The Role of "Other" Formats in Magic-League

VacancyMan · Joined: 01 May 2005 Posts: 314

I am a spoiled Magic: the Gathering player. I ignore Type 1, mindlessly play the same deck over and over in 1.5, loathe 1.x, and have given up on Type 2. I can't stand the contemporary days of Magic. I yearn for something new, something inspiring, and, with Guildpact some anguishful weeks away, the cure could be anything but ordinary. Thus, I have a proposal.

This may come as a shock to some of you.

I'll give you a chance to turn back.

Still with me?

You fool.

You utter fool.

Oh well, I guess there's no stopping you now.

Here it is - the appalling truth:

There are formats out there besides Standard, Extended, Legacy, and Vintage.

Surprised

These are virgin formats, those with card pools, deck strategies, and gameplay dynamics to be explored. We are able to manufacture our own metagame. The viability of rogue that some desperately yearn for comes alive, while those who correctly analyze the format will be rewarded with success. I remember the Rainbow Stairwell days on Magic-League fondly. I am sure that I am not the only one. I hope that "Other" formats can be revived, acknowledged, and appreciated as another great way of enjoying this game. If you know of a quality "Other" format, post it here. I urge those in power for the league to consider more "Other" events and for the league members to support and enjoy them.

Bejeezus · Joined: 12 Dec 2004 Posts: 1728 Location: Right Here

I try and play any type of Format that is considered to be "Other" whether it be an off-beat block format or something like Rainbow Stairwell, it was all enjoyable for me.

I do remember when there was a week of wacky formats here in Magic-League, and that was one of the most fun times I had here. I'd just love to see that happen again.

Strovil · Joined: 11 Mar 2005 Posts: 575

I love the more unusual formats like Rainbow Stairwell and Prismatic Highlander.

Craze · Joined: 30 Jan 2005 Posts: 5049 Location: Indiana, U

Greatest Other Format is T2 Chaos...I'm undefeated in it...

I love it soo much....

plowman · Joined: 01 Sep 2004 Posts: 5

I'm a big fan of Bring Your Own Block.

kilomitro · Joined: 25 Oct 2004 Posts: 165

the problem with the "other" formats are, well, they suck. some are too random, like rainbow stairwell, while others just dont have the support, like BYOB. i personally like BYOB, and if more players had a deck, id host minis. but alas there lies another problem. since the "other" formats arnt used much by either teh DCI or M-L, most ppl dont even have one. im sure if M-L hosted some trials, theyd become more popular.

Strovil · Joined: 11 Mar 2005 Posts: 575

All Magic-League needs to do is schedule a bit.

Put an announcement on the front page that states the upcoming format 2 weeks in advance.

And being random is the whole point of formats like rainbow stairwell, prismatic, and highlander. They go so far as to ban tutors to keep it that way.

VacancyMan · Joined: 01 May 2005 Posts: 314

Tidus- · Joined: 27 Oct 2004 Posts: 296

Extended Highlander minis are made by me all the time but sadly after 30mins of entries being open i dont even find a leagye match to play in that format Very Happy

MarkTwainIII · Joined: 19 Dec 2005 Posts: 100

id love to see 3-card magic Smile

Demed · Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Posts: 80

Although ranking in at 1589, I still eenjoy offbeat formats. The problem though is that we are restricted by the programs we use. I would love to play vanguard.

DoItFaster · Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Posts: 1133 Location: California

I think it would be cool if ML attempted a Two Headed Ogre tourney on Apprentice. I would do the whole 'Magic for Mac' or whatever its called thread, just so I could play in it.

NahHolmes · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Posts: 561

"Other" tourneys need some kinda advanced notice...
not saying it has to be like BYOB tourney at 7PM on Thurs., but maybe like "this week I will be trying to have creature and BYOB tourneys" just so people will have the decks lying around...

DR_DooM · Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Posts: 42

i love those tourneys but they are always on apprentice

Dr_Moo · Joined: 26 Nov 2004 Posts: 987

"Other" formats rock, big time. Back when e-league was thriving, there were a ton of judges who ran "other" formats regularly, part of why it was the best online league ever for quite a while. "Other" formats are not only generally much more fun, but much more skill intensive. I could go to various magic websites right now, blatantly copy the Ichorid deck in 1.x, read some articles to figure out what makes it tick, and beat down quite easily. You can't do that for Extended Highlander or Mirage Block Constructed. You might be able to hunt down some decklists, but good luck finding someone to tell you how to play it.