Potter-Puzzled Parents -- What is a TCG?
By Max Fiorito

If you're new to the Harry Potter trading card game (TCG) or you're the parent of a child who has been eagerly awaiting the release of the game, you might have asked yourself, "what exactly is this Harry Potter Trading Card Game?"

To answer that question, it might be helpful to give you a little background information about TCGs. The first trading card game, Magic: The Gathering, was created in the early '90s and was an immediate success. Magic: The Gathering spawned a whole new genre of games. The Pokémon trading card game was the first of these to break into mainstream kid culture. Now there are TCGs based on television shows, comic book characters, and even sports heroes!

Collectible and Customizable
The main difference between a TCG like Harry Potter and a regular card game (like "Go Fish" or "War") is that each player uses his or her own deck of cards when playing instead of having a common deck that both players draw from. Plus, these decks can be customized using any cards available for the game, so kids can play their favorite characters, creatures, and items from the Harry Potter world or try to build the perfect, unbeatable deck.

Another difference between a TCG and other games is that kids trade these cards to each other (like baseball cards). Some cards are considered more rare and valuable, and therefore more collectible, than others. It's easy to tell the rarity of a card because a little symbol depicting its rarity is pictured on each individual card. In the Harry Potter TCG, rare cards have a star, uncommon cards have a diamond, and common cards have a circle.

Some kids might try to complete a collection, avidly trading Harry Potter cards until they own every last one. Others might only want to get cards of their favorite characters from the books. Still others might be on a constant lookout for just the right card for their latest deck.

Game Play
TCGs are usually more complex and offer more opportunities for advanced strategic playing than other card games. This is partly because of the ability to customize decks (every game match is different and requires a different strategy to win). Another reason for this is that each card in a TCG has its own specific set of rules and conditions. So, every card adds another level and changes each individual game! Just think of the opportunities to teach your child the values of critical thinking! (Shh…parents, just tell your kids that TCGs are fun!)

These individual card rules are often referred to as "game mechanics." One card in the Harry Potter TCG might have a game mechanic that makes your opponent discard one of his or her creatures in play. Another card's game mechanic might have you take a number of cards out of your discard pile and shuffle the cards back into your deck. So, you can see why there are so many options to choose from when designing a deck, and why no two decks are the same!

Not Just a Game!
Like other card games, the Harry Potter TCG offers your child a lot of fun, but it's also educational. Besides teaching critical thinking and problem solving, Harry Potter also stimulates a child's creativity by allowing them to design their own decks. The game also teaches how to play fair, follow rules, and how to win and lose graciously. These are pretty big lessons wrapped up in a game that provides your child with a great time!

Now that you know what the Harry Potter TCG is all about, check out our online demo and learn how to play. Surprise your kids when you bring out your very own deck and challenge them to a duel! It's the perfect opportunity to spend some time with your kids doing something you can all enjoy. If you do have other questions about the Harry Potter TCG or trading card games in general, check out our Harry Potter TCG -- Parents FAQ.