.
• Engagement: Interact with your audience by responding to comments and questions.

Tips

• Use photos and short videos to enhance your posts.
• Keep updates concise and to the point.

2. Video Coverage

Summary

Creating video content can capture the excitement of the tournament and provide a visual and auditory experience for your audience.

Steps

• Equipment: Use a good-quality camera or smartphone, tripod, and microphone.
• Planning: Outline the key moments you want to capture, such as opening rounds, semi-finals, and the final match.
• Recording: Film player interviews, match highlights, and crowd reactions.
• Editing: Use simple video editing software to compile your footage into an engaging video.

Tips

• Ensure good lighting and clear audio.
• Keep videos under 10 minutes to maintain viewer interest.

3. Social Media Updates

Summary

Leverage social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to provide quick, engaging updates throughout the tournament.

Steps

• Platforms: Choose platforms where your audience is most active.
• Content: Share photos, short videos, player interviews, and match highlights.
• Hashtags: Use relevant hashtags to reach a broader audience.
• Engagement: Encourage followers to share your posts and participate in discussions.

Tips

• Use Instagram Stories or Facebook Live for real-time updates.
• Tag players and local gaming stores to increase reach.

4. Podcasting

Summary

Podcasting allows you to delve deeper into tournament coverage, offering detailed analysis, player interviews, and expert commentary.

Steps

• Equipment: Use a quality microphone and recording software.
• Format: Plan your podcast episodes, including match recaps, player interviews, and commentary.
• Recording: Record episodes before, during, and after the tournament.
• Distribution: Upload your podcast to platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.

Tips

• Keep episodes around 20-30 minutes.
• Invite local players and experts as guests.

5. Written Reports

Summary

Writing detailed reports is a traditional yet effective way to cover an MTG tournament. These can be published on blogs, websites, or local gaming newsletters.

Steps

• Preparation: Gather all relevant information before the tournament starts.
• Content: Write match summaries, player profiles, and deck analysis.
• Structure: Organize your report with clear headings and subheadings.
• Publication: Publish your report on a blog, website, or local newsletter.

Tips

• Include quotes from players and judges.
• Use high-quality images to complement your text.

Conclusion

Covering your local MTG tournament can be fun and rewarding. Whether you choose to live blog, create videos, post on social media, podcast, or write detailed reports, each method offers unique ways to engage with your audience and share the excitement of the game. Choose the method that best fits your skills and resources, and start creating compelling content today!

One of the prestigious Magic: the Gathering tournaments in Japan is the Japan Standard Cup, which was held last weekend & was hosted by Big Magic. This event featured the newest MTG set, Murders at Karlov Manor, which showed how the new cards would affect the Standard format.

With 448 participants, it is pretty high attendance and a lot of rounds of gameplay to determine which deck would be triumphant. After the smoke of the battle had settled, Dimir Aggro emerged as the best deck of the tournament. It finished at a record of 8-0-2 in the Swiss and disposed of a lot of other Top-Tier Standard decks in the playoffs.

Here below is a decklist of Dimir Aggro piloted by Yutaro Tokuyama for Standard with Murders at Karlov Manor.

Maindeck:
4 Faerie Mastermind
4 Deep-Cavern Bat
3 Gix, Yawgmoth Praetor
3 Preacher of the Schism
2 Sheoldred, the Apocalypse
1 Ertai Resurrected
1 Aclazotz, Deepest Betrayal
4 Spyglass Siren

2 Subterranean Schooner
4 Go for the Throat
2 Make Disappear
2 Cut Down
3 Invasion of Amonkhet

4 Shipwreck Marsh
4 Underground River
4 Darkslick Shores
4 Swamp
3 Island
2 Restless Reef
2 Mirrex
1 Takenuma, Abandoned Mire
1 Otawara, Soaring City

Sideboard:
1 Cut Down
2 Duress
2 Negate
2 Disdainful Stroke
1 Parasitic Grasp
1 Anoint with Affliction
1 Liliana of the Veil
1 Tishana’s Tidebinder
2 Night Clubber
2 Gix’s Command

Reference: https://www.mtgtop8.com/event?e=52196&d=587538&f=ST

In every upcoming Magic: the Gathering set, I usually preorder an MTG prerelease kit or join our local gamestore prerelease event provided that the products arrive on time. It is a great feeling to try out the new cards and mechanics and experience them in a physical scenario.

