Lately, I've started to play in the EC tournaments, and I have to admit that I get dominated every time, but this isn't really about that (okay, it kinda is, but that's beside the point). I think that a sealed version of the EC tournaments would be beneficial in more ways than one.

I've met quite a few players in my short time here (I think this is my fourth day or so), and some of them (examples: colonel_kassad, krakhoar, royalfishness) have expressed enjoyment of sealed games. I actually spoke with them (see examples) about a possible sealed EC, and I got their support on this, which is partially why I'm bothering to do this.

Anyway, the benefits of a sealed version...

One of the major benefits would be giving newer players an opportunity to play on relatively even footing with more experienced players (this may encourage newer players to stay rather than having them get dominated repeatedly and leave out of frustration, etc).

In addition, it would give newer players an opportunity to earn some power (really, they don't stand much of a chance of doing so right now).

Apart from the benefits given to newer players, it would give experienced players other options for gaining power, which may be nice for players that prefer sealed (equality between preferences).

I understand that some people dislike sealed due to the fact it has a bit of luck involved, but I would like to point out that any card game will include luck (luck in what is drawn, for example), and that the sizable advantage given to experienced players outmatches the 'disadvantage' of luck, and it would be natural that the sealed EC, like its constructed counterpart, is optional, meaning it doesn't really have an effect on those of you that do not wish to play sealed games.

As it is, I feel that adding a sealed EC would not be harmful to the community and would decrease the disparity of options between sealed and constructed games.

What do you guys think?

i think its a good idea

It is a superb idea! One which I plan on incorporating into the Fiefdom Royale schedule in 2-3 weeks for sure. (Shameless plug: see News and Updates section for more details). Hopefully I will be able to run an FR tournament at least 3 Saturdays per month, but it all depends on how much work from work I have. Boo and hiss, although paying bills is kinda important according to my wife. As if gaming is not clearly superior!

DarkJello

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Hmm, draft ec's too perhaps? The next expansion jed has has should be "Rise of the New Tournaments". Like the idea.

I think the idea of sealed ECs as well is a good one. Maybe run it between the typical EC times. The one caveat I want to offer is that you shouldn't expect this to help new players all that much. I think the odds of a new player winning will go up, but veterans will continue to win most of them. The reason is that while the perception of newer players tends to be that it's all about owning the best cards deckbuilding and playstyle make a huge difference too. If you want to play in a format that truly eliminates the benefits of owning rare cards try Battle Draft.

I started a similar thread after the first week I started playing.

The best part about the sealed format for newbies is getting temporary access to new cards. No offense, but constructed EC's are boring as hell to me and always have been. I realize that some people love constructed EC's and will hate sealed EC's, which is fine and I respect that.

I've been playing several months now, but even after investing $50 in the game, I'm just now on the verge of having 2 viable constucted decks. Mind you, they're both relatively average decks with only 1 rare between both decks. I'm just a couple cards away from making the 2nd deck. I rarely even bother playing EC's any more because playing the same deck for 3 months straight and playing against the same decks is incredibly, incredibly boring to me.

I think one of the coolest things TFW has to offer are the game variations: sealed, battle, drafts, campaigns, 2v2, etc. Sealed EC's would bring some much needed variation to the game and help to fill in the 8 hour gaps between EC's.

One thing I do disagree with though is rotating the starting times by having tournaments every 5 hours. First of all, I think I would make them every 3-4 hours. Secondly, I think it is a good idea to have tournaments at a set time so it's easy to remember when they are if you're not online. If you want to switch things up, I think you'd be better off rotating the formats but keeping the times constant.

PS - DID I MENTION HOW BORING EC'S ARE TO ME?