A Magic player’s tale
March 6th, 2010 | Published in Cards and Boards | 12 Comments
Today’s Cards & Boards blog post is contributed by a well-known name in the Malaysian gaming scene, Terry Soh.
Many Malaysian Magic: the Gathering tournament players will readily tell you that Soh is one of the top players in the country. Easily regarded as one the nation’s most consistent and internationally-recognized players, he has recorded many a tournament win, both locally and internationally.
What makes his ascent to the pinnacle of the game unique is his almost-exclusive reliance on Magic Online, to steadily hone his card dueling prowess. His international Magic tournament record highlights include the 2005 Magic Invitational win, as well as an impressive 3rd place finish in the 2009 Worlds individual event.
He even has his very own Magic card (Rakdos Augermage) – a rare honour accorded to only world-level competition winners (for his 2005 Invitational win).
This is his story:
Greetings to all my dear readers!
First of all, let me introduce myself and the game I have been playing my entire life. My name is Terry Soh. I am a 23-year old final year university student and I have been playing a trading card game called Magic the Gathering for the past 11 years.
I have travelled to numerous countries around the world to compete in world-class tournaments, taking home something like over US$60,000 of winnings (that’s about RM200,000 in today’s equivalent) and I even have my own card printed by the company when I was 18 years old.
Many people have a misconception that gamers are geeky and boring, but with all the travelling experiences and winnings I had accumulated, I beg to differ.
In fact, besides the cardboard itself, there are a lot more dynamics involved. Most gamers do not learn the game by themselves; they were usually introduced by friends or peers.
This was the same for me: I picked up the game from my younger brother, who in turn picked it up from our cousin. We would go to a local game store, play casual games, hang out, meet new players and friends.
In playing Magic, my command of English also improved significantly, thanks to the text and rules of the game. During my college years, I actually read up strategy articles written by professional players as part of revision for my English papers. Eventually, I would start writing for Magic websites to help others to improve in the game (which I still do, as you can see here).
Magic: the Gathering is a relatively easy game to learn and fun to play. Here’s the lowdown: The objective of the game is to be the first to reduce your opponent’s life total to zero. Each player starts with 20 life and 7 cards in hand and draws a card during their turn. The game is played using various various creatures and spells from the cards in their hand.
If you happen to live in Kuala Lumpur, it is reasonably easy to find places to learn about the game, as there are at least half a dozen Magic stores in the city, as well as dozens of other shops that sell Magic products.
Team Malaysia with Terry, far right, striking a cheeky grin.
Once you are familiar with the game, perhaps it’s time to bring yourself to the next level of the game by competing in tournaments! There is no shame if you are new or you may not be the best player around. There is a variety of different levels of tournaments held all over KL.
For example, there are local tournaments (Friday Night Magic) where you can win a booster pack worth RM10; there are premier local tournament (Pro Tour Qualifier) where you can win an air ticket to world class tournament called Pro Tour and finally there are Pro Tours which pays $US45,000 for the first prize. For the record, I had made 3rd place twice in the Pro Tours, pocketing $US15,000 each time.
That’s about it for this time. I’ll talk more about the game itself as well as my experiences of being a Magic player, next time. May you gamers pursue your dreams to the fullest!
March 12th, 2010at 3:45 pm(#)
Hi Terry,
I’m a huge fan of MtG too. But I don’t get to see much gameplay as I do not live near KL. My home state is in Penang, and I’m currently studying in Kuching.
I was introduced by a friend about 8 years ago, but apart from casual games, it is rather difficult for teens to compete at high levels and make it a career in Malaysia. There’s a market, but it is really a small one and mainly within KL-Selangor area. At this moment, I have yet to find a single shop which stocks MtG cards in Kuching.
Anyway, I just want to share that I had two years in Singapore and the atmosphere there was very much different. Prerelease Tournaments are packed with participants, and FNM events usually have three or more long tables each with an 8-person draft.
