The triangle of Magic

I took a project management class back when I was getting a masters. The class was taught by an awesome teacher who moved on to amazing things. (not the point) However, what he made a point of was that EVERYTHING could be broken down in to a project. From building a shed to plotting out world domination. Recently on my MtG friend text line, there was discussion about balancing what it takes to be successful in Magic. Is it money? Is it just sheer amount of time spent on it? Is it being successful in your preferred field of play? They were all valid points.



Can you make up effort by just spending a ton of cash?
Can you spend a VERY little and play?
Can you play a TON and spend a very little?

What is your desired goal in playing?

The same sort of formula is found between project management and playing Magic. You can typically only control two aspects, but never all three. (well, maybe) You can spend a TON of money, and spend time, but you can't control the scope/quality/output. Maybe you spend a TON of time and concentrate on quality, but the cost is out of your control. All of these points can be seen by a magic player because, we all have to play to win. And to play, you have to invest somewhere.

Oddly, there MIGHT be world where professional Magic players can somewhat control all three- which is to say they spend all their time, and money, and scope on this ONE thing. However, they are vastly under represented compared to the rest of the crowd playing.

My point is this- if you are a regular player, who likes to win- good luck becoming a professional. Because unless you want a regular life, you will never be able to tackle all three aspects of the project that is playing magic.

In the mean time, what you can control is your happiness in playing and various aspects of the game.

Do you like to brew new decks and trying them out? Go for it.

Do you like just collecting the art and history of the game? Hope you are rich or very good in predicting.

Do you just like playing various formats, without much thought to money? Perhaps proxies are you cheap answer.

Maybe you like spending all day Saturday at a GP, even if you don't win.

Or maybe you just play FNM events, and don't give a rats butt about the value of the game...

Magic is a VERY, if not the most, complicated game ever produced. There are so many aspects just outside of the game play as well... and many people get caught up in the swirl beyond that. Be sure, if you want to just play the game, to pay attention to the game. Ignore the shiny cards (aka full foil Modern deck), ignore the haters who bash your results, play your game. Be nice, be respectful, and follow what you like- that's all you can do.