Your first locals tournament
"Locals" is what players call the regular events at their local game store. A weeknight Magic tournament, a Saturday Pokémon league, a prerelease for a brand-new set. They're the easiest way to meet other players, get better at a game and find people to trade with.
Showing up to your first one can feel intimidating. It shouldn't. Most store events are relaxed, and regulars usually remember being new. Here's what to expect and how to prepare.
What kinds of events stores run
Every store sets its own schedule, and each game publisher runs its own program for stores. These are the events you'll see most often.
Magic: The Gathering
Friday Night Magic, often called FNM, is the classic weekly Magic event, run by stores in Wizards of the Coast's store program. Despite the name, some stores hold it on other nights. The format changes by store and by week. It might be a constructed format like Standard or Pioneer, where you bring your own deck, or a draft, where everyone opens packs at the table and builds a deck on the spot. Many stores also run casual Commander nights, where groups of players play multiplayer games.
Pokémon
Stores in the Play! Pokémon program can run League sessions, which are casual and great for kids and new players, and competitive events like League Challenges and League Cups, which award Championship Points to players who do well. Pokémon events sort players into age divisions (Junior, Senior and Masters), so kids usually play against kids their own age. You'll need a Play! Pokémon account and Player ID to enter official events.
Other games
Yu-Gi-Oh!, One Piece, Lorcana, Star Wars: Unlimited, Flesh and Blood and Digimon all have store event programs too. Some require you to register with the publisher first; Yu-Gi-Oh!, for example, uses a Card Game ID from Konami. Ask the store what you need.
Prereleases
A prerelease is an event held shortly before a new set's official release date. You get sealed product from the new set, open it at the event and build a deck from what you open. Because everyone starts from scratch, prereleases are one of the best first events for new players. You don't need a collection, just your entry.
How a typical event runs
- Registration. You sign up at the counter or through the store's app or website. Some events cap the number of players, so register early.
- Pairings. The organizer posts who plays whom in round one. Many events use a Swiss system: you play every round, and each round pairs you with someone who has similar results so far.
- Rounds. Rounds are timed. Depending on the game and event, a match might be a single game or best two out of three.
- Results. After each match, you and your opponent report the result. Then the next round is paired.
- Prizes. Prizes are often packs or store credit, based on your final standing. Some events give a prize just for playing.
Most local events use relaxed rules enforcement. A judge or store staffer is there to help and to explain the rules, not to punish honest mistakes.
Entry fees
Entry fees vary a lot. They depend on the store, the game and the kind of event. A casual league night may cost little or nothing, and events that include product, like drafts and prereleases, cost more. Check the store's event calendar or call ahead. Ask what the fee includes and how prizes work.
What to bring
- A legal deck for constructed events. Check that every card is allowed in the format. Many stores will help you check.
- Sleeves. Sleeve every card in matching, unmarked sleeves. It protects your cards and keeps shuffling fair. Our storage guide explains sleeve sizes.
- A deck box to carry it.
- A decklist if the event requires one. Competitive Pokémon events do. Ask ahead.
- Game pieces. Dice or counters, a coin if your game uses coin flips, and a pen and paper or app for tracking life or points.
- Your player account or ID number for the game's organized play program.
- Water and a snack, if the store allows food. Events can run for hours.
Don't have a deck? Ask the store. Some have loaner or starter decks, and some players will lend one. A prerelease or draft also gets around the problem.
Etiquette that makes everyone's night better
- Arrive early. Give yourself time to register and find a seat before round one.
- Introduce yourself. Say it's your first event. Most opponents will slow down and explain things.
- Shuffle well and offer your deck to be cut. Your opponent may shuffle or cut it before the game. That's normal.
- Say what you're doing. Announce your plays clearly so there's no confusion.
- Ask before touching your opponent's cards.
- Call a judge or staff member for disagreements. Don't argue. A ruling takes a minute and keeps things friendly.
- Win and lose politely. Shake hands or say "good game" either way.
- Keep the table clean. Leave the play space the way you found it.
- Watch your stuff. Keep your bag and binder with you. Busy rooms are where cards go missing.
- Support the store. The store gives up its space to host. Buying your sleeves or a pack there helps keep events running.
For parents
Pokémon league nights are a common way for kids to start playing with others. Ask the store which events suit beginners and kids. For competitive events, a parent or guardian may need to create or manage the child's player account. Plan to stay, at least the first few times, so you can see how the event runs.
How to find events near you
Each publisher has a store or event locator on its official site. The simplest route is to find a nearby shop and look at its calendar or social media pages. On cardshops.org, shops are tagged "Tournaments & events" only when their customer reviews or their own website mention them. Hours and schedules change, so confirm before you go.