Meet the Pro: Hans Joachim Hoeh
 The 'Meet the Pro'-series is your chance to “meet” some of our top players before you have a chance to actually meet them at the tournament tables.
And with this information, back to our regular programming!
You all know him. You all love him. You all are jealous of gorgeous mane of hair. He is the reigning World of Warcraft TCG World Champion. He is a former German Nationals Spoils Champion. He is the first person, to my knowledge, to have his likeness featured on the artwork of a Spoils card. He is Hans Joachim Hoeh!
What drew you into playing The Spoils?
At one of the Pro Tours I played in, Scott Dodson, the former Tenacious Games CEO, approached me and told me about “this awesome new game they were coming up with.” That was even before the Open Beta, when there were only four demo decks available for download to print yourself. I tried the game and was hooked instantly because of the resource management and combat system.
Why do you continue to play The Spoils?Because it is so well designed all around. Lots of time and energy are invested into flavor and artwork, not only the card texts and rules. That shows and makes it an awesome game on all those levels.
What is your favorite moment related to The Spoils?
Although I had many good days with The Spoils there are two things that really pop out: Living the dream, riding the famous Spoils tour bus for two weeks, and getting my own promo card made, featuring me and my girl in the artwork with a lot of personal easter eggs in the background.
(The card he is referring to is the Flabbergasting Philosopher ASS Promo. Look at how handsome he is! - Terence).
Where do you play Spoils the most?
My living room, Bochum, Germany.
What is your greatest accomplishment as a Spoils player?
Top 8ing an extremely high percentage of high level tournaments and winning/splitting the finals of a lot of those was great. But the greatest accomplishment is probably that I did all that back in the days when the game wasn't even sold in Europe at all. I had no local organized play to test my decks at. I designed my decks alone and paid for my flights to the U.S. hoping to win my money back. That kind of absurd commitment is the only difference between myself and Conrad Jackson, Dan Sotelo, and other players with equal successes.
What do you hope to see in the future of The Spoils?
More players, more events, more sets = more fun
Which trade is your favorite and why?
Flavor wise it is clearly Elitism. Inventing and tech-ing things to perfection other people do not even understand the basics of. Yep, thats my style.
What play style would you say suits you best?
Aggro-control. I like to be able to handle everything thrown at me, but I also prefer to be able to win fast once I am in control.
 What is your forum handle?
Hans
How long have you been playing Spoils?
Since before Open Beta was even released.
If you could describe Spoils in one word, what would it be?
Fantastic.
Do you have any advice for new players?
Start with some pre-constructed decks and some friends. Once you are really comfortable with the game flow, start drafting. Drafting is a lot of fun and builds your collection.
What events are you most looking forward to?
German Nationals. Since I surprisingly lost my title last year I am eager to win it back!
Any funny stories to share about The Spoils?
Here is a funny one (at least from the point of view of a Philosopher of Language): Back in the days when I was hanging out with the Spoiler girls, I wanted to pass a compliment. I thought of a funny way to do so with the name of a card displaying an awesome girl in the artwork. Too bad my English wasn't good enough to know the translation of the second word in the chosen card´s name. Calling her an “Entrancing Harlot” didn't quite result in the expected reaction. :D
What is your favorite Spoils format (constructed, seed constructed, seed draft, 2nd edition limited, etc) and why?
First Edition Draft. Good games with lots of complex combats and decisions.
What is your favorite card flavor wise and why?
A Series of Tubes. Look at the picture and Google it in case you don´t know what it is about.
What is your favorite card play wise and why?
Flabbergasting Philosopher. A tactic speed blocker that increases your influence and has my picture on it. LEGENDARY!
Any arch-enemies in The Spoils?
I only made friends while playing The Spoils! However, there are a few that might consider me their arch-enemy ;)
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