MTG, what is the order in which magic the gathering tournaments can be participated?

Question

I'm new to tournaments and I know where most players start is FNM and that's where I, too plan on going toward, but I want to know what's the standard tournament type after that? Is it City Champs, Regionals, or something else? Please explain, if you can, the levels of the tournaments, how one qualifies for each type of tournament and what must be done to obtain an invite or how into get to them etc.

Keep in mind I'm strictly talking about DCI sanctioned tournaments for the question above, but if you can shed some insight on other tournaments that go about for Magic that support Type 2 I would be extremely grateful. I'm also curious as to whether there is a website or whatever that keeps track of when and where Magic tourneys are held.

Thank you very much!!

Answer 1

FNM is just a local tournament.  Most of the time, it's just used as a practice for the real tournaments.  If you are really interested about getting into the Nationals, I would practice at FNM, then move onto Regionals.  I think you have to earn a certain amount of DCI points in order for you to get into Regionals but am not sure.  Just go to FNM, practice, have fun, then try your luck at Regionals.  If you qualify at Regionals, then you can move onto Nationals.  I don't know if there is a "City Champs" but I really don't play for the title, I play for fun.

Answer 2

Local level-FNM, City Champs, and tournaments on any other day that your store wishes to run one.

State level-Regionals, States(they were cancelled this year but maybe back next year)

National level-Nationals(you qualify for this in Regionals, being in the Pro Player's Club level 4 or higher, and/or for having a 2000 or above Composite rating)

International level-Worlds(you qualify in Nationals, by being in the Pro Player Club level 4 or higher, and/or being the previous World Champ), Grand Prix(there are Trials for Grand Prix but you don't have to attend them to compete in a Grand Prix; also this is sometimes not Standard format), Pro Tour(you must win a Pro Tour Qualifier or have a Pro Player Club Level 4 or above), and Invitational(players vote on who will attend this tournament).

If that totally confused you, go to http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtg... and check out the official tournament page!