Ever since I started playing this great game (somewhere around fourth grade, almost ten years ago) I've been the Magic: the Gathering call guy in my group of friends.  As one might expect, this position holds a lot of power.

In fact, in those formative years, I must admit that I abused that power.  It was a combination of laziness and creativity; I pretended to have read the official rulebook, but instead made up my own rules.  This resulted in something far from what Magic was supposed to look like.  Swampwalk meant something very different when we were kids. 

 But times have changed.  I've learned from my ways and even read the rulebook.  But, even though the game has changed (kinda), the power hasn't.  It's a good feeling to have everyone rely on you, but it's a better feeling to deserve it.  Those of you who are also the call guy (or girl) probably know what I'm talking about.

As the call guy, I've been called upon many times.  While drafting, a friend asked me for a price quotation so that he could properly rare draft (d'oh!).  While away at college, a friend called me about tapping before attackers.  At my own university I've coached players about proper use of a second main phase.  And many players online, at my store, and at my schools have come to me for help revising decklists.

How did I get here?  It certainly wasn't by winning all the time.  Sure, I win a lot at school, but most online players can't know how well I play, and the people at the shop know all too well how many "almosts" I've had.

It also wasn't through any Machiavellian terms of misinformation like it was in my days of youth.  Youth-er, perhaps, I'm not one to start calling myself old yet. 

 I got this position through patience and practice.

When a kid spends a whole summer in the card shop, he knows full well how much they charge for all the cards he can't afford.  And when he can't afford cards, he also knows when they're charging too much for them.  I'm not suggesting that everyone go spend all their time in card shops (that would perpetuate many stereotypes that I don't want getting perpetuated) , what I am suggesting is that you pay attention when you are there.  Knowing prices, aside from being a cool trick, is a good way to get an edge in trades or to spot a deal at a convention.  I have a friend who bought four Arcbound Ravagers for $3 each when they came out (it counteracts Broodstar!).  Then he sold them for $18 each a week later because he didn't want to play affinity.  That's $60 just for paying attention.  We all have our cool stories from paying attention; make a habit of it and you'll become a call guy/girl.

 To be the call guy, you need people to call you.  You need to get known.  This part is tricky, because nobody likes that supernerd who knows everything and won't stop letting people know it.  Not just in Magic, but in life, kids, the way to make a name is to do what you do and do it well.  Don't boast about being the best, just be the best and give someone a chance to notice.  Here's how I got noticed on one online website I frequent; I waited until someone asked about something I knew a lot about and then I gave him one hell of an answer.  After I was done giving him a suggested decklist, matchup analysis, and piloting tips for his deck I didn't post again until somebody called on me specifically.  I continued to give solid advice whenever it was asked of me, but I never bragged or put anyone down.  Then came the most important part, I asked for their help.

Knowing a lot is a good way to get people to want to make you a call guy, asking a well-informed question is a good way to convince them you want them to talk to you.

I'm not sure how long or short these are supposed to be (735 words might be pushing it).  Especially without any real playing tips. So, to those of you still with me, thanks for listening, I promise next time it'll be more exciting.

Thanks call guys and girls,

-Nico "the_deck_tech" Weiss