What is a TCG? Trading Card Game Explained

What is a TCG? Everything You Need to Know!

Trading Card Games (TCGs) are everywhere now, and the likelihood is, even if you’re unaware of it, you’ve probably heard of at least one. Starting with the inception of Magic: The Gathering (MTG) in 1993, TCGs are strategy card games where players collect cards that can be traded and sold, to build customised decks in order to play against other players. These can be bolstered by buying randomised booster packs, that are often pocket money prices, to assist in their deck-building quest. Three of the biggest TCGs right now are Pokémon, MTG and Yu-Gi-Oh!

The trading aspect of these games have become a massive part of the culture, with many people solely becoming collectors rather than playing the game, something that Pokémon has typified very well, despite having a massive number of players too.

How Do TCGs Work?

Whilst different TCGs will have different rules of play and different mechanics, the core mechanics will be balancing resources to summon/cast the cards you need to win the game. As you build knowledge of the game, building different strategies can become a core part of your collecting and trading, finding the cards you need to succeed.

You’ll either be aiming to achieve a core objective or, more likely, reducing an opponent’s life points so that you can achieve victory. This will happen through phased game play where you can perform certain actions at certain points in the game or with each turn. You will then engage in combat or try to complete tasks in allotted turns as your opponent tries to do the same and hinder you.

What is a Trading Card

Highly detailed cards that can be used in gameplay, they often feature fantastic artwork that is part of the appeal of collecting them. Distinct and delightful, cutesy and creative or sometimes gruesome and ominous, they can feature some stunning artwork in an array of eclectic styles.

Designed so that you can trade them with other interested parties so that you can swap any multiples you have or try and get your hands on something you need or want, the rarity and functionality of each card will factor into their desirability and how hard you will have to scour other collections to find them.

Sometimes trading cards don’t necessarily have a game behind them, like football cards from Topps Premier League, Match Attax and Panini, where you can assemble your favourite football players to trade with until you have the team you want.

Common Phrases

If you’re a newbie to TCGs there will likely be some recurring terms that may baffle you a little, if you’re playing with more seasoned players. Here are a few phrases to look out for:

Gameplay Jargon

• Aggro: Usually referring to a deck strategy where the cards are aimed at dealing rapid damage or bringing the game to a swift end, quickly and aggressively.
• Midrange: A deck strategy that balances attack and defence capability for rounded gameplay.
• Control: A slow-paced deck strategy where the cards are collated so as to be able to control the game and slow or cease an opponent’s move sets.
• Alpha Strike: A devastating attack that involves a lot of firepower and usually throws caution to the wind. This is often a game-winning attack.
• Board Wipe/Sweeper: A card that clears all or most units from the table. Often used in desperation or when a player is losing, it helps reset the game so that they can try and build back the game in their favour.
• Combo: Literally short for combination, it describes the use of two or more cards to utilise their specific powers together.
• Face: Attacking the opponent directly, rather than their creatures or representatives on the board.
• Go Wide: Playing a lot of small units or creatures to maximise defence options or to overwhelm an opponent
• Go Big: Playing very few or a single, extremely powerful threat that is hard to stop on its own.
• Interaction: Cards aimed at altering or disrupting an opponent’s gameplan. Often decks have a singular focus so if you can upset this, a plan B can be hard to come by.
• Mirror Match: If players are using the same style of play, or similar deck types then this can be considered a mirror match.
• Netdecking: Copying a deck list from the internet, this is a great way for newer players to learn deck building and see how others go about constructing decks.
• RNG: Random Number Generator. This can be used for the equivalent of dice rolls or in-game effects that are luck based.
• Tech Card: If a popular strategy or card is cropping up in many of your games, you may include a specific card to counter this.

Card types and Rarity

• Booster Pack: A sealed pack containing a randomised set of cards, usually between 8 – 10.
• Chase Card: A card collectors are chasing after. Often rare, valuable or very powerful.
• Foil/Holo: A card with a shiny or reflective image. Holographic in style or with a foil base.
• Full Art: Artwork that covers the entire card rather than remaining in the usual allotted artwork box.
• Promo: Promotional cards, often given away at tournaments or to promote events, products or other things. Usually limited in their production, they can become highly collectable.

Collecting Terms

• Grading: Sending cards to expert grading companies to get a rating on it (usually out of 10) to see what condition it is in.
• Mint: Perfect condition, practically new out of the pack.
• Sleeves: Protective plastic covers for cards. If playing regularly with a card, this stops scuffs or rubbing on it.
• Toploader: Rigid plastic case for extra protection.

The popularity of TCGs has seen them become a great hobby for children and adults alike, often bringing different generations together over a shared passion. With so many great TCGs out there, there’s something for everybody to discover and sink their teeth into.

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