Why I am not going to Gencon this year.

[Tha Gunslinga]

No matter how good the security is there, the fact remains that you're still carrying around at least 4-5 grand in cards, substantially more for a lot of folks, and you have to carry it all over the place.  I hope security is improved, but I still don't know if I will ever go back.

[ashiXIII]

The automatic response to anyone that says "Well I'm going to make sure that I do XYZ to protect my cards":

1) Kenta's deck
2) Klug's computer

If your point is that no amount of protection is sufficient to protect against ALL thefts, then duh. if your point is that you shouldn't attend/bring expensive cards because of the risk of theft, it's up to each person to decide if it's worth it to them. if your point is that enacting additional security measures is pointless because things will be stolen anyway, then your logic is very faulty.

I'm glad PastTimes has upped their security for this event. It's important for organizers and players to work together to prevent theft, but the bottom line is that each individual can do a LOT more to protect against theft than the venue ever can simply by being very alert and aware of your belongings at all times. Don't bring cards with you if you're uncomfortable having that kind of value on you in a public place.

[hvndr3d y34r h3x]

No matter how good the security is there, the fact remains that you're still carrying around at least 4-5 grand in cards, substantially more for a lot of folks, and you have to carry it all over the place.  I hope security is improved, but I still don't know if I will ever go back.

Ben, you know you'll be going at some point in the future. Otherwise you might lose pimp cred.

[Smmenen]

No matter how good the security is there, the fact remains that you're still carrying around at least 4-5 grand in cards, substantially more for a lot of folks, and you have to carry it all over the place.  I hope security is improved, but I still don't know if I will ever go back.

People playing in Vintage champs shouldn't bring any other cards but their deck, and should always have their deck in hand at all times.   

[Tha Gunslinga]

No matter how good the security is there, the fact remains that you're still carrying around at least 4-5 grand in cards, substantially more for a lot of folks, and you have to carry it all over the place.  I hope security is improved, but I still don't know if I will ever go back.

People playing in Vintage champs shouldn't bring any other cards but their deck, and should always have their deck in hand at all times.   

OK, so at some point I have to go to the bathroom, right?  Or I'm, you know, playing?  And my deck is on the table?  Or I'm walking to my car? 

If I go to Gencon, I'm not going to treat it like it's some sort of war zone.  Last year I brought my trade binder, two EDH decks, and Vintage deck.  If I can't bring all that, forget it.  This is supposed to be something fun.  I want to actually ENJOY it, and right now I don't think I can.  If there's no serious theft this year, we'll see about next year.

[hvndr3d y34r h3x]

now you're sounding more reasonable

[Smmenen]

No matter how good the security is there, the fact remains that you're still carrying around at least 4-5 grand in cards, substantially more for a lot of folks, and you have to carry it all over the place.  I hope security is improved, but I still don't know if I will ever go back.

People playing in Vintage champs shouldn't bring any other cards but their deck, and should always have their deck in hand at all times.   

OK, so at some point I have to go to the bathroom, right?  Or I'm, you know, playing?  And my deck is on the table?  Or I'm walking to my car? 

If I go to Gencon, I'm not going to treat it like it's some sort of war zone.  Last year I brought my trade binder, two EDH decks, and Vintage deck.  If I can't bring all that, forget it.  This is supposed to be something fun.  I want to actually ENJOY it, and right now I don't think I can.  If there's no serious theft this year, we'll see about next year.

If you go to the restroom, just put your deck in your pocket of your jacket or hoodie. 

After the tournamnet, you can take your deck to your hotel and then bring a trade binder and other decks.   

[hvndr3d y34r h3x]

Ben, it turns out people only go to Gencon to see you. Even the name "Gencon" is actually code for "BenCarpFest". If you don't go the event is entirely canceled. Everything that is "going to happen" this year at Gencon will be entirely fabricated to make you more likely to show up next year!...
 In other news, I heard they are just going to be GIVING OUT CRIMPED MISSCUT ALPHA POWER this year to all vintage players named Ben Carp. If your beard is sweet, they're actually going to legalize Shahrazad and allow mystical tutor to get mana sources!
Too bad you're not going, hey?

[Tha Gunslinga]

Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan, I would totally go for any ONE of those.  As the last player to play Shahrazad in Vintage, I would totally have to represent.

[Cody.TopDeckInsurrection]

I will not be in attendance at gencon this year because I am simply to inexperienced, too young, and don't have nearly enough money. But, have no fear  guys, brokenbacon and I will be there the summer of 2014 to bring things down! Get ready

[Confidant001]

Does anyone have an update or comments on the new security measures that were supposedly put into place at GenCon this year for the Vintage players?

[KrauserKrauser]

They were actually really good this year.

They did not have any special security procedures during the vintage prelims but during the championships security was tight.  I believe that they had the same procedures for vintage at legacy champs.

