General Tips When Going To A Tournment

[The M.E.T.H.O.D]

Since SCG is hooking it up with a ton of Power Nine tourneys, and Ray is hosting another rocking t1 tournament, I feel that it could be beneficial if we start a thread with general good tips for people to keep in mind when they attend these tourneys.  I'll post a couple to get the thread going and I expect others to tag on any additional helpful tips.

1. Use pen and paper to keep track of life totals.  I've seen people not bring any type of way to mark there life which is a terrible idea.  Some people are getting it when they bring dice.  Dice don't work as well as they should because they tend to move if the table rattles and they don't mark the fluctuation in life totals like a pen and paper would, just what your currently at.  If you had a paper you can backtrack where life was gained/lost and it could be helpful when settling disputes.  You can also use the pad to take a couple of notes, like if you notice something that could affect your side boarding or if you cast a card that causes your opponent to reveal game information (Like his hand).

2. I usually keep my deck in order all ready to go and mark cards on my deck registration sheet card per card as I look through my deck.  This helps prevent mistakes from happening.  You could go as far as having your deck registration ready before hand but that’s not necessary most of the time.

3. You’re tempted to let your opponent get away something.  Suppose you let him play a different land instead, or take back some kind of play.  It might make you feel like a dick not letting someone take back there mistakes.  The same works in reverse, if you blunder and your opponent lets you take it back, you might be in a scenario later on where your opponent blunders and he is looking at you to let him take it back.  It could break the game. "I let you play a different land so you should let me return my squee when I forgot."  You can still be friendly and maintain a nice competitive atmosphere.

4. BE NICE!  It seems kind of obvious, but some people are quick to jump on others.  Like sometimes I joke around with people after a match about what someone did, what he was playing, etc. But there is no need to make fun of someone of messing up or if they are playing a deck that is suspect (land, llanowar elf, go).

5. Keep track of your stuff and count your sideboard.  Even if you dislike pile shuffling, it is very helpful to do it at least once so you can count your deck as you shuffle.  This saves you incase you dropped a card somewhere, a card in your main deck stuck itself in your box, etc.  You should also go through your SB before to make sure you’re de-boarded and everything checks out.  Pack away all your belongings, trade binders, etc so you don't lose anything. Try putting them like under your chair or in front of your legs so you don't clutter the table or the areas where people might walk by.

6. HAVE FUN STUPID! Yea you want to win stuff, we all do. But the main reason to play should be for the enjoyment of flopping cards, hanging out, etc. Don't let a loss bring you down.

[True Lies Ownz]

I would say that you should not be nice until the tournament is over. I am always very serious and try to intimidate my opponent. If they are under psychological stress, they are more likely to make mistakes. I misunderstood; are you saying that you should allow an opponent to take back minor mistakes? I never let them.

[Komatteru]

I'd add that you shouldn't joke around and talk it up before the match, like if you know your opponent.  I can't tell you the number of times its extended into the game and I've ended up making outragous mistakes...like forgetting I had Force of Will in my hand when my opponent led with turn 1 Trinisphere.  That was a good one.

Keeping match notes (for your tournament report) is also really good for explaining what happened if there is a dispute.

[Sytupal]

You shouldn't let them take back mistakes, even if they let you, it is their own fault.  



You may be stern or attempt to be intimidating in your games however you aren't going to win any friends in vintage that way.   Even if you do well, or win a tournament or two, it isn't worth it if you're staying around for awhile.  


On the opposite extreme, being overly friendly or polite can sometimes get annoying.  

Finding a happy medium can sometimes mess with your opponents head more than being straight faced or being so nice you're borderline freakish.  

I like this thread a lot. - Very cool M.E.T.H.O.D.

[Moxlotus]

SHOWER!!!

That is easily the most important thing to do.  Dear God-don't show up smelling like ass.

I agree with the whole taking land back or something, depending on the situation.  Game deciding turn-no.  You are winning and it has no real effect on the game-sure.

[Raph Caron]

I realized during the last tournaments that I've played in that you should sleep and eat sufficiently if you intend on winning an event. Fatigue can definitely have a negative impact on your mental capacities.

On the topic of mistakes, I never let an opponent take back an action. We playtest not only to learn more about decks and tactics, but also to make sure we play perfectly when it counts.