MtG has been a very positive influence in my life. Even now, I still check dailymtg.com each day religiously, but there are very few gamers to share with in Malaysia. I think this lack of enthusiasm is partly due to the high prices of cards and the fact that many teens would rather use the cash on their cigarettes or modifying their bikes.
Well, Happy Duelling! Best of luck in your upcoming Pro Tours!
March 14th, 2010at 10:47 pm(#)
Hey Richard,
Glad you re a fan of Mtg. I have to agree, most of the gaming community is within the Selangor-KL area. And oh, if you realized, GP KL had just ended, and i just missed the money bracket on 66th finish (top 64 gets money).
Well, if you said that you found difficulty in finding players to play with, you should really try to play Magic Online. It does costs some money, but you can play 24/7 and there is all types of players around the world to play with you, whether its plain casual or pure competitive decks.
March 14th, 2010at 10:51 pm(#)
There is a shop selling MtG cards in Kuching. It only opens on Saturdays though and is rather isolated. The shop is called Emagic Kuching. They have FNM there, but small crowd. Come and join us! (Disclaimer: I do not work there or gain any profit from the shop)
March 16th, 2010at 2:03 pm(#)
Hi Halim!
Thanks for the bit of info! No worries at all, we’re glad you’re sharing the name and location of the place, for all Cards & Boards readers!
I’ll make it a point to check it out if I ever make it there then
Thanks and cheers,
YY
March 19th, 2010at 12:30 pm(#)
try playing magic online as what terry soh said. you will have a lot of fun there.
March 28th, 2010at 8:55 pm(#)
Thanks, you all!
Hehe, didn’t check back here. Forgot to bookmark the page. I WILL go check out the place ASAP! =) Hopefully it’ll be open this coming Saturday..
I played MtG online for awhile using another programme which allows for deck-testing. It was free and readily available with many players but I still find paper Magic to be the best experience.
@Terry. Yeah, I saw the results. Tough luck.. Hope you do much better next time round! Malaysian MtG players are all rooting for you!
@Halim, I will go check out the store ASAP! Thanks very much for contacting via fb!
Happy Duelling,
Richard.
April 22nd, 2010at 9:55 pm(#)
I’m from Malacca, recently moved to KL. I used to play during the Onslaught block, way back in ancient times. I wish to rejoin the community, so where are the watering holes of MTG enthusiasts in the Klang valley?
I don’t have a car, and I currently reside in the Bangsar area. Any recommendations near to Bangsar or is accessible by LRT is greatly appreciated.
I know of a few companies that used to sell singles, but I don’t know where they are anymore… ComicCorner and CCE. I not sure if I got the name right…
April 24th, 2010at 12:10 pm(#)
I have the same problems here… Tryng to join the community back since ive move in KL… Though i dont have transport to move around… The only place ive seen MTG is comic conner at Mid Valley… However they dont sell much… Most of time i been there the cards sold out.. Idk which nub borong them all lol.. But please i really need an easy access park to play… And ofcoz rebuilding back my deck since my last block was mirrodin block which is 3 years ago lol… HELP ME
mail me at katak_bless@live.com or just send me a msg dont call lol i wud shock by a stranger than xD 0132724910 thanks
April 28th, 2010at 2:39 pm(#)
@Chazz and Anon
Perhaps you guys can try going to Eternal Magic @ Millennium Square, PJ. It is easily accessible as there is a LRT station nearby (Asia Jaya, Putra Line). For detailed directions, take a look at this : http://maps.google.com.my/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=113693907924832093400.000451a3beded3964c5c2&iwloc=000451a3bf58df9dba703&gl=my&ved=0CCsQnAUwAg&sa=X&ei=hdfXS-jFMo7kugPF-q3wDQ
August 14th, 2010at 10:49 pm(#)
hye terry. I’m syazmie from penang.. I’m love playing MTG card game so much but i dont know where the tournament in penang will be held.. so can u help me??
November 23rd, 2010at 7:45 am(#)
dude im from California we must talk some strategy im a beginner but i think im kinda good
October 13th, 2011at 8:59 pm(#)
Hello would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re using? I’m planning to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a difficult time deciding between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something unique. P.S Apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!