Trying to Improve My Play
General forum
Posted on July 18, 2014, 2:38 p.m. by Rasta_Viking29
Recently I feel as though I've hit one of those dam plateaus in my progress as a player. I study a lot, playtest/tune almost daily, and play 2-4x a week IRL. I saw steady improvement for about 4 months and accomplished my goal of winning a SCG IQ. The past 2 1/2 months or so though I've flat-lined and maybe even regressed for a short period of time while working on becoming a better technical player. I feel good about my preparation but feel my play lacks behind. My current goal is to qualify for day 2 of the SCG Invitational or win a PTQ.
I'd like to play more games but there's only so many hours in a week. I started thinking about ways to get more out of the games do play instead. There was an article about Peyton Manning on ESPN yesterday that covered the things that he does to continue taking his game to new heights. One of them was watching film and critiquing his decision making and the physical execution of every pass he threw the past season. Made me wonder what the impact of recording my own games and reviewing them later would be.
I've looked into a pair of glasses with a camera built in and it's seems feasible. Keeping the above in mind I have some questions though:
A. For the judges on here: Is it legal to record my games at Competitive REL events in such a manner?
B. As a player would you have any concerns or object to your opponent recording the match?
C. Considering the costs ($50 + looking like a tard) do you think I will see a meaningful return on this investment into my play?
D. Does anyone record games on MODO for these purposes? Any success?
Questions A & B are of greatest concern but feel free to chime in on any other thoughts you have about this.
Servo_Token says... #3
They record the pro tours, and any pro in there can record that recording if they wanted to, so I see no reason why you wouldn't be able to record your matches in that mannor so long as you were obviously recording and doing nothing else with that piece of technology.
July 18, 2014 3 p.m.
You'd probably have to announce to your opponent what you are doing, which would probably be an advantage for you as it would make them naturally uneasy. Just don't do it with your friends.
July 18, 2014 3:06 p.m.
Gidgetimer says... #5
So from the tournament rules:
2.12 Electronic Devices
At Competitive and Professional Rules Enforcement Level, players may not use electronic devices once they have sat for their match or during deck construction, with the exception of taking brief personal calls with the opponent's permission. At Regular Rules Enforcement Level, electronic devices are permitted, but players may not use them to access information that contains substantial strategic advice or information about an opponent's deck. Device use during a match other than brief personal calls must be visible to all players. Players wishing to view information privately on electronic devices during matches must request permission from a judge. The Head Judge or Tournament Organizer of a tournament may further restrict or forbid the use of electronic devices during matches.
2.13 Video Coverage
Some Competitive and Professional REL events use video for live streaming or replay broadcast of matches. Players may decline to appear on camera if they wish. Video commentators are considered spectators for the purpose of the tournament, but may talk during the match as long as they are out of earshot of the players being covered. They are responsible for behaving respectfully to all tournament participants during coverage. Spectators are also permitted to record matches provided that they do so unobtrusively.
So it looks like at regular REL there is no rule against you recording your games unless the TO forbids it. At competitive and pro REL you would need to have one of your friends as a spectator record it.
July 18, 2014 3:29 p.m.
Rasta_Viking29 says... #6
Thanks for the input guys.
Gidgetimer those rules make it seem illegal. I started digging around looking for judge posts to see if any address video recording devices used by the players. I found this link on magicjudges.org. Of note it says "A few players have asked about using video cameras to record or stream matches. This is allowed as long as the device is passive, not consulted, and you have permission of the Head Judge and each opponent."
It's confusing... Rhadamanthus could you lend me your expertise on this?
July 18, 2014 4:52 p.m.
Rhadamanthus says... #7
The current version of the MTR has a somewhat clarified 2.12. Specifically:
At Competitive and Professional Rules Enforcement Level during drafting, deck construction, and playing of matches, players may not use electronic devices capable of taking and storing notes, communicating with other people, or accessing the internet (with the exception of taking brief personal calls with the opponent's permission).
Because the glasses don't have any of these capabilities, they aren't specifically restricted. Yes, there's an argument that recording a match is "taking and storing notes", but the recording isn't accessible unless you hook them up to a specifically restricted device. Toby Elliot's comments about an acceptable recording device being "passive" and "not consulted" essentially requires the device be an "unobtrusive" spectator as noted in 2.13.
As always for unusual or confusing situations like this, ask the Head Judge before the event starts.
July 18, 2014 5:06 p.m.
Gidgetimer says... #8
How often do they update the MTR? The version I found was dated May 2 ,2014 so I assumed that was the current one.
July 18, 2014 5:19 p.m.
Gidgetimer says... #9
Never mind, I found it. The new one was effective today. Too bad you didn't ask this yesterday, then my answer would have been entirely true.
July 18, 2014 5:24 p.m.
Rasta_Viking29 says... #10
Thanks Rhadamanthus!
Gidgetimer you get an A for effort in my book.
CommanderOfBolas says... #2
I cant answer question A, but I personally would have no objections to you recording a match. Playing as much as you do, I would say the investment is more than worth it. I personally don't have the resources to record my own games, but I totally would if I could.
July 18, 2014 2:55 p.m.