[TJ-Whoopy]

1. shower, and brush your teeth. durring a match you are sitting within arms reach of (usually) at least five people (your opponent and the matches to either side of you) I don't care how far you drove or who's house you stayed at last night if you smell I'm going to tell you that you smell,  probably more than once durring the match.

2. don't stay up late the night before wheter it's drinking, playtesting, or talking on the internet to your "girlfriend" it's a bad Idea. just go to bed, if you are tired you will make mistakes and I will beat you (this is bad cuz I kinda suck)

3. use your time between rounds wisely, if you see that there is an opening at the shitter go use it even if you might not have to, also don't froget to eat and and stay hydrated. I know that magic isn't the most physically draining thing you can spend a day doing but mentally it can be a bitch.  these fall under the same lines as lack of sleep, if you are tired, hungry, thirsty, forgot to call your wife (thats for me and zherb), or you have to take a big dump then thats one more thing your thinking about that isn't magic, and therefore isn't the game infront of you.

4. don't 'click' your cards, this just irritates me

5. be patient, I see this guy at least once per tourney the guy that says "done?" then untaps his shit and draws a card without waiting for an answer. I call for a judge on this one.

6. if you won/lost your match in record time and want to go watch your buddy at the next table go ahead and take a seat next to him or stand behind him. Do Not; stand behind me, talk to either of us, trade with the guy next to you, tell your buddy how bad you just won/lost, mumble, cough, breathe, blink, or in any other way disturb the match going on,
the only exception is you: (in a low respectful tone) "how are you doing" my opponent: (same tone) "we are 1-1 how did you do" you: (I won/lost)

thats all I can think of right now, I was thinking about writing an article for scg along these lines, now it looks like I don't have to.

TJ

EDIT: looks like I got beat on a few of these points, on the subject of taking back mistakes, I don't try to take back mistakes, if you play a land and realize you could have played a better one, too bad you screwed up. I don't understand why people try to take these mistakes back in the first place. if I play a card then the card is played, tough shit for me.

[The Atog Lord]

I would say that you should not be nice until the tournament is over.

I can't agree with this. If it isn't a pleasant experience, why go?

As for allowing people to take back their mistakes, I walk into my matches ready to let opponents take things back, unless the opponent does not return the favor, acts unsportsmanlike, or tries to act "intimidating." Then the gloves come off. But that's just me.

[nataz]

1. Shower and brush your teeth. If not for yourself, do this at least for me and everyone else there. I know everyone else had said it, but really, can it be said enough?

2. Play to win, but at the very least be civil

3. Make an effort to have fun and meet new people

5. Bring non-messy food and drink

[Komatteru]

Oh, yeah, one more thing, although this is more of a play etiquette/manner/style aspect: be patient and give your opponent time to respond and think about stuff.  In general, I always assume my opponent has a response for everything, which always gives him enough time to do something.  If you need to crack an LED in response to something, say it all in one breath, because giving your opponent a moment to say "Sure" could be interpreted as passing priority, which means you couldn't crack your LED.  Don't get impatient if your opponent takes 5 minutes to resolve a Brainstorm.  Chances are better than not that he's not stalling but needs to think carefully.  You'll probably also need a good amount of time to decide something important in the course of the match, so it's important that you not badger your opponent and ask him if he's done yet all the time.  That's goes to the general point of not being annoying.

Another good point: When in doubt, ask.  Ask your opponent if he has any responses before doing something, etc.

[Moxlotus]

1. Shower and brush your teeth. If not for yourself, do this at least for me and everyone else there. I know everyone else had said it, but really, can it be said enough?

2. Play to win, but at the very least be civil

3. Make an effort to have fun and meet new people

5. Bring non-messy food and drink

As for allowing people to take back their mistakes, I walk into my matches ready to let opponents take things back, unless the opponent does not return the favor, acts unsportsmanlike, or tries to act "intimidating." Then the gloves come off. But that's just me.

Definitely agree with these statements.  I will allow my opponent to take something nongame breaking back.  If he puts his 2 cards back for Brainstorm then less than a second later wants to switch which one is on top is no big deal I think.  However, if he is an ass, then stick it to him.

For snacks:
ham sandwich>cheetos
M&Ms>stuff that melts
salty or anything that leaves residue<everything.

Also-throw away garbage.  There were all kinds of bottles and wrappers (food and booster) at the tables at SCG-Chitown by the end of the day.  That is not cool.

