Clint Hays
Clint Hays was a World Finalist in 1998, 1999, and 2000. Trandosite interviewed him on 8 September 2000.[1]
This page is a fan encyclopedia stub. Facts below are from published SWCCG sources (Trandosite interview and, where noted, Squadron Member tables). It does not add unsourced biography.
Interviews
Trandosite, 8 September 2000
Interview conducted by Rod Latham on Trandosite.[1]
Site player profile:
Clint Hays is one of the top SWCCG players in the world. He is regularly found in the Top 3 of the official Decipher ratings and has qualified for three straight World Championships. He is a regular contributor to the listserv and Decktech (where he is a columnist), and has built up a reputation making him perhaps the most talked about SWCCG player ever. He famously predicted that he would win the Origins Open last year - and did. He also proclaimed he was the best player in the world, both before and after last years World Finals. Clint has won countless number of tournaments, and placed high at numerous major events - the highlight being finishing 5th at last years World Championships.
1. How did you get involved in SWCCG? Why Star Wars and not another CCG?
The first time I ever heard of swccg was when a friend of mine saw an advertisement for the premiere 2 player game in a magazine. That night I went to buy the game and have been hooked ever since. I never reallyhad interest in any other games, but star wars was a perfect fit since I was already a huge fan of the movies.
2. What has been your favorite experience from playing the game?
I think it would have to be calling the shot at Origins last year. We had the decks we knew would win it was all a matter of showing up really. And calling the shot was just something I had to do. Thankfully I didn't make a fool out of myself by losing.
3. What's your opinion of Decipher and their latest sets - are you pleased with Death Star II?
Death Star II is probably one of the better sets they've released. The artwork is extremely good and there doesnt seem to be any flaws with the gameplay mechanics so far. There are some very powerful cards that enhance old strategies as well as creating new ones. I'm impressed. Coming off of a very lackluster set in Endor, they did a pretty good job redeeming themselves.
4. You were very confident of winning the World Finals last year, but just fell short (finishing 5th). How did you feel afterwards? What did you think of the competition there, and of the eventual winner?
I was very confident going into worlds last year. My preparation was long and hard, an I felt like I was probably more ready than anybody there. Afterwards I was a little disappointed, but 5th place is very respectable with such a competitive field. I felt like the only reason I didnt win was the untimely meeting with my playtest partner Steven Lewis.
At first I perceived Gary to be a pretty good player with very junky decks who just happened to get lucky enough to win. However, I have since met Gary at Origins and GenCon and we played numerous games. I was also able to discuss the theories of swccg with him. The man is brilliant and is an extremely good player. I definitely don't want to have to face him this year. Maybe somebody else can beat him for me...
5. How do you feel about this years World Finals? Confident, or cautious with such a large increase in players? Are you the best player in the world?
I think come October I'll definitely be ready. I've always felt that going into large events I had just as good a chance as anybody there. It's all about pre-tourney preparation. Once you're there your fate is in the hands of the pairings.
I feel that I am the best player in the world. But that's a tough statement to make. There are probably only 4 or 5 people I would consider as my equals. But its my opinion that in order to be the best you have to think you're the best.
6. You've managed to build up an assertive reputation on the Internet which many people have interpretated as arrogance. Does this concern you - how does it make you feel? What is Clint Hays really like?
I am arrogant. But I've never tried to hide that fact. I've always been this way and I always will be. Arrogance is what drives me. However, peoplehave got to realize that its a game and you have to do what it takes to win. Once you get past the arrogance I'm a really nice guy.
7. Is your reputation, and past record, a burden when you play competitively? Do you feel pressure to live up to expectations?
I don't ever feel pressure to live up to anybody's expectations but my own. I'd say those are probably the hardest too since I expect to win every tournament I play in. I feel like my reputation is an asset when I sit down to play. The other guy knows he has to play a near perfect game to have a chance...and even then he might still lose.
8. What is the greatest misconception in SWCCG?
I think its gotta be the idea that all great players spend countless hours a week playing the game. I know from experience that this isn't true. A large number of people I have talked to(including Gary Carman, Steven Lewis, and myself) only play the game occasionally...as in maybe once a week.
9. If you could play any player in the world, who would you most want to play and why?
I'd have to say Gary Carman. He's a really great guy and a swccg machine. He's like the Energizer bunny. He just keeps going and going and going. He makes me a better player. If he and I lived near each other we would definitely become the most dominant force ever.
10. What is the secret of your continued success in SWCCG?
Steven Lewis. Plain and simple. Without him I would be a good player but not great. He's an innovator of decks and an extremely skilled playtest partner. Together I believe we are the best 1-2 punch in the game today.
Any advice?
Advice...If you want to win playtest. You can't win a tournament unless you put yourself in the right position, and you can't do that without being ready beforehand.
Many thanks!
See also
Sources
- Clint Hays interview on Trandosite (8 September 2000; Wayback)
- Interviews index (Wayback 5 April 2005)
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Clint Hays interview, Trandosite (8 September 2000)