Learn Japanese while playing a card game

Japanese: the Game

I've always been interested in learning Japanese.  I know a few people who are either taking classes or working on it themselves.  I may try this method.

I own a copy of the game Influent - Japanese language edition.  I have not tried it yet, but it also looks good.

Star Realms

My son and I love Star Realms.  We own a few deck building games, and this is our favorite one for two player games.

What sets Star Realms apart from most deck building games is the player interaction and win conditions.  Many deck building games use some form of victory points to determine a winner.  Star Realms involves combat and a life total (Authority).  This makes the game feel more like you are playing against someone and not just focusing on gaining victory points and disrupting your opponents.

I also like the artwork and theme.  It reminds me of the SciFi novels I read in the 80's.  The cards also fit the mechanics of the game.  For example, I don't think the DC deck building game has a good theme.  Why does Aquaman draw extra cards?  It doesn't fit.

Star Realms is also available to play on PC, iOS, and Android.  It is free to download and play against the AI.

I highly recommend Star Realms.

A few cards from the game

Modern Masters 2015

Ian and I went out last night so Ian could draft Modern Masters 2015.  I don't see any Tarmagoyf's in this deck.  Don't you need four of them in every deck?

Pokemon Trading Card Game

2014 Pokemon World Championships - Washington D.C.

Since the summer of 2010, my family has been making a trip every year to Indianapolis to attend the Pokémon National Championships.  This year will be the second year that my son will be competing in the TCG senior division.

The Pokémon TCG is a family friendly game that anyone can play.  Many kids collect the cards but never realize there are other people playing the game casually and competitively in their area.  The best way to find other people is to find a league.  Leagues are a casual environment where everyone plays for fun and earns promotional items (cards, patches, etc) just for playing.  

Pokémon Event Locator to find local leagues and tournaments

Another great way to learn how to play the game and play with others is using the new online version of the game. It is free to play, and you can redeem codes from booster packs you purchase in stores to get more cards online.

Pokémon TCG Online

Playing the Pokémon TCG has been a wonderful experience for us.  We have played at leagues and in tournaments all over the country, and made many friends along the way.

For more information on the Pokemon US National Championships, check out this link.

Pokémon US National Championships FAQ

The main event hall - 2012 National Championships

Someone I know earned this trophy

Speculation in collectibles

I was in a conversation recently about speculation on Magic cards.  An argument was being made that no one can predict the potential price of a card long term, and that they are a good investment.

I agree that you can usually make a profit in the short term, but people forget how bad things have gotten for many collectibles.

My comic book collection has almost no resale value.  People my age across the country have the same collections, and no one wants them.  There was a boom in collecting in the 90s after some high profile comics sold for significant amounts.  But that was for old comics that are now rare.  Nothing is rare anymore.  I looked on eBay, and you can get a black bagged copy of the Death of Superman for under $10.  I found my copy in a bargain bin for $1.

So I don't think 4 copies of Tarmagoyf today is going to pay for my sons college education.  On the other hand, a couple of  Black Lotuses might...

a Tarmagoyf for sale on eBay

a Black Lotus for sale on eBay

The Death of Superman, new unopened