The Best Ways to Play Trading Card Games (TCGs) Online: Insights from the AppalachiaTCG Podcast

In Episode 8 of The AppalachiaTCG Podcast, hosts Bigjohn (Smango) and Tony (Justtake3) talk about “The Best Ways to Play TCGs Online & More.” This episode is a treasure trove of information for trading card game enthusiasts, particularly fans of Magic the Gathering (MTG) and Flesh and Blood (FABTCG). Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the trading card game community, this episode offers valuable insights into online platforms, community building, and the latest releases in TCGs.

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Exploring Online Platforms for Trading Card Games | MTG, FAB, ETC

One of the main topics discussed in this episode is the various online platforms available for playing TCGs. The best and more enjoyable way to play is always in person but not everyone can meet up on that certain date. So it’s always a good idea to hone in on your skills online and gain experience in other ways.

Here’s a breakdown of the platforms covered:

Spelltable for Magic: The Gathering

Spelltable is a favorite among the TCG community for its ease of use and accessibility. It allows players to connect via webcams and play their physical cards online. Bigjohn and Tony share their experiences with Spelltable, emphasizing its user-friendly interface and community features. Some people this is the only way they can play with their physical cards all the time. Spelltable become extremely popular during the Covid years, other TCGs tried to use it to play games like Flesh & Blood but Spelltable is owned and operated by Wizards of the Coast so playing anything other than Magic the Gathering is not permitted.

Unlike the other things offered on this list, you must have some addition hardware. While the barrier of entry isn’t high you need a Overhead Camera standard for either a webcam or your phone. Then you must own the cards, I guess it’s really up to whoever you are playing with if you can use real cards or proxies.

Magic: The Gathering Online (MTGO)

MTGO is a digital version of the classic Magic: The Gathering game. It’s perfect for players who want a comprehensive MTG experience online. The hosts discuss the advantages of MTGO, such as its extensive card database and regular updates that keep the game fresh and exciting.

While MTGO might not be as fancy as MTGA it has every format, and everycard you could possibly want to play with. It’s more identical to the paper game of Magic: The Gathering than MTGA. Maybe one day I’ll dive more deep into the differences I’ve seen but MTGO represents paper Magic closer than MTGA.

My favorite community on MTGO is the Pauper Format community tons of games all the time on there to play and meeting interesting people.

Flesh and Blood – Tailshar

Tailshar is another platform highlighted for its unique features and growing popularity. Tailshar is completely focused on the Trading card game Flesh and Blood. Which has a small growing community in Eastern Kentucky. It’s also completely free and allows you to load up any deck from Fabrary.net. It’s not as impressive as some of the other TCGs digital games that are out there such as Hearthstone or MTG Arena. But, its a good way to hone in on your skills and see how you deck might play out in an armory.

Tabletop Simulator for TCGs!

Tabletop Simulator offers a versatile way to play various TCGs, including custom games. Tabletop simulator you can virtually play just about any board game or card game imaginable. If it isn’t on there that’s only because it was removed or it hasn’t been programmed in it. This program is extremely powerful for tabletop gaming. You can even go full virtual mode to play your favorite tcgs. Load of ANY deck imaginable on Magic: The Gathering or Flesh & Blood and play!

This is the best and most effective way to mimic in real life. There is even a VR mode you can use to play with a VR headset if you set it up correctly. Nothing is digital BUT the cards and well you can even load up health counters and everything. This is about as close as you can get to the real life experience other than a camera or in-person play.

You can get Tabletop Simulator over on Steam for PC Only.

Building and Managing a Thriving Local Gaming Community

A significant part of the podcast is dedicated to community building. Based out of Magoffin County, Kentucky, AppalachiaTCG has cultivated a growing TCG community in Eastern Kentucky. Here are some key takeaways from Bigjohn and Tony on fostering a local gaming community:

Social media platforms are powerful tools for promoting events and connecting with the community. AppalachiaTCG effectively uses platforms like Facebook and Twitter to share updates and engage with their audience.

Meeting people online and then meeting them now at our favorite store East KY Cards and Collectibles is awesome.

You should check them out as well and support them in anyway you can as they are hosting events left and right for us TCG players! Constantly helping us host armories and we help them out too as much as we can. This is preferred Local Game Store by the AppalachiaTCG Podcast and Community.

AppalachiaTCG Encouraging New Players to try different TCGs

The AppalachiaTCG Podcast along with host Smango and co-host JustTake3 are dedicated to helping new players enjoy games like Magic: The Gathering! Magic the gathering was basically the reason we started the group and podcast but there are so many other TCGs you could be playing and trying out like Flesh & Blood which was taught to us at an event. If you want to showcase off one of your favortie TCGs you should stop in and talk to one of us. I know a few people have been talking about Lorcana and some have showed us how to play.

Insights on Magic: The Gathering’s Modern Horizons 3 set

The episode also features an in-depth discussion on the latest Modern Horizons 3 release. Bigjohn and Tony share their thoughts on the new cards, mechanics, and how this release impacts the MTG meta. Their analysis provides valuable insights for both competitive players and casual fans.

Modern Horizons 3 power creep in Magic: The Gathering has been wild. Some of these new cards are literally INSANE. Everyone is after and looking for the eldrazi deck! Apparently if you want a short Commander Game you just bring that deck along and get targeted first!

Tony’s New YouTube Channel about TCGs

In an exciting update, Tony announces the launch of his new YouTube channel Just Take 3. This channel will offer a variety of trading card game related content, including gameplay videos, deck-building tips, and more. Tony’s enthusiasm for this new venture is palpable, and listeners are encouraged to check out and subscribe to his channel for more great content. The channel will mostly focus on collecting and trading cards for the trading card game Magic: The Gathering.

Enjoy some more Episodes about TCGs

We think you will enjoy these episodes of the AppalachiaTCG Podcast view them a watch and let them know you are a fan. Always bulk hunting for some of the coolest cards for all those cool TCGs.

Conclusion: Join the AppalachiaTCG Community

The AppalachiaTCG Podcast Episode 8 is a must-listen for TCG enthusiasts. From exploring the best online platforms to sharing tips on community building, this episode is packed with valuable information and engaging discussions.

Join the growing community at AppalachiaTCG, based out of Magoffin County, Kentucky, and be a part of the exciting world of trading card games. Visit their website at AppalachiaTCG for more information, and don’t forget to tune into the podcast for the latest TCG news and insights.

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