Join Redemption National Champion Brian Jones for a fantastic article sharing the successful development of his playgroup. Go and do likewise!
Introduction:
I have been playing redemption now for roughly 14 years. My playgroup has fluctuated in size throughout the years due to a variety of reasons. The main reason though would be me being greedy with my time I have allotted for Redemption. When I first started a playgroup I was excited, but did not realize all the little things that having a healthy play group would entail. I felt like I was constantly teaching people, helping with deck ideas, and helping new players to develop. Since I was doing those things I did not have time to sharpen my own skills, and I was getting tired not playing to my potential in competitive tournaments.
When Cloud of Witnesses came out I decided to start really focusing on refining my skills. While I got satisfaction out of that, I knew deep down that I could be introducing so many kids to the game. I then took a step back during Covid, and truly thought I would be done with the game. Then a couple years later a student of mine saw some cards, and inquired about them. That led to me teaching a couple students how to play.
I started to realize without me playing competitively I really enjoyed helping kids develop in Redemption. Fast forward to the present, I now have 14 dedicated players who play every day, and really love the game. That has not been easy, and as I have gotten more involved in competitive play again I feel some of the greediness coming back. I am not the same man I was though, the Lord has given me more patience and contentment.
I have been fulfilled by the kids I teach as they continue to get better, and compete with some of the best players. Instead of my biggest challenge being how I will win, it is now how do I keep kids engaged in the game. I have made it affordable for kids to get involved by building them contender level decks for $25. From there is where the fun really begins. It has helped tremendously that we are located so close to the Knoxville playgroup. We are able to travel to tournaments together, and make some lasting memories. Those in my group have enjoyed getting to meet various players, especially the players they hear about on some of the Redemption YouTube channels. Our generous community has blessed these kids at every opportunity, I am forever grateful.
Despite those great reasons to stay in engaged, the biggest reason in my opinion they stick with it on the daily is because of the level deck system I have in place. I currently have seven level decks they can compete against, which all teach them something different. They start on level one, and work their way up. If they defeat a level they get credit for cards from my collection matching the level they defeated. If they beat level one they get $1 credit, level two would get them an additional $2 credit, you get the idea. Below is the theme of each deck, and what each level teaches.
Level 1
This level teaches basic battles and focuses on teaching the importance of initiative, and negating. The heroes are all small paired with battle winners that do not negate anything. The evil characters are all big with a bunch of negates.
Level 2
This level teaches that having cards that are cannot be prevented or negated are important. It also introduces the stall defense strategy. The heroes consist of Moses, 24 Elders, Daniel, and other heroes of that nature. They have to figure out how to play around things when a lot of their resources do not work. The defense has many different types of stall techniques that work in different scenarios.
Level 3
This level teaches the importance of protection, specifically deck protection. The sole purpose of this deck is to mill your opponent. It is a fun deck that brings a new aspect to what they are used to. This is also the level that I introduce the Reserve in my level system.
Level 4
This level teaches the importance of being prepared for toss abilities. The offense, and defense have plenty of ways to toss an opponent down. Some of the cards in this deck are Peace, Herod’s Temple, and Goshen.
Level 5
This level teaches the importance of rescuing and defending against big bands that do different things. This deck at the moment is a Daniel deck paired with animals where I can do Pride of Lions.
Level 6
This level teaches the importance of being able to target characters like angels that are not human, and keep coming back. This deck runs Thieves on defense, and teaches them that I can take resources out of their hand.
Level 7
This level is currently my tournament deck, where they can take everything they have learned and put it to the test.
Conclusion:
While I play these games, I am pretty strict with game play, and I do not allow them to take things back if they make a mistake. With that being said, I am not a jerk about it but it’s more of a learning experience for them. I try to follow up every game with advice on the misplays I saw during the game, and some good plays that I saw as well.
I am blessed to have the opportunity to have the platform to teach so many kids how to play, and help them develop as players. I have come a long way in how I navigate having a playgroup, and God has opened many doors to share His good news through Redemption.
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