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The Crossover Connections Between Magic the Gathering and Poker
Since 1994, the most important tournament for Magic the Gathering has been held annually, offering cash prizes of up to $100,000 to the winners. Called the Magic the Gathering World Championship, players from around the world battle it out to determine the best Magic player.
In 2021, game publisher Wizards of the Coast added $50,000 in appearance payouts for each qualifying player in the year's World Championship event. This meant that for the 16 players who qualified for the Magic the Gathering World Championship, they were guaranteed $800,000 divided between them.
As you can see, the Magic the Gathering World Championship is a big deal for any serious Magic player. Currently, the US holds the lead for most Individual World Championships and team titles. Coincidentally, the last three World Championships were held in Las Vegas, making Magic the Gathering potentially the biggest non-poker and non-casino annual event in the city.
Taking a closer look at both Magic the Gathering and poker reveals more similarities between the two than one may think. After all, the two card games already share a world-level, high-stakes competitive scene. In this post, we'll take a closer look at the crossover connections between Magic the Gathering and poker:
Campaign Crafter: DM Narration How to Talk Like a God and Not Bore Your Players to Death
AWelcome, brave Dungeon Masters. Or should I say, unpaid fantasy therapists with a God complex and a bag of dice. You're here because you want to master narration—y’know, that thing you do between rules lawyering and pretending you didn’t plan for the bard seducing the necromancer.
Let’s cut the crap and talk real. Being a DM means you’re the narrator. You’re the director, the lighting tech, the boom mic operator, and every damn actor in this community theater production called Dungeons & Dragons. But unlike Hollywood, you’ve got no budget, no crew, and your players think “roleplaying” means quoting Monty Python and using a different accent for their third character after they fell into a pit again.
Here’s how to narrate like you mean it—and maybe even keep your players awake.
Lead by Example (or, "Do as I Say AND as I Dramatically Perform")
If you’re flat, monotone, and sound like you’re reading a corporate
Campaign Crafter | Modes of Dungeons and Dragons: A DM’s Guide to Herding Cats
Master the 5 modes of D&D—Setup, Exploration, Conversation, Encounter, and Passing Time—in this hilariously irreverent guide for Dungeon Masters. Learn how to wrangle your chaotic players, keep the game flowing, and survive their most ridiculous decisions. A must-read for every DM!
Video Game Victory: Esports and Online Game Playing is Big Business Around the World
Today, esports has come a long way too. Far from being niche, esports is a global phenomenon, with esports events in 2024 surpassing previous achievements in both competitors and the number of events themselves. It is, of course, not the only digital entertainment success story in terms of game-playing.
Campaign Crafter | How to Prepare for Running a D&D Game: A Beginner Dungeon Master’s Guide
Want to run an amazing Dungeons & Dragons session but not sure how to prepare? In this episode of Campaign Crafter Podcast, we break down how to prepare for your D&D game—whether you have one hour or four. Learn essential Dungeon Master (DM) skills, from selecting prewritten adventures to crafting immersive encounters, pacing your session, and improvising like a pro. Whether you're a beginner DM or looking to refine your skills, this guide will help you run a smooth, engaging, and unforgettable game. Plus, stay tuned for our next episode on running a game with zero prep!
Solasta 2 Demo: A Snarky Stroll Through Neokos
Dive into our sarcastic, in-depth review of the Solasta 2 demo, where Unreal Engine 5 visuals, revamped GUI, and improved voice acting shine—but some beloved mechanics like Ready Action are mysteriously missing. Plus, we break down the linear dialogue problem and relive the hilarity of an unexpected game-over moment from our live stream! Is Solasta 2 ready to rival Baldur’s Gate 3? Read our full breakdown and watch the gameplay here.
Building Your Perfect World: Tips for a Seamless Minecraft Experience
There's something about Minecraft that keeps drawing me back, like comfort food for the creative soul. After years of building, exploring, and yes, occasionally running screaming from Creepers, I've learned a thing or two about crafting the perfect Minecraft world. Whether you're a seasoned builder or just taking your first tentative steps into that blocky horizon, here's how to make your Minecraft experience truly yours.
