You’ve been playing your favorite trading card game casually with friends, and now you’re wondering… “Should I try playing in a tournament?”
The answer: Absolutely!
(Players playing Union Arena Tournament)
Know Your Deck
(Ultraman TCG, one of Champion of Nebula Top Deck)
You don’t need to memorize the entire card pool but you should know your own deck inside and out.
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Practice shuffling and drawing sample hands.
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Learn your main strategies and backup plans.
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Keep your deck list legal and organized for the event.
The more comfortable you are with your cards, the more you can focus on the match instead of second-guessing your plays.
The Essentials!
Don’t get caught unprepared! Here’s a quick checklist:
Your deck (sleeved and tournament-ready)
You’d be surprised how easy it is to misplace your deck in the rush to get to the venue! Happens to the best of us.
Playmat (optional, but handy)
We have plenty of playmats at the shop, but if you have your own, bring it! Try playing on a bare table versus a playmat, no explanation needed.
Counters, dice, or tokens your game requires
We have in house accessories for you to use in case you may have forgotten yours.
A bottle of water to stay refreshed (or grab a drink here!)
Tournaments can last up to 4 hours, so stay hydrated and keep your mind sharp.
Ask Questions — It’s Okay!
At TinyRobot, we work closely with local judges for their respective game. Tournament staff and judges are here to help. If you’re unsure about a rule, timing, or procedure, just ask. Everyone was new once, and no one will mind you clarifying before making a move.
Respect the Game and Your Opponent
Good sportsmanship makes tournaments better for everyone:
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Greet your opponent before starting.
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Play at a reasonable pace.
What if I don’t have a deck?