[True Lies Ownz]

I just remembered a fun thing my friend and I do. If you go to a tournament where you don't know anyone, start talking loudly about all the big monsters in your deck and how your deck will kill the opponents life points, or say anything else related to  yugi oh or other little kid games. Then pull out a pile of unsleeved cards commons from recent sets and goldfish. People will think you are just some dumbass, and it will surprise the hell out of them when you play a turn 1 broken card x.

[Changster]

As for allowing people to take back their mistakes, I walk into my matches ready to let opponents take things back, unless the opponent does not return the favor, acts unsportsmanlike, or tries to act "intimidating." Then the gloves come off. But that's just me.

I have to disagree with you here Atog Lord... I have played in many tournaments where take backs are highly looked down upon.  If there is a prize on the line, the guy/girl sitting across from me is my enemy, I should not expect any mercy.  In tournaments, I play to win with "gloves off" all the time, because my time and money is on the line.  The only time I would find take backs acceptable are during playtesting.  You shouldn't be treating your opponent like a playtest partner.  Mistakes happen and should be punished.

Now, about having good sportsmanship, it is easy to be a good sport when playing and you can do this by simply complimenting them for a good play or their amazing topdecking skills.  However, you should NOT lay down for your opponent to take advantage of you and step all over you in any case.  In any highly competitive environment, you can lose the match because you did not have the guts to say "No, you cannot take that back" in a pivotal play.  

Great thread The M.E.T.H.O.D  

[PacmanXSA]

I really think the "take back" is totally circumstancial...  If it's something real stupid and your opponent seems genial, why not?  If it's a game deciding move like forgetting to Weld something end of turn; I'd probably stop him.

To all those people that are real serious and such while playing; you're forgetting about the true essence of vintage.  Vintage players have been, for the most part, playing for a LONG time and truly enjoy the game.  The game is a way to meet people and have fun; not to bully others with.  Sure, you should be trying to win, but I guarantee ya; good ol' karma will be catching up with ya baby

You can normally tell when I meet a fun and friendly opponent because of all the name calling and foul language  Hopefully I can get out to a real major event soon and meet some of ya all!

Pac

[Jhaggs]

Great thread.  I recently just got back into the game after a 6 month layoff (job training) and played in a local tournament.  I had a blast, vintage still rocks.

I STRONGLY encourage that players take some time (5 minutes) to personally thank the tournament organizers and judges.  Without all of there efforts we really wouldn't have much to speak of.  Regardless of the size of the tournament, many people put a lot of time and energy into setting these things up and I feel that they deserve some sort of thank you beyond your entrance fee.  This is a general rule of thumb for myself because good tournaments are hard to come by in the SF Bay Area (although I've heard they have been increasing).

I also make an effort to introduce myself to the players that I compete against.  While some may think that small talk can be trite, throwing out a couple of ice breakers like a hand shake, how long you've been playing, tips & ideas (after the match) can set a nice tone for the match.  I have met a lot of great people in this game espically with this format and a huge reason why I play this format is that for the most part everyone is civil and friendly.

Finally, if I am playing against someone who is very inexperienced and/or young in age, be patient with them and try to help them out without causing yourself the match.  I have found ample opportunity to help new players along and they have always been pretty receptive.  Tournaments should be fun for everyone and a helping hand to newer players can really go along way.

[xrizzo]

Before games 2 and 3, always remember to count your sideboard.  It is much quicker than counting your deck, and reminds you to sideboard again game 3 if you are now going 1st/2nd.

[Angel]

Regarding directions, make sure you know where you are going, and approximately how long it takes to get there. Hell, if you can and the place isn't too far, make a practice drive there. Showing up late to a tournament and having five-ish minutes to sleeve up and register definately screws up your day.

I'm always a nice guy to my opponents. Unless someone is a serious jerk to me, I'll let them replay an obvious mistake.

Remember, play to have fun. If you're playing just to win, get bad luck and start 0-2, then you'll be pissed the rest of the day. If you're playing for fun, then you'll likely be in a better mood, and may be one of those x-2's that Top 8's. When you lose, don't be too pissed. I hate to make an obvious jab at T2 players, but the level of both maturity and general friendly-ness (great scientific term there) is much higher in Vintage than at the Type 2's I've been to.

-John

[brendan]

I always let people take back mistakes. I'm never there for prizes and don't care about them.