Opening Magic: The Gathering (MTG) Prerelease kits offer several advantages for players and collectors alike:

1. Early Access to New Cards: Prerelease kits are typically available before the official release date of a new set. This provides players with the opportunity to get their hands on new cards before they become widely available.
2. Limited Format Experience: Prerelease events are often held in Limited formats like Sealed Deck or Draft. These formats challenge players to build decks from a limited pool of cards, fostering creativity and adaptability in deck construction.
3. Exclusive Promotional Cards: Prerelease kits include exclusive promotional cards that are not available in regular booster packs. These cards can be collectible and may have unique or alternate art, making them sought-after by collectors.
4. Community and Social Interaction: Prerelease events bring Magic players together, creating a sense of community and camaraderie. Players can meet new people, discuss strategies, and enjoy a shared experience.
5. Casual and Relaxed Environment: Prereleases are often more casual and less competitive than other tournaments. This makes them an ideal entry point for newer players or those looking for a more relaxed gaming experience.
6. Chance to Win Prizes: Prerelease events typically offer prizes based on performance. Winning packs or other prizes can add an extra layer of excitement to the event.
7. Exploration of New Mechanics: Prerelease events are an excellent opportunity to explore and learn about the new mechanics and themes introduced in the latest set.
8. Personal Growth and Skill Development: Playing in Prerelease events can help players improve their deck-building skills, adaptability, and strategic thinking as they navigate the challenges of a Limited format.
9. Trading and Collecting: Prerelease events often involve trading cards with other players. It’s a great way to acquire cards you need for your collection or to trade for cards that fit your deck strategy.
10. Support for Local Game Stores: Participating in Prerelease events supports local game stores, which are essential hubs for the Magic community. These events help stores attract and retain players.

Here below is an unboxing video of my Prerelease kit from the recent set Wilds of Eldraine.

Overall, opening MTG Prerelease kits offers a unique and enjoyable experience for Magic players. It combines the thrill of discovering new cards with the fun of playing in a social and relaxed environment. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, Prerelease events provide a memorable and rewarding experience.

In doing the gameplay and Standard ranked Best-of-three grinds on Magic: the Gathering Arena, one of the piloted decks is the Dimir or Blue-Black Reanimator deck build. I have observed to emerge to be a top-tier deck in the format potentially.

The Dimir Reanimator deck utilizes the graveyard as a resource and aims to bring powerful creatures back from the graveyard to the battlefield. This archetype combines control, removal, mill, and reanimation to disrupt the opponent’s strategy while simultaneously reviving creatures with solid abilities.

The deck typically includes cards that can mill the opponent’s library, forcing them to put cards from their library into their graveyard. This serves a dual purpose of potentially filling your graveyard with creatures and spells that can be later reanimated, as well as disrupting the opponent’s ability to draw crucial cards. The battle card Invasion of Amonkhet fits well in this description.

Reanimation spells are a key component of the Dimir Reanimator deck. These spells allow you to return creatures from the graveyard to the battlefield, bypassing their usual casting costs. By reanimating powerful creatures such as Atraxa, Grand Unifier, you can quickly establish board presence and put pressure on your opponent.

Control elements are also important in the Dimir Reanimator deck. Cards that help removal, counterspells, or disruption you control the game and protect your reanimation strategy. This allows you to buy time and set up your graveyard for optimal reanimation plays.

Here below is the current decklist I am playing for the Standard Ranked grind on MTG Arena.

Maindeck
Creature
2 Atraxa, Grand Unifier
4 Evangel of Synthesis
3 Hidetsugu and Kairi
2 Phyrexian Fleshgorger
1 Sheoldred // The True Scriptures
3 Sheoldred, the Apocalypse

Sorcery
2 Breach the Multiverse
1 Soul Transfer

Instant
2 Cut Down
3 Go for the Throat
3 Make Disappear

Land
4 Darkslick Shores
2 Island
1 Otawara, Soaring City
4 Shipwreck Marsh
5 Swamp
1 Takenuma, Abandoned Mire
4 Underground River
4 Xander’s Lounge

Battle
4 Invasion of Amonkhet // Lazotep Convert

Planeswalker
1 Kaito Shizuki
1 Liliana of the Veil

Enchantment
3 The Cruelty of Gix

Sideboard
1 Disdainful Stroke
4 Duress
2 Glistening Deluge
2 Graveyard Trespasser // Graveyard Glutton
2 Negate
4 Siphon Insight

Here is a gameplay video I recorded of the match and strategy of the deck.

Overall, the Dimir Reanimator deck offers a strategic and synergistic playstyle, leveraging the graveyard as a resource and utilizing powerful reanimation spells to bring creatures back to the battlefield for devastating effects. You can also check out some updated deck builds of this deck archetype as new sets are added in the Standard format.

Being in a Magic: The Gathering tournament environment feels in various ways from the player’s perspective. There are those that are competitive and want to win, and so feel to be strong pressure with the goal. Others just wanted to have fun and play the deck that they like to pilot.

