new player help

[cattdreams]

I'd like to take a few moments to remind players of something that seems to be passed up a lot in discussions about the transition that pokemon is in right now.

Reguardless of how things are going in the grand scheme, pokemon is getting fresh exposure and that means potential new players. It is to our advantage to do whatever we can to keep these new players and the best way to do that is to get them involved and started off right.

To help get new players involved and started off right, I think we should take the time to post general articles that plague many new players, such as simple guidelines on deck building. Seeing if your local game/comic shop will allow you to post a small flyer with web site addys where they can get more information and so on would also help get new players involved.


We should see this as a great time to expand our ranks and should do all we can to do so.

 

[tia3]

This is very good advice. I was part of the original Pokegym community, and started playing when Base set was still new. I've seen a lot of off-shoots of the 'gym die off, and we don't want that to happen here! Make the effort to keep the pokegym alive, so we will have this great community for years to come!

 

[Noah121]

I think that would be an effective idea. If the new players understand the game, this will be a great way to promote the card game!

 

[White Gryphon]

Certainly! I'm already at work teaching two new players, one on general rules and one on deckbuilding. I'm also working on writing up a few articles dealing with both subjects, and of course I will be handing out my URLs to every new player I see when the new Leagues start back up. Not to say I won't be posting flyers at the local card shops, too.

 

[pokeprofRaymond]

Hmm....Seems like we have alot of work to make this TCG grow and not just people just watching us right!!!

In my part, some of my pals amd I are making contact with the old players and open communication to the present and ehem..."old" existing members. Furthermore the game should be in smooth flow as Nintendo steps in and take over. As I see it, doing our share in promoting and putting this game to the limelight before Septmeber is significant at this point. Continuity of everything is one of the keys and hopefeully Nintendo will give a "big bang" next month for all players around the world.

 

[GymLeaderPhil]

Well we've got some time before official sanctioned events start up. It's a perfect time for any of your friends, family, or general strangers to pick up the game and stand a chance against the current competition.

Existing BattleZone locations that are still in operation really can use this time to introduce players into the game. I'd suggest printing up some flyers and asking the store owner to consider handing them out with any TCG purchase (Pokemon and every other TCG).

Master Professors have a real advantage with having a bunch of product on their hands. Consider using your theme decks for a entry level tournament with two packs to modify the decks. The rest could be used for prize support or instead save the boosters for a draft. Substitute booster packs for some BattleZone kit stuff for prizes.

Although the Ruby and Sapphire Challanges will host individuals who already know the rules of the game and other basic info, there will be plenty of new faces. Organizers and judges of the event should take time before the deck construction and tournament play starts to go over basic rules (special conditions, deck sizes, card types, what to do on your turn, etc.) as well as introduce existing players with the new rules that were introduced with EX: Ruby and Sapphire. Then as soon as deck construction starts, judges and staff should assist players of ALL ages in constructing decks if they have any questions. The idea is not to build the deck for them per se, but give them some advice. Dont touch their cards, except if your trying to read it. Let them build their deck.

Even consider running a 'Learn the Game' side event at the Ruby and Sapphire Challange and EX: Sandstorm Events for parents and others not participating in the main tournament.

I'm sure there are plenty of other ways that I didnt mention. Main goal is to have fun and still play by the rules.
-Phil

 

[Sensei]

Very good advice! :thumb:

If we want this game to stick around,we all have to do our part in helping new people come into the game.If we don`t do that,then the game will stagnate and die a quick death.New blood is key to any game`s survival!

`Sensei

p.s.Keep up the good work!

 

[Android17a]

I'm not really new, but I'm getting back into PTCG after drifting away around the time the Gym sets were released... so I've missed a lot of cards and deck strategies! I also don't understand a lot of the league-type rules. What is "Age Modified Swiss"?

I think it would be good if there was a place where we could learn everything about league and tournament play.

 

[SD PokeMom]

Age-modified Swiss is a way of doing the pairings during a Swiss (as opposed to single-elimination, where you are out once you lose) tournament. In age-modified Swiss, pairings are not only done by win-loss record, but also by age group.

Right now, since we're still in transition, there IS no real info on what 'modified' format will be under Nintendo/PUI Organized Play. The best way at this time to find out 'everything' about the upcoming League and tournament play is to explore the www.pokemon-tcg.com website.

'mom

 

[ukpokemonpro]

It's a good idea to post some simple deck building advice and in terms of Newbies at BZs two things spring to mind from my experience of an influx of New players...

1. Get some help if you are a gym leader or Prof.. you can not cope with it on your own.. try deck building and running a league ... aggghhhhh
2. Give everyone something and reward those that help and show the most tolerance of new players. I give out booster packs and exclusive promos to players that help run tourneys whilst I take some newbies through the delights of deck building
3. Oh and 3 on my list of 2.. have some cards ready to build those decks we have a shared pool of commons and uncommons that we use together with our energy card horde.

New players bring a buzz to the proceedings but need to be treated with kindness if the sharks in the game are not going to tear into them and put them off for life.

Avoid if possible players that think ..

Yesterday we had people still playing 1 or 2 of each card. With people creating decks of there own like Starmie/Umbreon, Scizoz/Octillery.LOL LOL LOL

When I personally look at those decks, you can gladly say 3 points in the bag!!!

You do after all want the players to come back another day ....

 

[djcati]

Once Nintendo get their Europe act together, I'm gonna see if I can run a real league at my school, as opposed to the crappy club last term where everyone played Harry Potter instead. -_-;

There's potential for new players there, especially among the younger kids who are more likely to play the GBA games and everything..
I just hope I can convince my friend to help, since he's the only other person fairly competent at the TCG. o_o

New players are always great, because the more players, the more likely Ninty'll realise it and step up with OP, here especially. ^^