Exploring the Path to Victory in Summoner's Rift
There's something almost meditative about the opening moments of a match on Summoner's Rift. The rhythmic pinging of teammates calling their lanes, the familiar path through the jungle to ward river brush, the mounting tension as minion waves approach their inevitable clash. But don't let this deceptively peaceful prologue fool you - League of Legends' flagship battleground houses some of the most intricate strategic warfare you'll find in competitive gaming.
Unleashing the Chaos: Enhancing D&D Combat with Marvel Midnight Suns!
What if your Dungeons & Dragons combat felt as thrilling and cinematic as the turn-based battles in Marvel’s Midnight Suns? Imagine every swing of the sword, every spell cast, and every tactical move woven seamlessly into a story bursting with energy and environmental impact. From electrified puddles to collapsing ruins, Midnight Suns takes strategy to dazzling heights, and now you can bring that same dynamic spirit into your tabletop adventures.
As a Dungeon Master, you have the power to transform ordinary combat encounters into unforgettable moments of creativity and chaos. Inspired by the tactical brilliance of Marvel’s Midnight Suns, this guide offers tips and tricks to incorporate unique environmental interactions and in-combat quests into your Dungeons & Dragons sessions. Let’s explore how to captivate players with tactical depth, immersive storytelling, and thrilling banter to bring your battles to life.
A Guide to Understanding Crypto Within DnD
Fifty years since it was first created, Dungeons & Dragons (DnD) has long outgrown its
original reputation as a niche tabletop role-playing game played mostly in basements or
dens.
Today, DnD’s active player base is estimated to be more than 50 million around the
world. Whereas the stereotype for DnD players is rooted in its “nerdier” beginnings, now
parties are composed of a variety of individuals. This even includes big-time celebrities
like the actors Joe Manganiello and Vin Diesel. The former has even been tapped as a
writer, ambassador, and consultant for the game’s publisher, Wizards of the Coast.
But what has really helped propel DnD into a global phenomenon now valued at over
$15 billion worldwide? It’s the dedication to
10 Underwater Challenges for Adventuring Parties
Discover 10 thrilling underwater challenges for adventuring parties in your tabletop RPG campaigns. From blinding depths and treacherous terrain to magical maelstroms and silent predators, these creative ideas will push your players to their limits. Packed with DM tips, expanded details, and humor, this guide is your ultimate resource for crafting immersive aquatic adventures. Perfect for D&D and other RPG systems, dive into strategies that bring your underwater worlds to life!
Top Cyber Monday Amazon Deals You Can’t Miss in 2024
Cyber Monday Madness: Gamers, Grab Your Wallets!
Buckle up, folks! Cyber Monday is barging in with deals hotter than your console after a five-hour boss fight. Retailers like Best Buy and Amazon have officially hit reset on their sales, diving headfirst into round two of bargain bonanzas. If Black Friday was your warm-up, Cyber Monday is the main event—and it’s already shaping up to be a power move for savvy gamers.
We’ve got record-breaking discounts on PS5 and Nintendo Switch consoles, fresh cuts on newly released games, and jaw-dropping prices on the kind of gaming accessories that make your setup scream pro. Some of Friday’s favorites are flying off the shelves faster than a speedrun, and a few have even dared to drop their prices further. The takeaway? The loot is ripe for the picking, so let’s dive into the action!
Tabletop Rules: How to Keep Your D&D Sessions Fun and Immersive
Whether you're a veteran Dungeon Master or stepping into your first Dungeons & Dragons campaign, setting the right tone at the table is key to a successful game. A great session isn’t just about epic storylines and clever puzzles—it’s about creating a collaborative, respectful, and immersive environment where every player feels engaged.
From handling missing players to rolling dice fairly, every group benefits from having clear table rules. These guidelines aren’t just about keeping the game organized—they’re about enhancing the fun and ensuring the focus stays on the story you’re crafting together.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most effective table rules for any D&D group, provide practical tips to streamline gameplay, and recommend tools that every Dungeon Master should have in their arsenal. Ready to level up your sessions? Let’s dive in!
