Netdecking Once you know what format you'll be playing at the tournies (Standard, Modern, etc.) if you want to be competitive, look online for winning decks in that format. Check out mtgtop8.com which collects and sorts the winning decklists from tournaments, mtgsalvation forums have a lot of good primers for the sucsessful archetypes. Take a deck that looks fun, and start building it. Once you've been playing a proven deck for a while you really start to understand why each card is in there, and what works and dosen,t. Then you can start tweaking it as you see fit.
I realize that this site really supports homebrewing, and in that regard, starting with a netdeck is not always what you want to do. However, if you're going to get competitive, and play at PTQs and GPs etc. you should start by playing netdecks until you really have a handle on card evaluation in the format, particularly eternal formats. This will significantly help you understand what decks you'll be playing against (and thus how your homebrew will need to play against them,) it will help you understand what cards are played over functional alternatives (and why,) and you'll get a feel for how fast the format is, and what the other decks are trying to do (and thus how your deck fits in that equation.)
So by all means, homebrew your deck and take it to the GP, I personally still think this is one of the most fun parts of magic. But by spending time netdecking the popular constructed decks you'll only find ways to make your homebrew better, and you'll need to do this to be competitive at GPs and PTQs. This is less important at your local game store, but knowing the netdecks and what makes them good, you will be able to improve your deck, and your play skill.
PPS-My favorite way to homebrew is to take a netdeck or archetype that performs ok, and seeing if I can overhaul it to my play-style and get some wins out. Try that too, you may find this hybrid approach to be fun.
Deck Costs The truly competitive decks usually have some (to many) expensive cards, so based on your disposable income, it may take you a while to put it together. A lot of the expensive cards have less expensive alternatives that you could play in the mean time. However, the more you play with those versions, you'll realize that they are cheaper because they're less effective.
Practice Also, start attending Friday Night Magic at your Local Game Store to get into the tournament mentality. These tend to be a little bit more forgiving of deck choices and rules too. Magic Online is also a great way to get practice, it's always available if you have the time, and you don't have to wait for a local event, just make sure you're playing in competitive queues. Keep in mind the time you play as well, 10 AM on a weekday morning tends to have more skilled opponents, because the full time grinders can play then, as opposed to after work/school or the weekends. When you've played competetivley, get into GPTs (Grand Prix Trials) and PTQs (Pro Tour Qualifiers.) GPTs are about the most laid back competitive REL events, and PTQs are the most competitive local events.
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