Pokémon turns 30 today. Where you can learn to play the card game in Los Angeles

Thirty years ago, Pokémon released a trading card game that along with the video games, evolved into one of the most expansive media franchises ever.

Pokémon now has produced more than 75 billion trading cards in 16 languages.

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 Pokémon trading card game.

Some shops emphasize casual gameplay.

“ Everyone feels that they are surrounded by friends,” said Scott Leslie, who coordinates Pokémon events for kids — and adults — at Burbank’s Geeky Teas and Games. “They can make mistakes. They don't have to be playing perfectly. They can just be learning the game.”

While at others, you might find players with their sights set on the annual World Championships debating the nuances of the game.

“We don't all agree with each other, we bicker a little bit, but that makes us grow from it,” said Crossing Collectibles store manager Ben Nackman.

Here are three places to learn how to play the game in Los Angeles and a few organizations focused on preparing the next generation of trainers. 

A Pokédex of sorts

But first, here’s some lingo you might run into on your journey.

Locals: Casual play, often at local card or game stores.  "You don't accrue anything besides bragging rights, maybe some store credit,” says Next-Gen Games Pokémon organizer Eddie Sagastume. Players may get promotional (promo) cards for playing or winning. Pokémon maintains a map of places that offer locals and more competitive play.

League Challenge and League Cup: Pokémon-sanctioned local tournaments where players can begin to earn points toward more advanced competitions.

Pokémon Professor: The Pokémon Company bestows this title on enthusiasts who complete an application, which includes passing a test on basic gameplay and a background check. Professors may help host events and judge competitions.

Pre-release party/tournament: 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.

TCG: An abbreviation for trading card game.

Burbank 

Geeky Teas & Games

Address: 900 W Alameda Ave., Burbank

The vibe: This is a store, but it’s also so much more — a tea shop, a cat rescue, and an 800-board-game library. There are themed gaming rooms with a “ nerdy, cozy feel” to reserve. The motifs include a ship at sea, a wooded faery glen, Hobbiton, and a Pokécenter decorated in the style of the Red and Blue video games.

Regular hours:

• Monday-Friday: Noon to 10 p.m. 
• Saturday: 11 a.m. to midnight 
• Sunday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 

When to play Pokémon:

• Monday at 6:30 p.m. Pokémon hangs and casual tournament play for players 17+. 
• Tuesday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Pokémon hangs for players 16 and under. A casual  tournament starts at 4 p.m. All participants get a pack of promo cards and winners earn another. All youth card trading is overseen to ensure fairness and there’s a professor on staff to help kids learn to play. 
• There is an  $8 entry fee ($5 before 5:00 p.m.) for both evenings. 
• Schedule varies: Pre-release events.

Good to know:

• There are decks of cards that beginning players can borrow in-store to learn how to play.
• The shop also features memorabilia from other beloved franchises. For example, a recently restored TARDIS, a replica from the long-running and beloved Doctor Who TV series.

More information: On their website, Discord (most up-to-date) and Instagram.

Manhattan Beach

The Game Hub 

Address: 1809 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach

Regular hours: 

• Monday and Tuesday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
• Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. 
• Thursday and Friday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.  
• Saturday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

The vibe: Neighborhood game shop connected to a comic book store.

When to play Pokémon:

• On Mondays and Fridays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., a Pokémon professor offers lessons for players of all ages for $25 a student. 

Good to know:

• Players are welcome to play at any of the store's tables when there isn’t another event happening. 

More information: On their website, Instagram, Facebook or by emailing gamehub.cb@gmail.com.

Mid-City

Next-Gen Games

Address: 5450 W Pico Blvd., Unit 103, Los Angeles

Regular hours: 

• Monday to Friday, Noon to 10 p.m.
• Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The vibe:  The shop hosts a variety of activities from board games to Magic and Warhammer. ”Our whole vibe is just come on in, play some games,” says Pokémon organizer Eddie Sagastume.

When to play Pokémon:

• Thursdays 7 to 10 p.m.  AKA  “come in and hang out and talk about Pokémon night,” says Sagastume. There’s a local tournament and other people come to watch, trade cards, or play the Pokémon video game with community. 
• Sagastume says he’s happy to provide a tutorial to newer players.  ”There’s no wrong way to enjoy Pokémon,” Sagastume says. “I always tell people, give the game a chance.”
• Schedule varies: Pre-release events.

Good to know:

• The shop allows snacks, just don’t make a mess!
• There’s a calendar that lists upcoming events. 

More information: On their website, Discord and Instagram.

Various locations 

Sharath Cherian and daughter Asha at the 2024 Pokémon World Championship in Honolulu.

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Courtesy Sharath Cherian

)

Trainers Guild

• What it is: An organization that offers Pokémon after-school programs, summer camps, coaching, and intensives. Sharath Cherian, a Hollywood father of a competitive player, founded the Trainers Guild with coach Ciaran Farah, who’s based in Toronto.  
• “[Pokémon is] a great way for kids to learn math, strategic thinking,” Cherian says. “This is a way for them to interact with each other that involves a little bit of negotiation skills.”
• More information: On their website.