“Where Do I Even Start?”
What New TCG Players Really Want (and Need) to Hear
At ala Tompkins TCG, we hear it all the time:
“I’ve always wanted to get into card games, but I have no idea where to start.”
“What if I buy the wrong thing?”
“Do I even know anyone to play with?”
If this sounds like you, you’re absolutely not alone. Whether you’re eyeing your first Pokémon deck, feeling drawn to Magic: The Gathering, or curious about One Piece or Dragon Ball Super, you might be feeling some hesitation. And that’s totally normal.
😟 “What If I Choose Wrong?”
Let’s be real—TCGs can feel overwhelming. Many new players secretly carry some emotional baggage into their first purchase. You might be feeling:
Fear of Falling Behind: What if everyone else already knows how to play, and I’m the odd one out?
Fear of Wasting Money: What if I get the wrong set or deck, and it ends up collecting dust?
Fear of Not Being Good Enough: What if I play and just keep losing—or don’t even fully understand the rules?
All of that is valid. But trust us: the perfect start isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up, having fun, and growing from there. All of our communities are filled with people who are excited to see new players walk through the door, and they’re just as eager as we are to help you learn the basics.
🛑 “Should I Even Do This?”
Sometimes, even after walking into a store or scrolling through product listings, folks get stuck. You might be thinking…
“I’m not even sure what product I need to begin.”
“I don’t have a regular group to play with—what’s the point?”
“I’ve tried card games before and it didn’t click—will this time be any different?”
Here’s our promise: we’ll never push you toward a purchase that isn’t right for your pace, your budget, or your goals. Our staff is here to help you find your style of play, whether it’s competitive, casual, or just collecting what you love.
🌈 “This Is What I’ve Been Looking For…”
What you really want might be something deeper. And we’re here to honor that.
✨ You want to feel like part of a community.
✨ You want a fun, creative hobby that reflects your personality.
✨ You want to reconnect with childhood joy, or escape the everyday grind in a healthy, screen-free way.
TCGs aren’t just games—they’re a space to express, to belong, and to feel grounded in something that’s yours.
💬 What Real People Are Asking Before They Buy
We hear questions like:
“Best beginner deck for Magic?”
“How do I start collecting Pokémon again as an adult?”
“What’s an affordable way to try this out without diving in headfirst?”
“Do I need a group to enjoy this, or can I start solo?”
We love those questions. You’re asking the right stuff. And we’re here for every step of your journey, so asking our staff is a great way to help us help you find exactly the right game or product for you.
🙌 Let’s Make That First Step Easy
If you’re unsure where to begin, come by the shop or shoot us an email. We’ve got beginner-friendly decks, casual play nights, and a no-pressure space to just try things out. We can demo most of the games we carry on-demand, so you don’t have to guess which one’s a good fit.
And if you’re ready to trade in old cards or build your first collection, we’ll guide you through that too—no gatekeeping, no judgment, just kindness and community.
Whether you’re a nostalgic collector, a curious first-timer, or a soon-to-be deckbuilding strategist, we’ve got a seat at the table for you.