Constructed Format Events:
A Constructed format event is one in which you build your deck before the event
begins. You can use any cards that you have access to in order to create the most
competitive deck you can muster, and you’ll compete against other players who also prepared their decks in advance.
There are several derivatives of basic Constructed play, and many will impose limits or restrictions on the cards you can use in order to add new twists to the competitive experience. If an event is referred to as just a "constructed tournament",it's usually safe to assume that there aren’t any extra rules.
A basic Constructed tournament without any extra specifications is one of the easiest types of tournaments to run at the local level. New players who have never come to an event in your area before will probably show up with a Constructed deck, as it’s the most universal form of competition available. Basic Constructed play is very popular because it gives the average player a huge amount of freedom in choosing his or her core strategy, class, and cards. Decks can be developed over long periods of time, and players can find and explore styles of play that they personally enjoy.
Competing in a Constructed format tournament is easy. Just make yourself a deck and show up for competition! Running one is pretty easy too, since the format takes little to no preparation on behalf of the Tournament Organizer.
Sealed Pack Events:
A Sealed format limits the number of cards you can use to build your deck. Before
you begin playing in any Sealed event, you’ll receive some amount of sealed product, either in the form of starter decks or booster packs. Then, you'll use those cards (and sometimes cards from other players' packs) to build your deck for the event. Whether you’re a casual player or an obsessive collector, the playing field is totally even, because everyone constructs their decks from an equal and random card pool.
In the most basic form of Sealed Pack play, each player is given a few boosters (usually five or six). Players get a set amount of time in which to open them, examine the cards, and then build decks from their new acquisitions. You can build a deck for any hero in the sets being used in the event. Once everybody’s got a deck, the event proceeds as normal, with players competing in one-on-one matches until a winner is declared.
Sealed Pack formats are dynamic and exciting. You’ll literally never know what kind of deck you’ll be playing until you open your packs. If you’re a quick-on-your-feet tactician, then this kind of format can give you an edge. At the same time, a relatively new player will be on equal footing against a long-time collector, because the cards you have access to in your trade binder won’t have any impact on the decks you bring to the table. These formats are all about adaptation, raw skill, and a little bit of luck.
Playing in a Sealed Pack event? Unless you’re just playing with friends in a casual setting, you probably won’t need to bring anything other than damage counters. The Tournament Organizer will include your booster packs in your entry fee, and that’s all you’ll need to compete. If you’re running a Sealed Pack tournament, just make sure you have enough packs to cover your expected turnout.
Draft Events:
Up to eight competitors duke it out in the ultimate test of tactical skill! Players
sit in a circle, and each one is provided with four boosters. Players open their
first pack simultaneously and take one card that they’d like to include in their deckbuilding pool. The remaining cards in the pack are then passed clockwise to the next player. Drafting and passing continues in one direction around the circle until all the cards from the first round of boosters have been drafted. Then, the process repeats with another pack being passed in the opposite direction, and so on. You can draft cards for any hero in the sets legal for the event. Take cards that will help your strategy, but don’t be too obvious; other players may figure out which cards you want, and sometimes the best strategy is to draft certain cards so your opponents can’t!
Once all four boosters are drafted, players set to work building their decks. If you’re running a Booster Draft event, all you have to do is provide product and decide whether you’ll run the tournament in Swiss or elimination style. If you’re competing, get ready to bring your poker face! Outwitting your opponents in the draft portion of the event takes cunning, insight, and clever observation.
2v2, 3v3, 4v4 and 5v5 Variations:
Each of the above events and formats can be played in a variations using teams of from 2 to 5 players. In these events, characters can attack, protect, use abilities and complete quests on behalf of teammates or against any opponent. Teamwork becomes king.
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