In which expansion did you start playing?

Antiquities

What is your favorite format?

Block Constructed

What is your favorite card?

Bronze Tablet

What do you like the most about Magic?

My favorite thing about Magic is that is isn’t one game for one group of people but actually a set of rules and components that can be enjoyed so many different ways and for so many different reasons.

What has been your greatest experience playing Magic?

The best experience for me has been all the people I have had the chance to meet over the years and all the friends I’ve made along the way.

What was you best trip for Magic?

In October 2011 I went on a trip around the world to play in a series of Grand Prixs. We started in Milan, Italy but went on the Brisbane, Australia; Santiago, Chile; and Hiroshima, Japan before getting back to the United States to see the last full World Championships in San Francisco. On this almost 2 month trip I made so many friends and saw so many amazing places. I really got a chance to “Play the game, see the world.”

What is your greatest personal Magic achievement?

My greatest personal achievement in Magic is going undefeated on Day 1 of GP Charlotte, the largest GP ever at the time.

How did you learn to play?

At first, with just some Antiquities boosters in hand I had no idea how to play. Eventually I was able to purchase a rulebook they sold back then and teach myself most of the rules. The rest I learned from a friend at summer camp and a local store owner.

What advice would you give to a new player or someone who wanted to improve their game?

Don’t worry about losing. When you are first starting out you can learn a lot more from your losses than you realize. Always think about what you could have done differently and figure out if it really mattered. Don’t brush off every loss as your opponent getting lucky or you drawing bad. Sometimes you just can’t win a game or match, and that’s OK. Instead try to win every game you can win.

It’s important to remember that Magic is a game. We all play it for a different reason and with different goals but the goal of any game is to enjoy yourself. No matter how competitive you are and how important it is to win, first and foremost you should be enjoying what you’re doing. If you’re frustrated or things just aren’t going your way and you find yourself needing a break, don’t be afraid to take one. Magic will be there when you’re ready to try again.

What is the name of your team?

I’m a lone wolf at the moment.

Something you’d like to add?

I travel all the time to Grand Prix all over the world. If you see me feel free to stop me to say “Hi” or to chat. You can follow me on twitter.com/jksearles or find me on facebook.com/jamesksearles.