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“A View from the Top” with Mike Pianka
By: Bryan Camareno, 3.31.05

Welcome everyone to the first edition of my new interview series “A View from the Top”. This series, as said before, will feature the top players from around the United States as well as the top players from around the world. If you are from Europe, Australia, Canada, Mexico, or wherever don’t sweat it; write me an email and I’ll put you on the schedule for an interview.

The interviews will be displayed in Q & A format since I’ll be doing most of my interviews on various instant messengers. The first interview is with Mike Pianka from Watertown, Connecticut. He’s currently ranked #1 in Connecticut and has some great insight on many aspects of YuGiOh. All in all he’s a great player and a pretty cool dude to boot. So…without further ado I invite you to read on and find out; Who IS Mike Pianka?

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Bryan Camareno: So what’s your full name Mike?

Mike Pianka: Michael K. Pianka

Bryan: What's the K. stand for?

Mike: Let’s let that to be found out.

Bryan: LOL okay.

Bryan: So where are you from originally?

Mike: Watertown, CT

Bryan: How old are you?

Mike: 16

Bryan: 16? A lot of 16 yr. olds seem to be the star players this season...lol

Mike: Well I’m going to be 17 in a month.

Bryan: Where do you go to school?

Mike: Watertown High, nothing special.

Bryan: 11th grade?

Mike: yup

Bryan: What's the name of your home store?

Mike: Well I have a couple; Dragon's Lair and Omni Comics & Cards, but I started Card Empire

Mike: I have more friends at some locations, but I travel about 45 min to each store.

Bryan: 45?! Wow. That's dedication man.

Mike: Well with a lack of any closer stores....

Bryan: Do you live way out of the way?

Mike: No, I live right next to a city, but there aren’t any sanctioned tournaments in my area.

Bryan: Oh I see…the sanctioned tournaments are the ones that are the farthest?

Mike: Exactly.

Bryan: Wow…I was just thinking about it…45 min...That must be one heck of a drive man, is gas expensive up there?

Mike: Very.

Mike: Luckily I don’t drive

Mike: I have to rely on rides from family and friends

Bryan: That's cool, that way you don't have to spend much money.

Mike: But 3-4 tournaments a week can be costly.

Bryan: I can't imagine lol.

Bryan: Alright so for the readers...what's your UDE Ranking in CT?

Mike: I am currently ranked #1 in CT.

Bryan: #1? Very impressive, how long have you been #1?

Mike: For a few months now, maybe since December.

Bryan: That's quite a feat Mike. Are there any other players close to your rank or are you way up in the lead?

Mike: I’m feeling some competition from my friend John right now but he’s 60 points behind me.

Bryan: 60 points? That’s pretty close, but I know local tournaments don't rack up a lot of points so you should be fine for another month or two.

Mike: Definitely, but the tournaments around here have problems sending in points.

Bryan: I have the same problem down here as well so no worries; I should be a lot higher than I am right now anyway. :)

Mike: 2/3 sanctioned events lost there passwords up here, so of course UDE isn’t getting in touch with them to get the scores.

Bryan: That sucks Mike. I’m sorry to hear that.

Bryan: Alright Mike. Next question...what are your credentials? Your qualifications...Top 8 appearances at Regional events...the works?

Mike: I have qualified for nationals last year and this year, I have had 3 Top 8 finishes this year in the current ban format and 3 Top 8s in the last ban format.

Bryan: Nice. Are those including when you qualified?

Mike: Yes.

Bryan: 6 Top 8s this season...You’re no joke man lol.

Mike: I take what UDE throws at me.

Bryan: Well said. :)

Bryan: How long have you been playing YuGiOh?

Mike: Since the release of LOD.

Bryan: Favorite Card in the game?

Mike: D.D. Assailant.

Bryan: Any particular reason why?

Mike: He won me the final match this season for me to get qualified on the first day I used him.

Bryan: Nice.

Bryan: Favorite deck archetype?

Mike: Well…definitely Warrior/Chaos.

Bryan: Is that your current deck?

Mike: Gotta play whats good.

Bryan: Lol that’s the best way to do it

Bryan: What do you think sets you apart from all the other top players in the world?

Mike: I always keep my cool while playing and except the fact that luck is part of the game and don’t blame that for any of my losses.

Bryan: That’s a great attitude, I think that’s the best way you can go about things in this game. It's good to hear that luck doesn't bother you as much as it does other players

Mike: Just between you and the Pojo.com readers out there…I pointed out a lot of people to the sore loser article you wrote lol.

Bryan: LOL.

Bryan: Alright. Give us a little of your insight on the game. For example: Some concrete strategies; Are you conservative or aggressive? Things of that nature…

Mike: A good player takes what is given to them and makes the best of it. A loss to me can help you learn, and sometimes it is not possible to always win. LOL I hate to say it but sometimes the cards don’t come.

Bryan: LOL I hear ya mike

Bryan: Are you a conservative player or an aggressive player?

Mike: I like to think of my self as a conservative player, but I do get aggressive in some games.

Bryan: In some games? Why's that?