[BC]

I agree.  I was very happy with the security measures at the Vintage and Legacy Champs.  They kept the play area secure and clear of spectators.  As far as I know very little (if anything) was stolen.

[Klep]

Pastimes really stepped up for this.  Security was excellent.  I didn't hear any tales of stuff being stolen, even outside of the cordoned-off play area.  I was very comfortable bringing my cards to the event.

[CHA1N5]

They were actually really good this year.

They did not have any special security procedures during the vintage prelims but during the championships security was tight.  I believe that they had the same procedures for vintage at legacy champs.

This is not entirely accurate:  there was roaming security staff during the prelims that kept standing observers out of the isles and maintained space from tables.  There was extra security during the main event and the wristbands.

[Suicideking]

I agree.  I didnt hear anyone talking about getting shit stolen and the security for the big events was great.  Pastimes did a good job at delivering on the better security they promised.

[GrandpaBelcher]

I was pleased by how well the security measures worked without being unreasonably strict. Observers were kept outside the tournament area and at arm's length from the boundaries. When players finished a match, they were expected to either stay and watch nearby matches or to exit the area. There was some leeway on this to move to another area, especially as the tournament size decreased from drops, but it did a good job of keeping the area clear, so movement was easy.
 
Pastimes reported no thefts: https://twitter.com/pastimesonline/status/238493777373822976

You still need to be responsible for your own stuff. Pastimes did a pretty good job of looking out for people this year. So next year, no excuses.

[Prospero]

I was pleased by how well the security measures worked without being unreasonably strict. Observers were kept outside the tournament area and at arm's length from the boundaries. When players finished a match, they were expected to either stay and watch nearby matches or to exit the area. There was some leeway on this to move to another area, especially as the tournament size decreased from drops, but it did a good job of keeping the area clear, so movement was easy.
 
Pastimes reported no thefts: https://twitter.com/pastimesonline/status/238493777373822976

You still need to be responsible for your own stuff. Pastimes did a pretty good job of looking out for people this year. So next year, no excuses.

Next year is the year that Champs breaks 200 players. 

[KrauserKrauser]

20th Anniversary of the game at Gen Con 2013.  I would expect ridiculous participation from Wizards.  Likely it would be even crazier if WotC was still private, but hopefully Hasbro can recognize the milestone and put up something appropriately crazy for next year's tournaments.

I know the Wizard's booth was a bit useless this year, just a mock up castle for D&D.  I was somewhat disappointed that they had jack all for Magic showcases.  next year would be the year to do it up right, but who knows if Hasbro will loosen the purse strings.

[mikekilljoy]

Next year is the year that Champs breaks 200 players. 

Committing right now: Next year, I will be at Gen Con.

[KrauserKrauser]

It would be great if they just went buck wild with the prize support.  Original paintings for the Top 8?  Not entirely unreasonable.  Open the vaults for a Sealed box of Alpha?  Why not?

They didn't really do any interesting stuff for the 15th anniversary so I will likely be disappointed but come on, 20 years!  Simply amazing.  Would be great if they shared the success with the players in the form of recklessly generous prize support.

[hvndr3d y34r h3x]

I was pleased by how well the security measures worked without being unreasonably strict. Observers were kept outside the tournament area and at arm's length from the boundaries. When players finished a match, they were expected to either stay and watch nearby matches or to exit the area. There was some leeway on this to move to another area, especially as the tournament size decreased from drops, but it did a good job of keeping the area clear, so movement was easy.
 
Pastimes reported no thefts: https://twitter.com/pastimesonline/status/238493777373822976

You still need to be responsible for your own stuff. Pastimes did a pretty good job of looking out for people this year. So next year, no excuses.

I hate to sound super negative about this, but I end up spending most of my time doing critical analysis of texts and it's completely ruined me. Their response only mentions decks, not binders and such. I'd feel less like I might be getting the run around if they just gave me an estimated dollar value of theft during the event opposed to none of a certain item was reported stolen.

You could take the whole thing super far with Pastimes' use of number and all, but they are obviously implying zero decks where reported stolen so I'm not going to touch that. But yeah, the way I read is completely ruined, as you can see.

Either way I realize I'm being a little ridiculous here (though I'd still like a dollar value). Pastimes did do a good job of preventing theft this year and there was an extreme reduction in theft directly because of the action of pastimes and the vintage community.

[nedleeds]

Zero deck were stolen from those who followed the rules. Pastimes cant be responsible for bag theft in dealer halls or if you are off trading with misers on random tables. I thought security and table spacing were excellent this year. I never felt cramped or in danger of losing my deck. I did manage to lose my Galactus playmat though

[hvndr3d y34r h3x]

Zero deck were stolen from those who followed the rules. Pastimes cant be responsible for bag theft in dealer halls or if you are off trading with misers on random tables. I thought security and table spacing were excellent this year. I never felt cramped or in danger of losing my deck. I did manage to lose my Galactus playmat though

The more qualifiers, the less valid.