Pregame discussion can be hard, do it anyway and be thorough

A lot of problems people can run into when playing this game can be solved with a good pregame discussion, if you commit to it. It doesn't have to be a full rule 0, but talking about expectations of how many turns the game will go, how powerful your decks are, and getting a gauge of the attitudes of other players can be a big plus. At an lgs or event sometimes you just have to play it out anyway because there aren't any other tables or swapping would be a hassle but even then it helps you set an expectation for whats to come (Or now you know better for next time). Its also important a lot of this is based off of people not straight lying, but if or when they do: Don't play with them anymore. Use this as a tool to get a feel for those you are playing with and chat or joke around while you do it, be open and encourage others to do the same. The bracket system is just an icebreaker basically, a way for people to get the discussion started and to frame it in context.

preface: a lot of the following hinges on you know your deck (which I encourage you to do at all times, you dont need to know every card or how it plays at all times but knowing your general gameplan and/or combos helps a lot when playing magic). Also, dont be afraid to say exactly whats in your deck from combos to spooky scary creatures people might be afraid of, surprise [[jin-gitaxias, core augur]] in bracket 2 isnt very fun if you say your deck is bad.

For bracket 2 I suggest talking about general strategies for your deck, how well you know it, and how fast it can really go. Talk about turn expectation and combos you may have, as well as how well you know your deck here. Telling people you are playing a mostly draft chaff [[Araña, heart of the spider]] boros deck with no extra combats or stax, and that you would hope for a bit longer of a game. Bracket 2 can be a tougher one mostly because a lot of people will go into it expecting to play a brand new precon or a freshly built deck to test it, and here your own game knowledge can help bridge the gap. Someone trying to play a [[Hearthhull, the Worldseed]] precon in bracket 2 should be told that the deck is a bit strong by default and not everyone will want to play against it. Be aware here that sometimes games can be inherently faster here due to variance and sometimes people just have a really good game and get the draws they needed, it doesnt mean their deck was too strong always.

for bracket 3 (coping a reply I made on another post)

I start every bracket 3 game with strangers with asking them and describing my deck on a scale or low, middle, or high bracket 3. Low is barely better than a bracket 2 deck or a bracket 2 deck with gamechangers: you are gonna do a thing but it might take some turns and you might be doing something powerful but not inherently game ending, maybe online by turn 8 for a game win. High being turn 6-8 you are consistently looking to end the game, if you are super lucky its on the faster side and if nobody tries to stop you you will get there. I use almost those exact words and im willing to swap if im a definite outlier in either way and encourage others to do the same (important note to try not to counterpick this way, and to be open about what you are doing here). Its helps a lot especially when your deck is spooky and has a naturally powerful commander to talk about the exact cards and strategies you are playing and the way you win in the deck (while again being honest about it being powerful, just not immediately game ending).

for bracket 4 the reality is its no holds barred bare knuckles boxing, but that doesnt mean you have to fight against Johnny Meatfists the guy who punches steel for fun. Talk about you combos, if someone is playing something you really really dont want to play against, be honest about it. A lot of people in bracket 4 want to play "stronger bracket 3", and then they will run into someone playing turn 2 dark ritual into thoracle combo. if you are honest about how fast or good your deck is, you can avoid some of the pain of sudden onset gout from high powered salt. also dont be afraid to play out games you arent happy with in bracket 4, its not by default better magic, but playing with and trying to beat out discard combo, or azorius stax or some other difficult archetype, is important to do every once in a while, and if you find your decks just can't compete, maybe rethink why and give yourself a reason and opportunity to change that.

Final notes:

if yout try and have a pregame discussion and someone (or even the entire table) tries to shut you down, generally find someone else. if you stay at a full table of people who dont want to engage in some of the social aspects of the game, it isnt gonna be fun, same if you let the one guy who doesnt wanna talk stay and play. Do not be afraid to turn down a game, or play 3 man/alternate formats at an lgs. if you do stay, know its going to a very specific experience and keep that in mind.

also some people really dont like politicking, just remember its a social game, help eachother, be open, and try to be fun to play with. Try to be the person most people go: "yea play with them", and remember not everyone is someone you are gonna want to play with.