Trading Card Game FAQ
What trading card games do you stock?
Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Lorcana, and Digimon.
Do you hold events and tournaments?
Yes! We hold weekly, biweekly and monthly events, including weekly tournament play for every stocked trading card game. We also hold pre-releases, drafts and other sanctioned events throughout the year. For more information, take a look at our events here.
Can you teach me how to play Pokémon, Magic The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, etc?
Yes! We have staff members that specialise in each TCG and can offer accessible, one-to-one Learn To Play sessions. If you’d like to learn, just book in for our Learn To Play sessions here, or contact us directly at chelmsford.manager@geek-retreat.com
Will you buy/trade-in my old cards?
We occasionally buy in your old/unwanted collections. For more information about what, where and how that works, just head over here.
Where can I find specific information about an event?
You can find specific event information here, or on any of our social media platforms. Facebook, Instagram and Discord are the most user-friendly. Alternatively, you can contact us at chelmsford.manager@geek-retreat.com with specific queries.
How do I purchase a ticket or reserve a space for this event?
Events with pre-purchased tickets are available here. Other events, including our weekly tournaments, do not require pre-purchased tickets and can be paid for 'at the door.'
What is the best way to get into MTG/YGO/PKMN/Lorcana, etc?
A common question, but one that changes based on the player! Please pop into store and we'd be happy to talk you through your options. There's great starting places available for all trading card games!
I've never played in a tournament before. Can I come to this one?
Absolutely! Our community is a super friendly, welcoming bunch and would be happy to both show you the ropes and play some games with you! If you want to get a feel for things without playing, you're also welcome to watch the gameplay... Just please don't distract players during rounds!
Can my child learn MTG/YGO/PKMN/Lorcana etc?
The general rule is, if your kiddo can read, they can play trading card games, although attention span often plays a bigger role. Officially, age recommendations for TCG's are as follows; Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! ages 6+, Lorcana ages 8+ and Magic: The Gathering ages 13+. We'd always recommend having a go and seeing how you get on - You know your child better than anyone, so will be far more tuned into their abilities and strengths! There's certainly been plenty of children both older and younger who've taken to TCG's!
Are there judges at your events?
Casual weekly tournaments often do not have Judges present, but staff members can make judge rulings.
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Occasionally, structured events (Leagues, etc) may have their own set of sanctioned Judges. These Judges will be pointed out to you at the beginning of the event and are there to help with game rulings, clarification and generally, everything pertaining to the current event at hand. In the case of a ruling or query at a Judge-sanctioned event, please defer to the signposted Judges.
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Can I trade/sell cards with other customers?
Whilst we encourage friendly trading, please be aware that Geek Retreat Chelmsford (and it's staff) take no responsibility regarding any trading of cards that may occur on our premises. All customer trades are private and should be treated as such, including disputes or disagreements. Our advice is always to make sure that you feel 100% comfortable, check the cards in question thoroughly (taking care to spot damage/fake cards,) and have a third party present. In the case of children wanting to trade, we strongly recommend parents/carers present and possessing a basic knowledge of the card game.
Geek Retreat Chelmsford cannot be held responsible for any customer trading, including disagreements, bad trades, etc.
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In the case of serial 'bad trades' eg. multiple instances of scam trades, fake card trading, etc, Geek Retreat Chelmsford may step in to ban the bad trader in question..
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Selling of Pokémon cards or card-related services for ANY monetary gain is strictly prohibited within Geek Retreat Chelmsford and will result in an immediate ban.