Mike: A good player sticks to a certain way of playing, but a great player changes with the pace of a game.

Bryan: :) I had a feeling you were going say that. That's great advice.

Mike: Great minds think alike

Bryan: Indeed. :)

Bryan: How often do you practice and with who?

Mike: I don’t play outside of tournaments, and I won’t ever play a serious deck in a non-sanctioned tournament. It’s my superstition and it’s been working.

Bryan: Superstition? Interesting...I know someone down here that does that same exact thing.

Mike: I won’t play in any matches other than in tournament play either. Once I start its tournament only.

Bryan: Hmm...I should try that out for a while. For me I've found that the less thought you put into your deck the better it works out for you. That way I don't second guess my card choices in my deck

Mike: True. I like to build my tournament decks on site to the meta-game

Bryan: How do you prepare for major events mentally and strategically?

Mike: I like to not travel with anyone I know, because I usually like having no one know me.

Bryan: Why's that; for that extra edge over the competition?

Mike: Exactly.

Mike: I also like the traveling for events because I always have for major events. I just don’t like talking to people while I’m at an event. I like making new friends though.

Bryan: That’s an interesting paradox, but I see what you’re getting at...not talking too much helps you stay focused?


Mike: Exactly.

Bryan: Interesting concept...I'm learning a ton of stuff as we speak, I’ve got to incorporate these things into my game as well lol.

Bryan: Do you get nervous or anxious at serious tournaments?

Mike: I do sometimes, but I don’t really like getting over confident in myself because that leads to mistakes. Being nervous keeps you on the edge and expecting anything.

Bryan: Looks like we're much alike, the pressure definitely keeps me on point during serious tournaments.

Bryan: What deck will you be using at Nationals this year?

Mike: I haven’t thought about it. I need to know somewhat what everyone else will be running, but I have Regionals to find that out. Just hope I play the right thing.

Bryan: I'm sure you'll play the right deck, why not try building on site like you always do?

Mike: Definitely. See what happens when you make me think?

Bryan: LOL. I see, I'll remember that for Nats. :) Just kidding…lol.

Bryan: What are your predictions for Nationals this year? What will dominate?

Mike: I think that Chaos when it gets out won’t be as good, but will still dominate games.

Mike: Beasts are up and coming even more so than ever.

Bryan: Beasts eh? How so?

Mike: I like not having to rely on Darks and Lights in the Grave, and the power of a Beast deck played right can be very overwhelming.

Bryan: So I've seen, I think the trample damage is the most effective aspect of the Beast deck, don't you think?

Mike: Exactly what I think, but a 2000 slamming into your opponent’s Kycoos helps out also.

Bryan: LOL you got that right, Berserk Gorilla is a pretty nasty beater.

Mike: I see it helped you.

Bryan: You’re right it did lol.

Bryan: What direction do you see YuGiOh going in? A good or bad one?

Mike: I liked this format a lot, but I haven’t tried the new one. I think if Upper Deck can stay on target this game may last.

Bryan: Haven't tried the new format yet? A couple of tips...that Pot and Graceful draw is so cheap...

Mike: Most definitely.

Bryan: And Delinquent Duo is definitely a killer.

Mike: Great draws will be a major factor, but I’m not saying it isn’t now either.

Bryan: I think the most important factor in the new bans is how well you can manage your resources

Mike: Maybe…I might try Morphing Jar in this format; for a little extra draw.

Bryan: That's a little risky, but I can see why you want to use it.
Mike: It’s better than cyber jar lol.

Bryan: LOL.

Mike: My preference of course.

Bryan: Would you like to see UDE offer cash prizes at Regional, National, and future Shonen Jump tournaments like they do with Marvel?

Mike: Definitely, cash in my pocket would be nice and my parents would really like that.

Bryan: LOL I'm glad you think so; I think many YuGiOh players are getting a little envious of the amazing prizes Marvel has.

Mike: I thought of playing Marvel just for the cash, but I like where YuGiOh is right now.

Bryan: Alright then last question. Do you have any advice for newcomers and beginners looking to bring their game to the next level?

Mike: Take your time in becoming better and take advice from more experienced players. They sometimes may be cocky, but they usually know what there talking about. Always play it your way.

Bryan: Great advice from a great player.

Mike: Thanks for recognizing me as an accomplished player

Bryan: Thank you very much for your time Mike, I really appreciate it

Mike: You’re very welcome, anytime.

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There you have it everyone! These words are straight from Mike himself without any editing; except of course for typos and what not…So to answer the question: Who IS Mike Pianka? He’s a cool and level-headed player who’s got his game in check. He’s definitely going to be a force to be reckoned with at Nationals. It was a rewarding and fun opportunity to be able to talk to Mike about his game and get to know him a little better. Thanks again for the time Mike; you’re a really cool guy and an awesome player.

With so many great players lined up for future interviews and going to Nationals, it looks like Nationals is going to be one event that will completely change the face of this game. Tomorrow I’ll be interviewing Justin Carter so you can get another “View from the Top” on Monday. Until next time everyone, remember to practice, stay focused, and most importantly…have fun!