Interview

Mary House
Danville, Illinois

Mary House is the other Mary that Audri set up to be interviewed and is also going to be helping Audri out by being the second scout at their store.  If I had to think of a UFS player that associates with her, she actually reminds me of myself from last summer.  Oddly enough, I thought I would never play UFS when I was big into MTG.  We all have Vik to thank for my switch.  Now I am a scout and dedicated to traveling to big events with Vik.  It is the greatest playing with all the different UFS players in the world.  Now it seems Audri has taken the role that Vik did for me by getting Mary to go on trips and even help her out with scouting.  Congrats to both of you.

All right Let's Start with some background questions for those viewers who haven't had the pleasure of meeting or knowing you yet.

1. Scuba-Have you ever played a CCG before UFS? 

Mary-I started with Pokemon then MTG and then I lost interest.

2. Scuba-Are you a fan of any of the games and/or licenses?  Or, do you just like the UFS engine? 

Mary-I typically don't play any of the fighting games but will play every now and then since starting UFS.

3. Scuba-If you did play one of these games does that sway you to that license for choosing a character when in the deck building process? 

Mary-Lilly Cane. I am trying to build a deck with her. I like SNK.

4. Scuba-How did you hear of UFS and STG? 

Mary-I found out through Audri Sampson.

Of enough background information now that our viewers have a general idea about you let's see your input on girls in the CCG world.

General Questions:

1. Scuba-Of girls who play UFS, do you think it is better for them to learn from guys or girls? 

Mary-I think girls are easier to learn from. I usually bond easier that way.  

2. Scuba-If another girl or a guy teaches a girl do you think it holds an advantage one way or the other? 

Mary-I think the girl will go over the game mechanics a lot more thoroughly.

3. Scuba-Do you think girls have enough girls to play against in a general playgroup or do you view this as a current problem?

Mary-No I don't think there are enough girls and it is a huge problem and affects the current Meta game.

4. Scuba-Do you think sometimes a reason a girl won't get into a CCG like UFS is because they aren't comfortable playing against a group of guys being the only girl? 

Mary-I think it's that there aren't girl gamers in my area, and the typical girls are more interested in guys and relationships then CCG's. 

5. Scuba-Would you feel comfortable showing someone else how to play the game? Why or why not?  Does the answer change depending on the gender of your student? 

Mary-Yes I have taught several people and gender doesn't matter.

6. Scuba-Do you prefer your opponent to play to their full potential, or let you feel like you're in the game?  Do you want cat-n-mouse, or reality?  Does the answer change if the opponent is willing afterwards to give you their tips on plays and deck building and how they were able to win (if they won, that is, hehe)? 

Mary-I want them to play their best. Getting something for nothing is just plain stupid.

7. Scuba-If you ever lose a match do you ever ask your opponent for some help and what is the general answer?

Mary-I typically figure it out myself but every once in a while I will ask for help.

8. Scuba-Do you ever go to a local tournament or travel to a tournament?

Mary-Yes. I am now serious about traveling and will be at worlds 2008.

9. Scuba-Do you only play with 'pretty' characters? (I know guys that do this, so don't be offended) Have you ever used, for example: Nightmare, Hugo, Cervantes, or Astraoath?

Mary-I have played characters from Rose to E Honda.

10. Scuba-What kind of hobbies do you have outside of playing UFS? 

Mary-Reading and Internet browsing.

11. Scuba-How often do you get harassed by male players when you play against them and how do they take it when you beat them?

Mary-We are laid back. No harassment. 

12. Scuba-Do you try to bring other friends who are non-gamers (Guy/Girls) to play the game?

Mary-I don't have other friends who have the option of playing. Most of my friends are already married with families.

13. Scuba-Did you get dragged into gaming by a significant other or was it always one of your callings? 

Mary-I got into it through Audri and I am loving it .

14. Scuba-Who do you think is the strongest player in your area? 

Mary-Forest green

15. Scuba-Do you feel comfortable approaching this person and asking for advice? Why or why not? 

Mary-Yes. We have helped each other with decks before.

16. Scuba-Do you ever feel intimidated?  Why or why not? 

Mary-Not by the players. More of the match up. 

17. Scuba-How much do you buy?  If you're in a relationship with a gamer, do you ask said gamer to build you decks, or do you take initiative and acquire your own cards?

Mary-I am dating a player and me Audri and my boy friend all buy and share cards together.

18. Scuba-Do you have other girls that game in the group or are you the only girl in the group? 

Mary-We have three girls.

19. Scuba-Do you think there is a different play style between males and females?

Mary-Yes. The boys are often playing agro more with huge attacks while girls are playing fast attacks still an all agro Meta.

20. Scuba-Do you think it is possible for men or women to step outside the box and try to think like one another to get in their heads or are our brains just too different? 

Mary-I try to get into players heads. Didn't work out, but I try to stick to what I know.  I also think the guys can't predict us anymore.

21. Scuba-Knowing that guys strongly dominate the CCG world, do you ever use that knowledge to your advantage?

Mary-I try to use it to my advantage, but it doesn't help very much. The guys are totally focused.

22. Scuba-Do you ever try to play mind games with your opponent, thinking they will underestimate you? 

Mary-I will play mind games all day long. We have done everything thinkable to try to get the advantage. 

23. Scuba-Do you ever intentionally act like you're new at the game to get your opponent to take match lightly? 

Mary-No. I try to come across as an experienced player.

24. Scuba-How do you play in your normal playgroup compared to the matches you might get at a Nationals or Worlds event?

Mary-I will play more careful since I have no idea of what to expect.  I will test the deck out and get a feel for the player.

25. Scuba-Do you think the general CCG market is affect by groups like MTV?  Do you think that CCG's are viewed as dorky and that inhibits people from trying the game?

Mary-I have gotten weird looks when playing a card game and most people think it is immature.

Closing thoughts:

Scuba- I would like to thank you for your time and insight on UFS and the CCG world. Are there any closing thoughts you would like to share new players (guys and girls)? 

Mary-Girls, don't be afraid once you learn the game. It's awesome. And guys, we do take this seriously, and we will play you anytime anywhere. 

If you have any questions about any of the topics discussed or anything in general contact me on the boards or email me This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .