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“Magic: The Gathering” card tournaments are held three days a week at On Board Games
Local store hosts 'Magic: The Gathering' tournaments throughout week
On Board Games, 811 W. Lincoln Highway, is a haven for people looking for “Magic: The Gathering” tournaments sanctioned by Publisher Wizards.
“I’m the only thing in 30 miles,” said owner John Clemens.
The card tournaments take place every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Clemens said casual players should begin by playing in Friday Night Magic (FNM) tournaments, which begin at 6 p.m.
“If you’re a casual player, you probably won’t win your first few times,” he said. “But you’ll get experience.”
Dave Hallahan, 44, of Cortland, began playing Magic after his son introduced it to him two years ago. Though he often fails to place in tournaments, he said he will not give it up because it is too fun.
“Besides, someday I’m going to win,” Hallahan said.
Erik Harrelson, junior business administration major, said the competition has been getting tougher.
“A few years ago I used to always win,” he said. “Now, there are times when I get seventh.”
FNM tournaments are intended to have less influence on players’ ratings wtih emphasis on teaching players the proper rules of the game. Participants also have the opportunity to win special FOIL cards.
FNM FOILs are limited-edition cards available only through Wizards sanctioned tournaments.
There is a $5 entrance fee for FNM, but Clemens said most of the money goes for prize support.
Besides winning a FOIL card, the top two players receive Magic packs. Clemens said prizes are dependent on the number of attendees, but generally, the top four players are awarded prizes.
Door prizes are also randomly awarded.
“Even though I don’t normally win, I usually get a door prize,” said Rich Hansen, 19, of DeKalb.
Clemens said around 15 people usually attend FNM.
“We have a very good player community,” said Clemens. “It’s a competitive environment, but it’s friendly.”
“It’s kind of serious,” said Harrelson. “But it’s pretty fun.”
Clemens encourages novices to stop by anytime.
“We’re very encouraging in the store,” he said. “There’s usually someone willing to teach a new player.”
Hallahan summed up how Magic players felt about On Board Games.
“Thank God for this place.”
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