1. Local Store Tournaments: Many local game stores organize regular Magic tournaments, catering to players of all skill levels. These events can include Friday Night Magic (FNM), which typically features Standard, Draft, or other rotating formats. These tournaments are a great way for players to engage with their local community and test their skills in a friendly environment.
2. Grand Prix (GP): Grand Prix events are larger-scale tournaments organized by Wizards of the Coast (the company behind Magic: The Gathering) and held worldwide. GPs attract a significant number of players and offer a variety of formats, including Limited (Sealed or Draft) and Constructed (Standard, Modern, Legacy, etc.). GPs provide opportunities for players to compete at a higher level and earn valuable prizes.
3. Pro Tours and Players Tour Series: Pro Tours (now known as Players Tour Series) are premier-level events for professional players and those aspiring to compete at the highest level. These events feature top-tier competitions, showcasing the best players in the world. Players qualify for Pro Tours through various paths, including success in other tournaments and by earning Pro Points.
4. Magic: The Gathering Arena: With the rise of online play, Magic: The Gathering Arena has become an important part of the tournament scene. Wizards of the Coast organizes online tournaments and qualifiers for players to compete in a digital environment. These events provide accessibility and convenience for players who prefer online play or want to test their skills against a global player base.
5. Mythic Championships/Mythic Invitationals: Mythic Championships (formerly known as Pro Tours) and Mythic Invitationals are flagship events organized by Wizards of the Coast. These events bring together top-ranked players from around the world and offer significant prize pools. They showcase the pinnacle of competitive Magic and provide a platform for players to demonstrate their skills on a grand stage.

It’s important to note that the tournament scene may vary depending on factors such as geographic location, time of year, and the specific formats being played. Additionally, Wizards of the Coast regularly introduces new tournament structures and formats to keep the competitive scene fresh and exciting.

Whether you’re a casual player looking for local events or an aspiring professional aiming for the top, the Magic: The Gathering tournament scene offers a range of opportunities for players to compete, improve their skills, and engage with the larger Magic community.

Below is an example video of a specific tournament scene here in the Magic: the Gathering Iloilo Community. Enjoy!

The upcoming weekend will be filled again with a competitive and fun atmosphere as the Magic: the Gathering Iloilo Community has joined Anime Fest 2023 & will be holding the Back-2-back Magic: the Gathering tournament.

This tournament will be held this weekend April 15th & 16th at the Festive Mall Megaworld, Mandurriao, Iloilo City. The formats will be Standard on Saturday and Multi-Commander EDH on Sunday and with awesome prizes awaiting the top players.

We welcome players of all skill levels to come and join in on the fun. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a new player, we guarantee a great time for all! The exact prize structure will depend on the number of players who participate, but we guarantee that there will be some great prizes up for grabs.

We recommend that you arrive at least 30 minutes before the start time to ensure that you have time to register, pay the entry fee, and prepare your deck. Decklists may be required.

We expect all players to follow the rules and regulations of Magic: the Gathering during the tournament.

For more details, see the post below from the Magic: the Gathering Iloilo Community page.

We hope that you will join us for this exciting Magic: the Gathering tournament event. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We can’t wait to see you there!

Setting up a good starting hand was one of my major issues in my early days of playing Magic: the Gathering. That is because I always keep a land-short seven cards with the hopes that I will top deck my next land mana source. Most of the time it fails, and cost me the game.

Keeping an ideal starting hand in Magic: The Gathering can be crucial to winning a game, so here are some tips for building and keeping a strong starting hand:

1. Understand your deck: Knowing your deck and how it functions is essential to building an ideal starting hand. Make sure you have a good balance of lands and spells that fit your game plan.
2. Mulligan when necessary: Don’t be afraid to mulligan if your starting hand doesn’t have enough lands or spells that fit your strategy. A mulligan can hurt, but it’s better to start with a smaller hand than to keep a bad one.
3. Consider your opponent: Think about your opponent’s deck and how it might interact with yours. Keep answers to their threats in your starting hand to give yourself a better chance of success.
4. Plan ahead: Look at your hand and think about what your next few turns might look like. Do you have enough lands to play your spells on time? Are you missing any key pieces for your strategy?
5. Be flexible: Sometimes, your starting hand won’t have exactly what you need. Be prepared to adapt your game plan and adjust your expectations accordingly.
6. Don’t overcommit: Be careful not to play too many cards too quickly, especially if you’re not sure what your opponent is playing. Holding back cards can help you respond to your opponent’s plays and protect your board state.
7. Practice, practice, practice: The best way to get better at building and keeping an ideal starting hand is to play the game regularly. Take note of what works and what doesn’t, and use that knowledge to improve your starting hands over time.

By following these tips, you’ll be better equipped to build and keep a strong starting hand in Magic: The Gathering and give yourself the best chance of success in your games.

Coming this weekend is another major Magic: the Gathering tournament for the local gamestores. That is the Phyrexia: All will be One Store Championships. Store Championship is a structured, in-store tournament program that follows many major Magic: The Gathering releases. It is an opportunity for your players to prove their mettle and earn commemorative promos.This time, the preferred format approved by our TO Rei was Pioneer.

Here below are the tournament details for the weekend:

MTG Iloilo Store Championships at Pro Rei’s Place
February 25th, 2023 at 2:00pm
Format: PIONEER (Decklists required)
Registration fee: P350
Set Booster Prizes depending no. of participants
Rules Enforcement Level: Regular or Competitive
Pairing Method: Swiss (with a cut to top-8 if event has 17+ player)
Promo Support:
Participation promos (quantity based on play metrics)
8 Top-8 promos
1 Winner promo