As a random solo player in an LGS, what's your experience been like?

TLDR - Mine's been difficult, but I'm not giving up. It's just tough playing a game that's better done with friends.

My experience as a solo random at my LGS thankfully has been drama free, but it has taken some getting used to. It's mostly involved me getting my butt kicked. I do my best to leave a good impression on people there; I shower, be a good sport, and be friendly while still trying to win the game (and failing every time, so far). I don't want to be ***that*** guy, so I try to buck the stereotype of being a smelly, whiny random and instead be a friend.

That said, waiting for some games has been awful. A couple of those games were worth it, but it's hard to enjoy the game when other people don't care to make it fun. Instead, it's a constantly power-crept arms race, so good luck finding an even game because the only people I've seen frequently at my LGS run bracket 4-5 decks and have ***a lot*** of experience using them. You either have a deck that can keep up or they will \[\[Obliterate\]\] you.

All things considered, I have learned a lot and my deckbuilding has improved, but I haven't been back to FNM for a while because I'm not in a rush to either lose or "enjoy" half-hearted awkward small talk with strangers. I know Commander is supposed to be a social format, but it's only as social as the people who play it. And let's face it, some people are not social, despite my best efforts to be friendly. That really takes the fun out of the game.

Honestly, with how it's been, I'd rather stay home and save myself the expense. The closest LGS to me is 30 minutes away and sure, there are a few other game stores if I'm willing to drive an hour away, but given my experience I don't want to try the further stores.

Rant over.

However, I do still really love playing Magic and I'm not giving up on the game. On Friday, I'm going back to FNM for the first time since July and I reworked my original deck, so hopefully it should play better. The social aspect is still up in the air, but if I can have fun with good people, it should be worth it. And if not, at least I got to play Magic.