Where to play M:TG in NYC?

July 8, 2009 3:56 PM

Where can I find folks to play Magic: the Gathering with in NYC?

Haven't touched the game in well over a decade, got on a serious nostalgia trip this past weekend, and am considering seeking out some games -- provided I can find people to play with who aren't random 14 year olds.

Here's the skinny:

* I'm aware of the online version, but prefer the physical cards.
* I know there used to be a big store/gaming area in Manhattan called Neutral Grounds which closed recently and seems to have splintered things a bit.
* Jim Hanley's on 33rd hosts the official Friday night events (will likely stop by there sometime.)
* The Compleat Strategist, also in the mid 30s, may also host games at times (ditto.)
* There's another one or two spots in the outer boroughs (Queens, Staten) that are too far out for me, given I live in Jersey.

Are there any decent groups or locations other than these? Has anyone participated in events at Jim Hanley's or the Strategist and can tell me if it's worthwhile?

Finally, while this is sort of MetaTalky - are there any other Mefites in the region who would be willing to get together sometime?

posted by cyrusdogstar to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (7 answers total)

The MtG site has a link in the bottom left corner which has places to shop/play. Also, the pre-release Magic 2010 (the new core set) is being released this weekend, so if you're interested in playing but don't have any standard legal cards, that might be a good/cool idea to check out. From the looks of my area there will be tons.
posted by semp at 4:33 PM on July 8, 2009

Tons of people, that is.
posted by semp at 4:38 PM on July 8, 2009

Response by poster: Sorry, I forgot to mention that I did check the Wizards official site, and they only mention spots I was already aware of. Thanks, though :) Won't be able to do prerelease stuff (have something else on Saturday) but it looks like a few places will have release weekend events.
posted by cyrusdogstar at 4:55 PM on July 8, 2009

Upstairs at Forbidden Planet, they've got some long tables where I sometimes see people playing some CCG or another. I'm sure they can hook you up.
posted by mkultra at 7:59 PM on July 8, 2009 [1 favorite]

I know you said outer boroughs may be too far, but there's Kings Games in Brooklyn. It's a block from the subway.
posted by cmgonzalez at 8:55 PM on July 8, 2009

Response by poster: mkultra - I was actually in FP the other day and the upstairs is now the manga section, so there's no longer any tables for gaming -- when was the last time you were there? (I also asked the clerk up there about finding folks to play with when buying some random boosters, and he didn't have much to offer.)

cmgonzalez - That's definitely easier to get to than the place in Queens (which is like a 20 minute bus ride on top of a long subway trip) but still a ways (yes, I'm picky :(). Might check it out if Jim Hanley's doesn't work for me.

Thanks again for the responses, appreciated.
posted by cyrusdogstar at 8:09 PM on July 9, 2009

Pretty recently, I think a couple weeks ago. There were more shelves, but definitely some small tables.
posted by mkultra at 5:41 AM on July 10, 2009