Do You Want to Build a Snowman Playgroup?

So, you love to play Redemption, but so far only travel long distances to tournaments, or play online with Lackey (when it’s working). Deep in your heart, though, you feel like starting your own playgroup so that you will be dependent on neither. But then fear overtakes you as you are hit with the inevitable question………. How do I start?!?

Although everyone has their own niche when it comes to making friends and influencing people, I will offer suggestions based on my experiences with starting playgroups in schools, both public and private. These ideas would likely carry over to Youth Groups, as well, but sometimes just starting a playgroup with friends and neighbors works best.

Step 1: Creating the Group

The dilemma with starting playgroups in schools and churches can be the initial hesitation toward collectible card games in general. Couple this with questionable artwork, and the presence of demons, and the expectation for resistance should be significant. That is why I do not start playgroups with Redemption. I start with a Strategic Games Club (in schools), or a Family Game Night (in churches). The vast majority of naysayers have no problem with Chess, Stratego and Othello. This initial draw will introduce you to the “gamers” in your school/church, which allows you to talk to the people who are more likely to support Redemption. I always have Redemption handy, waiting in the wings. If my son attends, then we will start a game against each other, which will quickly draw onlookers. Once the conversation is started, the hook is set and it is time to reel them in.

Realize that public schools are very strict about anything Bible-related, which is why the Strategic Games Club can be effective. I can’t “force my religion” on them by making them play Redemption (i.e. having no alternatives), but if they ask to play, then everything is fine. This could, of course, open the door to other CCGs being brought into the club, so be aware that this is a more challenging ministry.

In private schools, the main resistance is not “Separation of Church & State,” but rather “Separation from the World.” Many parents and administrators are fearful that CCGs are a bad influence and may expose children to unnecessary evils.

Step 2: Getting them Started

To combat these issues, I create my own starter decks from older Redemption cards to get players started. I am careful to not use demons, or any cards with potentially offensive images. I also do this with the starter decks that my son and I use when we start the club. I have found it much more successful to introduce parents/pastors/administrators to the ancient civilizations (i.e. Egyptians and Romans) and Hero archetypes (i.e. Disciples and Kings), rather than the cards that are in sealed starter decks (which include demons). This approach makes Redemption look like a historical teaching tool (for public schools), as well as a Biblical teaching tool (for private schools and churches). The less people you can offend initially, the better.

Step 3: Improving their Decks

Within a few weeks, my Strategic Games club quickly turns into a Redemption Club, with a few stragglers still playing board games. Part of this is the allure of getting free cards. Even if they are not interested in a Bible-based game, some kids just want to get something for free. However, eventually the kids will play just so that they are not the odd-man-out. Whatever the motivation, the playgroup will now settle upon a dedicated group of players that want to play whenever possible. Do not set high expectations for this number! Two or three dedicated players is still a great start! These players will need better decks, though, so now is the time to give them modern cards, and start focusing on the themes for brigades. They will have had enough time to see what does (and does not) work for them, so they can make better decisions. The Message Boards can be a great resource to get both the older cards for Step 2, and the newer cards for this step. Many other playgroup leaders are ready and willing to help your new playgroup flourish. Just ask!

Step 4: Preparing for Tournaments

Once their decks have been improved, it is time for practice tournaments that demonstrate the Swiss format. Realize that many people have never seen anything but elimination tournaments. Also, this is a chance to try time limits, and identify major errors in how people are playing cards. This will happen! It’s okay! In fact, it is more important to get players into the flow of playing complete games within a tournament structure than it is to be 100% correct in your rulings. Get through the tournament first, then check the Message Board for possible mistakes made, and then announce the errors to your playgroup the next time you meet. Some beginning hosts give up too quickly because the amount of information available for rulings on the Message Boards can be intimidating (if not overwhelming). Have fun playing first, then worry about perfecting your ability to make better rulings. We all make mistakes, and eventually everyone gets over it, especially if you announce that this is your first tournament and you might make mistakes. 🙂

To buy singles, sealed product, and other gaming supplies, please visit Three Lions Gaming!

By Timothy

YMT is the old, fat guy that annoys everyone with his lame humor. The Redemption message board members pretend to laugh at his jokes because they know he is hypersensitive and may go into a deep depression if they do not. He has started playgroups in several different states, but that is because each group gets sick of him after a few years and kicks him out of the area. YMT hardly ever actually plays Redemption because he's not very good at it. You will never see him at the National Tournament for reasons that only make sense to him.