Pok\u00e9mon now has produced more than 75 billion trading cards<\/a> in 16 languages.<\/p>\n Nostalgia, curiosity, or the desire for a screen-free hobby for your kid are all reasons people might want to learn how to play the Pok\u00e9mon trading card game.<\/p>\n Some shops emphasize casual gameplay.<\/p>\n \u201c\u200aEveryone feels that they are surrounded by friends,\u201d said Scott Leslie, who coordinates Pok\u00e9mon events for kids \u2014 and adults \u2014 at Burbank\u2019s Geeky Teas and Games. \u201cThey can make mistakes. They don’t have to be playing perfectly. They can just be learning the game.\u201d<\/p>\n While at others, you might find players with their sights set on the annual World Championships<\/a> debating the nuances of the game.<\/p>\n \u201cWe don’t all agree with each other, we bicker a little bit, but that makes us grow from it,\u201d said Crossing Collectibles store manager Ben Nackman.<\/p>\n Want to suggest a place to play Pok\u00e9mon?<\/p>\n Email reporter Mariana Dale at mdale@laist.com<\/a>. Please include the name of the place, the vibe and why you like it.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Here are four places to learn how to play the game in Los Angeles and a few organizations focused on preparing the next generation of trainers.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n A Pok\u00e9dex of sorts<\/p>\n But first, here\u2019s some lingo you might run into on your journey.<\/p>\n Locals: <\/b>Casual play, often at local card or game stores. \u200a”You don’t accrue anything besides bragging rights, maybe some store credit,\u201d says Next-Gen Games Pok\u00e9mon organizer Eddie Sagastume. Players may get promotional (promo) cards<\/a> for playing or winning. Pok\u00e9mon maintains a map of places<\/a> that offer locals and more competitive play.<\/p>\n League Challenge and League Cup:<\/b> Pok\u00e9mon-sanctioned local tournaments<\/a> where players can begin to earn points toward more advanced competitions.<\/p>\n Pok\u00e9mon Professor<\/b>: The Pok\u00e9mon Company bestows this title<\/a> on enthusiasts who complete an application<\/a>, which includes passing a test on basic gameplay and a background check. Professors may help host events<\/a> and judge competitions.<\/p>\n Pre-release party\/tournament: <\/b>An opportunity for players to play with and purchase new sets of cards in the two weeks before the official release. The professors LAist interviewed say the cost usually ranges from $30 to $40 and includes a deck and several booster packs of cards. The next set of cards, Mega Evolution<\/a>, is scheduled for pre-release in mid-September<\/a>.<\/p>\n TCG:<\/b> An abbreviation for trading card game.<\/p>\n Burbank<\/p>\n Geeky Teas & Games<\/b><\/p>\n Address: <\/b>900 W Alameda Ave., Burbank<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n The vibe:<\/b> This is a store, but it\u2019s also so much more \u2014 a tea shop, a cat rescue, and an 800-board-game library. There are themed gaming rooms with a \u201c\u200anerdy, cozy feel\u201d to reserve. The motifs include a ship at sea, a wooded faery glen, Hobbiton, and a Pok\u00e9center decorated in the style of the Red and Blue video games.<\/p>\n Regular hours:<\/b><\/p>\n When to play Pok\u00e9mon:<\/b><\/p>\n Good to know:<\/b><\/p>\n More information:<\/b> On their website<\/a>, Discord<\/a> (most up-to-date) and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n Culver City<\/p>\n Crossing Collectibles\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Address: <\/b>11248 Playa Court b, Culver City<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n Regular hours:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n The vibe:<\/b> Tables and folding chairs occupy the majority of the open, warehouse-like space. A black-and-white mural of iconic characters from the anime One Piece and Pok\u00e9mon covers one wall.<\/p>\n When to play Pok\u00e9mon:<\/b><\/p>\n Good to know:<\/b><\/p>\n More information:<\/b> On their website<\/a>, Instagram<\/a> and Discord<\/a>.<\/p>\n Manhattan Beach<\/p>\n The Game Hub\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Address: <\/b>1809 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n Regular hours:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n The vibe:<\/b> Neighborhood game shop connected to a comic book store.<\/p>\n When to play Pok\u00e9mon:<\/b><\/p>\n Good to know:<\/b><\/p>\n More information:<\/b> On their website<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, Facebook<\/a> or by emailing gamehub.cb@gmail.com.<\/a><\/p>\n Mid-City<\/p>\n Next-Gen Games<\/b><\/p>\n Address: <\/b>5450 W Pico Blvd., Unit 103, Los Angeles<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n Regular hours:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n The vibe:<\/b> \u200aThe shop hosts a variety of activities from board games to Magic and Warhammer. \u201dOur whole vibe is just come on in, play some games,\u201d says Pok\u00e9mon organizer Eddie Sagastume.<\/p>\n When to play Pok\u00e9mon:<\/b><\/p>\n Good to know:<\/b><\/p>\n More information:<\/b> On their website<\/a>, Discord<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n Various locations<\/p>\n Sharath Cherian and daughter Asha at the 2024 Pok\u00e9mon World Championship in Honolulu. <\/p>\n (<\/p>\n Courtesy Sharath Cherian<\/p>\n )<\/p>\n Trainers Guild<\/b><\/p>\n Let\u2019s Play LA<\/b><\/p>\n More information:<\/b> On their website<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, and Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n
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