Campaign Crafter | Exploring Different Types of D&D Games: Find the Perfect Fit for Your Table
Are you wondering how to structure your next Dungeons & Dragons game? Whether you're a Dungeon Master or a player, choosing the right game format can make all the difference. Should you go with a classic single DM campaign, try collaborative multiple DMs, or keep it simple with an episodic or one-shot game? Each style offers unique benefits and challenges, from epic storytelling to quick, low-commitment adventures. In this blog, we break down the pros and cons of each D&D game type, helping you craft a gaming experience that fits your group's needs. Find out how to avoid DM burnout, keep players engaged, and make every session unforgettable.
This guide is perfect for D&D beginners and veterans alike—read on to level up your tabletop gaming!
Should You Incorporate Eyewear Into Your D&D Gameplay?
With the Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition revision set to officially release in the Fall, many DMs are already awaiting the new playbook it will bring and the adventures it will unlock. While many players, especially long-time vets, are feeling a little lukewarm regarding the latest mechanics and revisions that 5e brought, it inarguably opens up a lot of exciting opportunities.
Among these is the chance to revisit the tools of your trade. This includes eyewear, which can be considered a highly beneficial piece of gear for DMs and players, both in-game and real life. But just how does eyewear do this? Read on to find out.
Campaign Crafter: Understanding Player Types
Are you a new Dungeon Master (DM) eager to run an unforgettable D&D campaign? Running a great game involves more than following rules or creating an interesting storyline; it's about understanding your players, pacing your game effectively, and creating an engaging environment. Here’s a step-by-step guide for new DMs to elevate their game and make every session memorable!
1. Know Your Players’ Types and Motivations
Understanding the different types of players in your game is crucial. Players come with different motivations and playstyles, so let’s explore each type and how you, as a DM, can engage them.
Actors: They love roleplaying and fully immersing themselves in their character's personality. To engage Actors, design social encounters, and encourage in-character dialogue.
D&D: 5 Tips on How to Be a Better Player in Dungeons & Dragons
How Do I Become a Better Dungeons & Dragons Player? You Can Start by Reading this Blog!
This isn’t a question many players ask themselves. How do I become a better Dungeon Master? This is a question almost every DM asks themselves. Why is it that making sure that the game is fun rests solely on the DM? Don’t they have enough work to do? Yes…yes they do. So not it’s your turn to put in some work!
The Ultimate Gift Guide for Dungeons & Dragons Enthusiasts This Black Friday 2024
The Ultimate Gift Guide for Dungeons & Dragons Enthusiasts This Black Friday & Holiday Season 2023
Black Friday, the most anticipated shopping day of the year, is just around the corner! While many rush to score deals on electronics and apparel, there’s a special group of individuals for whom finding the perfect gift can be a bit more challenging: Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) players. This guide is dedicated to helping you find the best gifts for the D&D enthusiast in your life this holiday season.
Immersive Adventures with Eldritch Foundry
In the ever-evolving world of tabletop role-playing games (RPGs), immersion is key. A well-crafted miniature can be the bridge between imagination and reality, breathing life into your characters and adventures. This is where Eldritch Foundry steps in, offering a digital platform that empowers players and game masters to create highly detailed, customized miniatures for their tabletop journeys. In this in-depth review, we will explore the features, customization options, and overall experience of Eldritch Foundry.
Furhaven Campaign Overview & Additional Tips to Enhance Your Game
Furhaven Campaign Overview & Additional Tips to Enhance Your Game
The Furhaven campaign, a captivating and perilous adventure designed specifically for the Fates End Furhaven RPG.
The Furhaven campaign takes place in the town of Furhaven, where tensions between two factions, the Furs and the Feathers, are escalating. The players, a group of young adventurers known as the Younglings, are caught in the middle of a conspiracy orchestrated by Master Alodar, a corrupted paladin from the Society of the Talon.