Purchasing Magic: the Gathering booster packs from your local game store offer benefits that extend far beyond simply acquiring new cards. These stores are often the heart of the gaming community, providing more than just a place to buy your favorite game products. By choosing to buy locally, you’re not only investing in your personal gaming experience but also in the community and the broader gaming ecosystem.

Support the Local Business

Supporting local businesses has a tangible impact on your community. When you buy from a local game store, you help keep money circulating within the local economy, which supports jobs and stimulates economic growth. These small businesses rely on community support, and by choosing to shop locally, you’re helping to sustain these vital hubs in your area.

Building a Local Gaming Community

Local game stores also serve as social centers where gamers can connect, share strategies, and build friendships. Many stores host events, tournaments, and game nights that bring people together, creating a strong sense of community. These gatherings provide a platform for players to test their skills, learn from others, and enjoy the camaraderie that comes from shared interests.

Personalized Services and Advice

The personalized service and expert advice you receive at a local game store are unmatched by online retailers. The staff are usually experienced gamers who can offer valuable insights and recommendations tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for the best booster packs to enhance your deck or need advice on gameplay strategies, local stores offer a level of customer service that enhances your overall experience.

Ease of Access

In addition to the community benefits, shopping locally also offers practical advantages like immediate access to products and the avoidance of shipping costs. There’s no need to wait for your booster packs to arrive in the mail, and you can often find exclusive promotions or early access to new products that aren’t available online. These perks add up, making local game stores a convenient and cost-effective choice for many gamers.

Ultimately, buying from your local game store supports a healthy and diverse gaming industry. These stores often stock products from smaller publishers and indie creators, helping to maintain the variety and richness of the gaming world. By choosing to shop locally, you’re contributing to the sustainability of the gaming community and ensuring that it continues to thrive for years to come.

A Magic: the Gathering Local Game Store, just like any other business, needs customers for it to thrive for longevity. Connecting with customers has primarily evolved in two things: by providing the latest MTG products and holding tournaments in which the customers play.

Supporting your local game store (LGS) is crucial for the Magic: The Gathering community and helps ensure that these stores continue to thrive.

Here are several ways you can support your MTG LGS:

1. Shop Locally: Whenever you need MTG products, such as booster packs, singles, or accessories, buy them from your local game store rather than online retailers. This directly contributes to their revenue.
2. Participate in Events: Join in-store MTG events, including Friday Night Magic, Prerelease tournaments, drafts, APAC Leagues, and Standard Showdowns. Entry fees and product purchases including prizes during these events contribute significantly to an LGS’s income.
3. Promote the Store: Spread the word about your LGS through social media, forums, and word of mouth. Encourage friends and fellow players from other cities to visit and support the local game store events.
4. Join and Build Communities: Be an active member of your local MTG community. Engage with other players, trade cards, and help new players learn the game. Positive and inclusive communities attract more players to the store.
5. Offer to Volunteer: If the store needs help with organizing events or other activities, consider volunteering your time and expertise. Also conduct learn-to-play session for those who’d want to learn the game. It’s a great way to give back to the community.
6. Host Events: If you have the skills and resources, consider hosting your own MTG events at the store, such as casual Commander nights or Cube drafts or casual short events on weeknights. This can attract more players to the LGS.
7. Provide Feedback: Offer constructive feedback to the store owner or staff. This can help them improve the store’s offerings and services.
8. Preorder New Sets: If you plan to buy booster boxes or bundles for a new MTG set, consider preordering them from the LGS. This not only ensures you get the product but also helps the store gauge demand.
9. Buy Gift Cards: In this option of gift cards, you can purchase gift cards from the LGS for future use or as gifts & store credits. This provides immediate revenue to the store and encourages others to shop there.
10. Respect Store Policies: Follow store policies and etiquette. This includes being respectful to staff and other players, showing up on time for events, and adhering to any health and safety guidelines.
11. Support Online Initiatives: Many LGSs have online stores or social media presence. Follow and engage with them online, and consider making online purchases if you can’t visit in person.
12. Advocate for the LGS: If there are local initiatives or opportunities to support your LGS, such as grants or promotions, advocate for the store and help them access these resources.

Remember that local game stores are essential hubs for the Magic community, and your support directly contributes to their survival and growth. By actively engaging with your LGS and encouraging others to do the same, you can help ensure a vibrant and welcoming MTG community in your area.

I am currently here in Quezon City for the five days training on the Special Course on Urban and Regional Planning. While the lectures usually end at 5:00pm, I decided to check on the nearby MTG gamestores to participate in their scheduled tournaments. One that I have found was The Dragonforge shop, which is located inside the UP Town Center mall that is along Katipunan Avenue.

Their Standard Showdown schedule for the week was Tuesday afternoon at 5:30pm and I barely made it in time after rushing to get to the place from UP Diliman campus. Good thing my nephew who was studying in the university told me which jeepney to ride from the SURP building up to the overpass that is across the mall. There were already players waiting for the first round pairings and I immediately told them TO that I will be joining the tournament. I then made sure that my deck has the correct maindeck and sideboard cards. I browsed through the cards again to review on the deck strategy of the Gruul Warriors and to check if I interpreted the new cards correctly.

The first Round started about 10 minutes later with 16 players in attendance. Here is a recap of my matchups after the Swiss rounds.

Round 1 vs Temur Reclamation – Won 2-0
Round 2 vs Azorius Aggro – Lost 0-2
Round 3 vs Gruul Warriors – Won 2-0
Round 4 vs 4C Control – Won 2-0

I finished fifth overall after checking on the rankings, which is one place short for the Standard Showdown pack prizes. Well at the least I got one regular booster pack as consolation. Here below is the post I made on my Deathmarked FB page along with a short caption.