I'm there to play magic, socialise, and have fun.

I once dropped from a tournament at 4-0 because my dad called me up and invited me over for dinner.

I once made a 40 card sealed deck in a PTQ that contained 9 creature enchantments, because it was funny. I remember attacking with a creature that had 5 enchantments on it one game, that was great.

I once got up and walked out the middle of a game, dropping from the tournament, because two straight opponants had been such sourpus rules lawyers that I stopped enjoying myself. Neither of those players made top8.

I have on at least 3 different occasions convinced judges not to give game losses to opponants who turned up late.

I have not once called a judge to try to get an opponant penalized for something.

I once went 6-0-1(not id) drop in a 7 round sealed GPT because the top8 was rochester which I don't enjoy.

I generally turn people down when they ask for IDs.

I know this is a kind of stupid post, but sometimes people need to be reminded that not everyone who plays in sanctioned or prized tournaments has winning as their #1 (or even #5) priority.

To sum up: Yes, I think being nice, and allowing takebacks is an important thing.

[outta_names]

I'd like to point out two things:
First, while I'm all for people who play the game for fun, place no value in the competition or prize, or really consider going to a tournament for anything other than socializing, please don't assume that all other people share your disposition.

The normalized goal at a tournament is competition, i.e.: to win.
Because of this, not all people can or should be expected to take the lenient approach that some choose.

I bring this up because as someone who knows the rules very well (I'd apply to be a judge if I had more time), I often get accused of 'rules lawyering'. There's no such thing as 'rules lawyering'. There's following the rules, and there is breaking the rules. I'm not a 'rules lawyer' for requiring my opponent to follow all the rules, my opponent is a cheater for breaking them.

Personally, I don't mind allowing takebacks in certain minor instances (replaying a land would be OK, replacing Brainstorm'd cards might not be so cool), but I get quite angry when people assume they have the right to take things back.
They don't.
You make mistakes on your own, you take things back at your opponent's allowance.

That said, the best summary for all this is simply Don't be a dickhead.
Peace,
-outta

[kakeboy07]

I shouldnt ever play competitive magic.

Poker is a "game" as well. But if you dont know what you're doing when youre playing for a prize, you cant take it back. If someone shows 2 pair and you fold your 3 of a kind, you cant take it back.

Honestly, Magic is fun, but its also a competition. Fun should come from playing a competitive match against someone who is as versed in the rules as yourself, and who knows the ins and outs of both decks once the cards hit the table. A good players knows his outs, his winning positions, and surely what to put back when brainstorming. Taking plays back is not what I would think of as "good" tournament play. Competition is just that, competitive and enjoyable for that fact.

Some additional tips:

1. SLOW DOWN: youre not playing magic online, nor are you playing against your friends in your basement. Youre playing in a tournament. For a prize... and you want to win. So make the correct plays, and take your time before you play them.

2. Be nice... everyone says it, but dont just be nice... Be firm but nice. Have a spine, and dont get walked over. I once called a judge over to a pair playing next to me because some asshat bullied a younger player into thinking that null rod kept him from responding by activating artifacts. Stand up for what you know, and let the judge sort it out if your opponent doesnt know the rules.

3. Know your deck.

4. Playtest, and bring support. In the form of other players is kewl, gf is cool, just bring some kinda support, or people you like to chill with. It makes tourneys so much more fun to go with people you know.

5. Win ... Winning makes everything feel better - doesnt it?

[The Atog Lord]

This is a great thread.

As for allowing take-backs, it isn't a black-and-white issue. I tend to be more relaxed than other players. At the last Waterbury, one of my opponents untapped and started taking an extra turn for no reason, during his own end step. Because he had drawn an extra card and started a new main phase, the usual penalty is a game loss for him. But, because it was the third game and it had been a good match thusfar, I asked Ray if instead we could just restart the game. We did. Heck, I even let someone pick up a land he had played that turn on the Pro Tour.

I realize that most people might not do this, but where do you draw the line? Let's suppose that your opponent casts Tinker, puts it into his graveyard, and then starts searching. Now, you could technically call the judge, since the player placed the spell into the graveyard, thereby signaling its resolution, indicating that he did not find anything. There is almost no one I'd actually call on this, however -- it would, in all honesty, have to be someone who was being unsportsmanlike during the match or someone that I really disliked.

