Thursday 6 June 2013

Getting Started With CCG Games

By Michelle Howe


Many people picture blackjack or poker when thinking about card games, but those are far from the only options that exist. While there are plenty of games that can definitely be played with a standard deck, there are many more that use different types of cards for increasingly complex types of play. With so many ways to organize them, CCG games have become extremely popular to many groups of players.

CCG stands for Collectible Card Game, and usually refers to a game that can be played by purchasing or assembling a deck of specialized cards that are produced around a certain theme. Sometimes these decks come pre-assembled, and sometimes they must be put together individually by buying single cards. Frequently, players can start with the former, then add or take away cards until it is precisely how they want it.

A game may center around a theme that has been written specifically for it, without an outside source. The popular CCG Magic: The Gathering is probably the most prominent example of these. With this type, characters and story are original, rather than being adapted from another source.

There are plenty of options that do draw their inspiration from previously existing situations and characters, however. Titles based on Star Trek, Marvel superheroes, and World of Warcraft, Blizzard Entertainment's online game, are examples of existing properties that have CCGs based on television shows, comics, and video games respectively. Creators must be careful when using these types of themes that their creations do not stray too far outside of existing fiction.

Specific rules will vary according to what game is being played, but you can usually count on a few things being similar no matter what. Generally, game play takes place in phases, which cycle through preparation and execution of moves and strategies according to what type of cards a player is holding. Whatever the specific goal is for that game, all players attempt to reach it first, whether it be to take out all competition or simply to secure another winning condition before anyone else.

Numerous tournaments exist that are devoted to this type of competition, and many of them are quite large, especially for the more popular titles. Therefore, while it is definitely possible to enjoy a game with just a few friends, players can also get to a skill level that allows them to pursue larger-scale play. The tournaments themselves can range in size from small local affairs to huge international conventions.

Online options are frequently available for people who want to try playing, but may not have the free time or money to meet up with others in person. The convenience of this way to play is often the key factor, because matches can be found anytime quite easily. Sometimes, rules are slightly different due to the change in format, but they usually are as close as possible to the physical version.

If you enjoy collecting things, and especially if you love gaming, then CCG games can provide a fun and challenging way to test your skills. Whether it is online or in person, you can try it out at your convenience. You may even find that you are good enough to become a true champion someday!




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