New Player Guide

Your first visit

What to expect when you walk in

No secret handshake. No membership required. No pressure to buy anything. You're welcome to walk in, look around, and ask as many questions as you want. That's what the staff is here for.

  1. 1

    Walk in and say hi

    Someone at the counter will greet you. Let them know it's your first time — they'll give you the lay of the land and point you toward whatever you're interested in.

  2. 2

    Browse at your own pace

    Sealed product is on the shelves, singles are in the display case, and accessories are organized by type. Need help finding something? Just ask. Not sure what you want? Ask anyway — the staff loves making recommendations.

  3. 3

    Hang out and watch a game

    If there's an event going on, you're welcome to pull up a chair and watch. Nobody will think it's weird. It's one of the best ways to see if a game is for you before you commit.

  4. 4

    Jump in when you're ready

    Some events are free, some are a few dollars. Many are drop-in — no signup required. The staff can tell you what's beginner-friendly and help you get seated with a group that'll show you the ropes.

Don't worry about knowing the rules

Every regular in the store was a beginner once. The community here is known for being patient and welcoming. If you make a mistake during a game, someone will help you — not judge you.

Find your game

Which game is right for you?

We carry a lot of games and it can feel overwhelming. Here's a quick guide to what we play, who it's best for, and when you can try it at the store.

Magic: the Gathering

The original trading card game. Build a deck and battle. Commander is the most popular casual format — it's multiplayer, social, and the easiest way to jump in. We also run competitive Standard and Draft events.
Free Commander nightsTue + FriGreat for beginners

Pokemon TCG

Collect, trade, and battle. Our Saturday Play and Trade event is completely free and perfect for kids, families, and new collectors. Bring your cards to trade, or pick up packs at the shop and open them with the group.
Free eventSaturday 1pmAll ages

One Piece Card Game

Based on the anime/manga. Fast-paced, strategic, and one of the fastest-growing card games right now. Constructed events run twice a week with store credit prizing. Staff can teach you the basics in about 10 minutes.
Wed 7pm + Sat 3pmEasy to learn

Disney Lorcana

Disney characters in a card game. Great art, approachable rules, and a growing competitive scene. Thursday nights are Lorcana night, with pack-per-win prizing.
Thursday 7pmFamily-friendly

Riftbound

A newer card game set in the League of Legends universe. If you love League and want a competitive card game with beautiful art, this is your entry point. Monday nights at 7pm.
Monday 7pm

Warhammer & miniatures

Build, paint, and battle with miniature models. We carry paints, tools, and models — and host a free monthly Build and Paint night where all supplies are provided. No experience needed.
Free paint night4th WednesdayAll supplies provided

Not sure? Just tell us what you like.

Do you like strategy? Collecting? Art? Competition? Hanging out with friends? Tell the staff what appeals to you and they'll point you to the right game. There's no wrong answer.

Best nights for your first game

Not every event is created equal when you're starting out. Here are the ones we specifically recommend for new players.

What to bring

Your first-visit checklist

You don't need much. Here's what to bring and what not to worry about.

  • + Yourself. That's the only requirement.
  • + A deck if you have one. If you don't, we can help, loaners and precons are available.
  • + Cards to trade if you want to trade. Binders are welcome at any event.
  • + Cash or card for entry fees, snacks, or impulse booster packs.
  • + A willingness to ask questions. Seriously, nobody minds.

You don't need to bring:

An expensive deck, a perfect understanding of the rules, a friend to come with (you'll make them here), or any gaming experience at all. Show up as you are.

Things new players always ask

Do I need to sign up for events in advance?

Most events are drop-in. Just show up before the start time and register at the counter. For special events like prereleases and RCQs, we'll announce signup details on Discord and social media ahead of time.

You can check out and register for events through our online calendar as well.

Can I just come hang out without playing?

Absolutely. People come in to browse, trade, watch games, grab a drink, and chat. You don't need to enter an event to spend time in the store.

Is there an age minimum?

Nope. We have players of all ages, from kids collecting Pokemon with their parents to adults battling it out in Commander. Kids under a certain age should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

What if I don't have a deck?

For Commander nights, regulars will often lend a deck to new players. We also sell ready-to-play preconstructed decks for every game we carry, starting around $20-$50. The staff can help you pick the right one for your budget.

How do events and prizing work?

Free events have no entry fee and are purely for fun. Paid events ($5-$15) typically award store credit or booster packs based on wins. Our weekly calendar has all the details for every night.

Can I sell or trade my cards at the store?

Yes. We run a buylist for Magic singles. You can sell for cash or get a better rate in store credit. For trades, bring your binder to any event and trade directly with other players.

Do you sell food and drinks?

We carry snacks, soft drinks, coffee, and beer. Grab something to fuel those late-night Friday sessions.

Store etiquette

A few things that keep the vibe right

We don't have a long list of rules. We just ask that everyone treats the store and each other with respect. Here's the short version:

Be kind to other players, especially newcomers. Keep the space clean — throw your trash away and don't leave cards on the tables. Handle other people's cards carefully and always ask before touching someone's collection. Be a good sport, win or lose. If you have an issue with another player, talk to the staff — they'll handle it.

That's it. The bar is "be the kind of person you'd want to sit across the table from."

Join the community online first

If you want to get a feel for the community before you walk in, join our Discord. It's the best place to ask questions, see what events are coming up, find someone to teach you a game, or just lurk and see what the vibe is like. No commitment required.

Ready to play?

Check out what's happening this week, browse the shop, or join our Discord to connect with the community before you even walk through the door.

See this week's events Shop online Join the Discord