The Karma does come full-circle, as well. I've been allowed to take something back by a player whom I had let take something back in a previous tournament.

I don't want to walk into a tournament viewing everyone as my enemy. I'm not there  to crush anyone, and I'm not there to smite. I'll get into that mindset if someone is unsportsmanlike towards me of course. And I know the rules very well. But I like the game much more when I can relax and enjoy it.

[BigMac]

As a rule i am a nice guy. I will let people make little mistakes and take them back generally.

However when they are arses and are behaving superiorly, they will have to do everything the right way.

Example.
I was playing in a local tourny. In one game i was 1-0 behind and this guy was playing like he was the number 1 player of all time. I got him down to 2 when i played my last tendrils, no storm count, just a tendrils of 2. He could kill me with his morphling next turn. So he manadrains my tendrils. I have no cards in hand and so no way of winning anymore and we are playing in extra time, it was the 2nd turn in extra time and so he only needed to get to turn 3 and kill me. He goes to mainfase after drawing a card and pretty much goes to attacking me at once with his morphling. He taps the morphling and i ask him what he did with the mana from the manadrain. He then wants to go back to first mainfase wanting to untap his morphling and use the mana. Because he had been an arse i called a judge and he lost the game due to manaburn. So it got to be a draw. This guy was such an arse that he wanted to give me a notion for unsportsmanship behaviour.

If he had been nice throughout the game he would have won as i would have let him use the mana. But being a rulesboy and an arse i played it by the book and defeated him on his own turf. If you are playing by the book be prepared that there is always somebody that can see you make a mistake and grab you on that mistake.

So as a rule:
1 be nice

2 stay concentrated, dont get to nice or to familiar as you will make mistakes then as well.

3. when playing young unexperienced players, dont keep them dangling. Just kill them and try and give them pointers afterwards.

4. compliment people on a good game, winning or losing.

5. as type 1 is a topdecking game sometimes, dont sulk on your opponent topdecking, as you will do that somewhere along the day as well.

6. be well prepared, know your metagame, and adjust your sideboard accordingly.

7. be well prepared, have food and drink or at least make sure you eat and drink during the day.

8. Know your deck, dont just rip something of the internet and start playing it without knowing how to.

9. have faith in your deck, otherwise play something else.

10. know how to sideboard against what deck and try to anticipate what they will board.

11. Know what way your deck needs to win against other decks.

12. dont scoop unless you are certain you cannot win anymore. As long as you are alive and your opponent doesnt have a killing lock you have a fighting chance. Type 1 is the format you actually can topdeck the winning card.

Hope this all helps. Helped me a lot lately.

[Rico Suave]

I think playtesting/deckbuilding plays a crucial role in the outcome of the tournament, but the actual tournament itself should have very little impact on if you win or not.

Weird?  

Think about it - when you playtest matches long enough, eventually you should know all the hidden synergies, plays, etc.  It's all natural and you don't even need to think about it.  Come tournament time, luck is still a huge component of Magic, believe it or not, and that's especially true in T1 as we can all attest.  Sometimes you just aren't gonna win certain games, but you can still play perfectly and be satisfied with that.  

My point being if you plan on going to a tournament, PLAYTEST.  Never ever stop playing and improving your decks.  Get to the point where you have really taken the time to totally master every nuance of a deck.  That is the best tip I can give you.

Anyway, my philosophy is that if my opponent makes a mistake, I will let them take it back according to the atmosphere of the tournament.  If I'm in a close competition for a high stakes prize, I'm more likely to play tight and call people accordingly.  I treat higher level events with an appropriate rules enforcement stance.  

At the average T1 tournament, it's not intense enough that people will forego common courtesy in favor of a quick win.  It's rude to do that, and it's not in line with good sportsmanship.  Maybe that's just my experience, though.

[Marton]

I think everyone forgot a very important point:

Shuffle your opponent's deck too. Don't limit yourself to only cutting (unless you see your opponent shuffled his deck properly). If you fear your opponent doing the same and your cards are worth tons of money, then you can simply tell them to be careful. In my experience this simple step proved successfull and people understood. Also, always ask before shuffling their decks.

[Kowal]

Usually unnecessary.

I disagree entirely with the "don't ever scoop" mindset too.  That's how you go to time and end up 0-1.  Don't be stupid, if the game is over, it's over.  Pick it up and try to keep enough time to draw or win the match.

