Pokemon Professor Visits Club
On Monday, our Pokémon Club had a very special visit from Pokémon Professor, Sam Getliffe. Sam attended our club to share his extensive knowledge of the game and give tips to our club members as they battled it out in the Sheldon Library. He spoke to students about how to build a great deck and even let some students play using his custom decks. He very generously gave cards to some the newest members of the club to help them get started in the game. Some of our older members went head-to-head with him in an ultimate Pokémon showdown!
Sam has been a Pokémon Professor for 6 years and runs a league at the Geek Retreat store in Cardiff. He has also been on the staff team at tournaments at the regional and international level and was on the team at the North American Championships in New Orleans last year. He is on a mission to get new players into the game and has been part of the Play Lab Team at larger Pokémon events were he teaches the trading card game to trainers of all ages.
Here are his top tips for getting into Pokémon:
1. Start Playing Online with Pokémon TCG Live
Pokémon TCG Live is a fantastic way to learn and enjoy the game from the comfort of your own home. It’s safe, beginner-friendly, and completely free to play! The app gives you pre-built decks to start playing right away, and you can upgrade them with codes found in Pokémon booster packs and other products. It’s a great way to practice your skills and experiment with deck building. For a fresh twist on the game, check out the recently released Pokémon TCG Pocket game, which simplifies the format while teaching the basics.
2. Join a Local Play! Pokémon League
Local Play! Pokémon Leagues are the heart of the Pokémon TCG community. Use the Event Locator on the official Pokémon website to find leagues and events near you. These are perfect for meeting other players, picking up deck-building tips, and enjoying friendly games or casual tournaments. Many leagues are welcoming to beginners and families, so it’s a great place to dive in, whether you’re new or experienced!
3. Experience the Play Lab at the European Pokémon Championships
If you’re up for a bigger adventure, visit the Play Lab at the European Pokémon Championships, happening from 21st-23rd February at the London ExCeL. The Play Lab is free to enter and offers a hands-on introduction to the game for trainers of all ages. It’s an amazing opportunity to learn from experts, try out new decks, and even pick up some exclusive goodies!
If you are interested in Pokémon and would like to try out the club, stop by the Library on Mondays after school. Everyone is welcome! You can bring your own deck or use a set provided by the Pokémon Club.
