Written by Jim Ziegler

I’ve written before about how many different TCGs are available, each with their own mechanics and flavor that set them apart from the rest. Most are as close to Magic clones as they can be without dealing with a lawsuit, but a lot of them also try to solve “the land problem.”

In case you don’t play Magic, in that game you need mana to cast most spells, and the default way of getting mana is from lands. Lands go into your deck like every other card, and you can only play one per turn, creating a system where the power level slowly builds up for each player.

The problem is that if you don’t draw any lands, or if you draw too many, you don’t get to play the game. Other games with resource cards have similar issues: Pokemon decks can’t function without Energy, which is even worse if you’re playing a low-Energy deck like Klawf and put all four Energy in your Prizes.

A lot of games try to solve the land problem. One Piece uses a separate DON!! deck, so you never have to worry about having access to your resources. Lorcana and Star Wars: Unlimited, meanwhile, both allow you to set most of your cards as resources, forcing you to decide whether to play a card or to set is as a resource.

Pokemon suffers from another problem: The Basic Pokemon problem. If your first hand doesn’t contain a Basic Pokemon, you need to shuffle and draw again, repeating that until you get a Basic Pokemon. Each time you do, your opponent gets the opportunity to draw an extra card, which is a big advantage. Pokemon TCG Pocket solves both problems by replacing Energy cards with an Energy Zone and by forcing a Basic Pokemon into your first draw.

The Neopets Battledome TCG embraces the land problem by placing resources (Codestones) in your deck, but solves the Basic Pokemon problem by giving you a second deck full of basic Neopets. You even get to choose which Neopet you want to start with!

I’ve been playing a lot of Neopets lately, and even posted a video to teach others how to play. Make sure that you give it a watch if you’re interested in the newest game on the market!

SUPER SMASH ULTIMATE PARTY

Saturday, 4:30 PM

Gam3Escape is once again excited to host Super Smash Bros. tournaments in conjunction with the UH Hilo Smash Bros Club! Double-elimination, with casual play between matches. Bring your own Joy-Con. Entry fee: $10.00

LEARN TO PLAY CHESS

Saturday, 12:00 PM

Interested in learning how to play chess? Already a player, but need someone to play with? Gam3Escape is partnering with the Big Island Chess Club to teach you how to play one of the oldest, most classic games you can find. Chess boards are provided. Entry fee: $5.

IN THE WORLD OF POKÉMON

Pokémon TCG Standard Constructed Tournament

Sunday, 3:00 PM

Best of 1 format, 30 minute matches, age divisions honored as much as possible based on participation. Prizes include packs, promos, and other Pokémon merchandise. Entry fee: $10.00

Pokémon League Casual Play

Monday and Saturday at 6:30 PM, Sunday at noon

Receive a pack of your choice from any in the store, as well as a promo pack. Participants are entered into the end-of-season prize pool. Entry fee: $10

GATHER FOR MAGIC

FNM: Standard Constructed Tournament

Friday, 6:00 PM

Standard is back at Gam3Escape! Bring your deck and battle with other Planeswalkers for packs, promos, and other prizes. Entry fee: $10

Partner Commander-ish League

Thursday, 6:00 PM

Build a deck with two commanders and only standard commons and uncommons in the 98, then play against other decks with the same restrictions! Can you break the board without breaking the bank? Three colors minimum. Entry fee: $10

Gam3Escape’s Monthly Commander Bingo

Saturday, 6:00 PM

Bring a Commander deck and try to score a BINGO. Players who bring an Aetherdrift commander will receive an extra prize ticket.

Casual Commander

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 6:00 PM

The most popular format in Magic, Commander, is back on the table. Bring your favorite deck, or playtest a new one against other magicians. No entry fee: These battles are for honor, not prizes!

TIME TO DUEL! Yu-Gi-Oh!

Advanced Constructed Tournament

Wednesday, Friday 7:00 PM

Duel for supremacy in the Yu-Gi-Oh Trading Card Game. Earn booster packs and OTS Tournament Packs while demonstrating your skills as a duelist. Entry fee: $10

STAR WARS: UNLIMITED

Twilight of the Republic Store Showdown

Tuesday, 5:30 PM

The Republic is in decline. Will you try to bolster it? Or destroy it? Pick a side in the Twilight of the Republic Store Showdown! Best of three format, 55-minute rounds. Entry fee: $15

Casual Play League

Tuesdays, 6:00 PM, Saturdays, 1:00 PM, Sundays 5:00 PM

Whether you’re an aspiring Jedi, a sinister Sith, or a bounty hunter looking for your next score, Star Wars: Unlimited has all the excitement of your favorite space opera in cardboard form. 

THIS MEANS WAR(HAMMER)!

Casual Warhammer

Friday & Sunday, 5:00 PM

In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war. At Gam3Escape, there is only Warhammer! Whether it’s a Tyranid terror or a Blood Angel battalion, stage your army and prepare for battle at the weekly Casual Warhammer event. 

CARDFIGHT! VANGUARD!

Divinez Constructed Tournament

Monday, 5:30 PM

Bring your cards and get ready to fight! Cardfight! Vanguard is back with weekly tournaments, every Monday night. Entry fee: $6

Check out Jim's articles at The Gamer: https://www.thegamer.com/author/james-ziegler/ and like, follow, and subscribe to his Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Alolan_Professor and his Twitch Channel: https://www.twitch.tv/alolan_professor