Use clean sleeves.  I'm a sleeve nazi, and I'll call you on sleeves if I think they're marked.

Use good form.  When you intuition for stuff, two of those cards are going to end up under your intuition.  When you cycle decree, your soldier tokens aren't a decree with a d6 on it.  That card is in your graveyard.  These are little things, but they could be relevant.

[The M.E.T.H.O.D]

If it was for a low stakes tourney or the re-do was insignificant, i might let someone re-do. I try my best never to ask for a re-do, I deal with my own mistakes.  I hate it if I owe my opponent a "favor" because he let me take something back, so if he misplays something, like decide to counter something after he doesn't, or forgets upkeep steps like adding counters to smokestack, forgeting to discard to masticore, and if the misplay breaks the game I feel bad because he owed me one. I would then let him take back a play which would have won it for me.

So on a general note it is important that you try not to put pressure on your opponent by asking for a re-do after you misplay.

[Mixing Mike]

Regarding directions, make sure you know where you are going, and approximately how long it takes to get there. Hell, if you can and the place isn't too far, make a practice drive there. Showing up late to a tournament and having five-ish minutes to sleeve up and register definately screws up your day.

Oh please, like T1 events actually start on time.

Yeah, I'm nice to my opponnents.  It makes it for a much more fun game, even if you're taking it hard.  If I'm losing hard, I make sure to make some sort of a cooment about it.  The only thing is I don't really allow takebacks during events.  My character of playing just doesn't allow me to let it happen.  Well, maybe if it was a local store where I know the guy, and he usually doesn't make mistakes like that I'd let him take it back.  But it's not a common thing with me, even itf it is rude, it's just the rules of the game.

[nataz]

Honestly, I don't understand why people allow take backs. The moment you do it once in a match, you start heading down a very slippery slope. After all, this is type I, you are often playing for a large cash prize (power mind as well be cash) and even "little" mistakes can have a huge impact.

If you want to help them, teach them a lesson. I don’t mean this in a bad way either. I know for me, I learn from my most vivid mistakes. The higher the cost, the more likely I am to remember it. If you allow take backs, then basically all you are doing is encouraging sloppy play.

[Kowal]

I didn't even pay attention to the people who allow "take backs."  The minute you guys find me a rule that says take backs are legal, I'll let you start doing it.

EDIT:  While I generally despise the mindset that somehow allowing your opponent to break the rules is "polite", there is one scenerio where I think it should be allowed.  If you and some friends are kicking back and testing, outside the tournament scene, sometimes a tack back is necessary to simulate a match against an opponent competent with the deck being tested.  You will be testing against people that are tight players with their selection, and testing against someone who just picked it up is a crappy idea.  You could argue that if your play is sloppy you need to practice tight play in testing, but honestly, you're going to pilot a deck you're familiar and tight with, or you're going to lose.

[Yawgs_sammich]

I always like to start a match with pleasantries.  I introduce myself and offer a handshake,  ask where he/she is from, etc.  If you refuse a handshake offer, you are a douche.  I also find that discourteous people in the pre-match are almost always rules bitches or otherwise jerks.  
Tips:
bring a water bottle, jug of gatorade,  some urine to water filter, whatever it takes to stay hydrated.  i saw some dude pass out because he didn't drink anything all day.  
I have brain damage (the real kind) so I forget shit all the time.  paper and pen are clutch for life counts,  hand contents, etc.  I always keep a copy of my decklist handy, and double check my sideboard at the beginning of a match.  
Take backs are always at the discretion of you or your opponent.  when in doubt, ask.  the worst that can happen is they say no.  no one is perfect, nor should they be expected to be perfect.  just don't assume anything and it can be kept civil.  
Don't be a dick.  i played someone once who insisted i use his coin for my mana crypt flips.  what's that about?  
Be clear.  when your turn is over, don't just look up and expect me to untap.  ask for responses, and when it matters,  announce the end of phases (e.g. go to combat step).  Say clearly, "your turn".  
solicit the tourney organizer's business.  if you are at a SCGP9 event, buy some cards from Pete.  especially at smaller tourneys, they are not usually making much money off the entry fees.  buy those sideboard cards that you couldn't find from them.  support those who support you.
have fun and learn!  afterwards, ask what cards wrecked you?  what cards won you games against deck X?  what would you change if you could replay the tournament the next day?