Collectable card games have been popular for almost three decades

For several years now, it has been regularly argued that TCG card games such as Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon TCG, and Yu-Gi-Oh! there is no future, they will die out soon because they are only played by a few enthusiasts. But still, these games are still around more than 20 years after their inception, regularly occupying places in the TOP 10 lists of best-selling games.

What is this three letter combination in TCG anyway and what does it mean? TCG is an abbreviation of the English Trading Card Game (otherwise known as CCG - Collectible Card Game ). These are card games where each player builds their own unique collection of cards. From there, the player prepares his card to play against an opponent according to the rules of the game.

It is common for these games to have booster packs , which players buy without knowing the exact contents. Opening them is one of the most exciting parts of the game system , which will make every collector's heart beat faster. Each booster pack contains a certain amount of playing cards from the specific collection, however, you won't know exactly which ones will end up in your set until you open the pack.

Each package will be unique and full of surprises!

Another plus for these games is the easy portability. All you need are two players, each with their own deck, and a table or other flat surface to play the cards on.

Also, the huge variety of cards allows each player to create the most convenient and convenient deck of games. In addition, it will most likely be your unique coffee, and no one else will have exactly the same one . It is also possible to exchange cards with each other to get exactly the combination of cards you want.

Magic: The Gathering - the game that started the genre

The very first trading card game was Magic: The Gathering , or MTG. The game saw the light of day back in 1993, but it is still one of the most popular and best-selling games in its niche .

Almost three decades on, Magic: The Gathering continues to be played by millions of players around the world

In each MTG duel, players play as wizards who use magic, arm themselves with artifacts, and summon various creatures just to defeat their opponent. Over the years, the plot of the game has also developed, which has introduced countless new cards over time.

The game itself can be played in various formats, the most popular of which are draws, where players distribute cards on the spot, from which each creates their own deck, and the classic format, where each participant comes to the battle with a ready-made deck of cards, consisting of at least 60 cards.

Although art is subjective, there is an opinion that Magic has a more attractive card design than the competition - each card includes a work of art .

If you're still considering starting MTG, all you need is one deck of 60 cards. You can create it yourself by buying cards separately, or immediately buy a ready-made thematic set in which the cards will support each other. Over time, you will be able to change your deck by adding cards from booster packs. In addition, it is possible to purchase themed card add-ons, where you are more likely to find cards that will be useful for your collection.

To make sure if the game is for you, you can also try it online for free .

Pokemon TCG - the most purchased card game in recent years

Along with the Pokemon Go boom in 2016, the Japanese franchise regained its popularity, which is also noticeable in the TCG card game - in 2017, 82% of the European collectible card market was occupied by Pokemon cards . More than 30 billion Pokemon cards have been sold worldwide since the game's inception.

This year, the Pokémon TCG will celebrate its 25th anniversary!

In honor of this birthday, manufacturers plan to release various special anniversary cards.

The very first Pokemon cards have incredible collector value. Even today, some Pokemon fans buy cards for their collection, not for the game. In the card game itself, two players compete by sending their Pokemon into battle, evolving and powering them up to defeat their opponent's Pokemon with various attacks.

All this game requires is a 60-card kava and an opponent (who also has their own kava), and both Pokemon Trainers can start a battle. As with Magic, the easiest option here is to buy one of the themed cards , such as Drednaw or everyone's favorite Charizard. Will your fire dragon be more obedient than Ash Ketchum from Palette?

There is also an online version of the Pokemon card game , which you can try for free. In addition , all the cards you buy in real life can be added to your virtual collection for free .

Yu-Gi-Oh! speed duel - a new variation of a known game

Yu-Gi-Oh ! . Although it is the newest of the three games, it has still been around for 22 years.

Enjoy the nostalgia and put yourself in the skin of Yugi Moto, Seto Kaiba and other characters!

Each player goes to the duel with a deck of at least 40 cards. Using a variety of monster, magic and trap cards, players try to deplete the opponent's life points.

In order to promote the popularity of the game, in 2019, the manufacturers came up with the Speed ​​Duel game format , in which each player only needs 20 cards. The differences are not only in card delay and duration, but also in the playing field, as this time players can control fewer cards on the field at the same time. The game also includes special skill cards that support your playstyle and deck in various ways.

Yu-Gi-Oh! the advantage of the new format is that each new themed set includes two balanced kavas, so one set is enough for two players .

Fantasy Flight Games is changing card games with a new concept - LCG

Board game manufacturer Fantasy Flight Games has become one of the leading card game manufacturers with its new Living Card Games or LCG system. It differs from the usual TCGs in that, when you buy, you know exactly what cards will be in your set . Accordingly, the surprise effect is taken away, but the consumer does not have to buy countless packs just to get the card he wants.

In addition, this firm works with various intellectual properties, such as "Game of Thrones" , "Marvel" , "Lord of the Rings" and "Arkham Files" .

The most popular of the LCG games are Arkham Horror: The Card Game , Marvel Champions and The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game. All of these are cooperative games where you must work together to defeat the evil forces of each world.

Meanwhile, A Game of Thrones: The Card Game is more like the usual TCG principle of two players competing in a duel.

A unique kava for every player

One of the most innovative card games is Keyforge . It differs from the usual TCGs in that, when you buy a pack of cards, you don't know exactly which cards you will get . Each set will be unique, moreover, it must not be modified - the player must play with exactly the same set as purchased . Players must be able to adapt to the situation.

One of the biggest pluses of this game is that you don't need to buy extra packs to boost your deck, because that option simply doesn't exist. Therefore, Keyforge can be significantly cheaper than its alternatives. But when you buy a Keyforge deck, you'll never know exactly what cards and strategy you'll have to play with.

Keyforge is a two-player game where players must try to be the first to create three keys to open a vault and become the winner.

Despite the prevailing belief that TCG and LCG card games have no future, manufacturers continue to come up with new cards, mechanics, and game variations. Consumer interest in these games is also still considerable. After almost three strong decades, will hobbyists really lose interest in these games? Or will fans of the games continue to buy cards, add to their collections, and play these games for as long as they have?