Overview > Intro
Trading card games, or TCGs, as they are normally abbreviated online, is a simple game. You begin with a "starter deck" that consists of a minimal amount of cards to get you started. These cards are put up on your site for fellow traders to see. Cards can separate them by which ones you are collecting and willing to trade for the cards you want to collect more. Like a real life trade, when you "trade" cards online, you are essentially giving them away. Thus, you have to take down the card just traded (preferably delete it from the server). Now you can put up the new card you just traded in exchange.
The
objective for any trading card game is to collect and master your favorite decks. Mastering means that you have collected the entire set of cards that feature a particular subject (usually between 15-30 cards).
How do I trade?
To trade cards with your fellow traders you can simply ask them through email or through forums if it is provided. "Will you trade your mmkrumi04 for my mccssakura03?" Be sure to leave your name and the URL of where your cards are located so they can contact you back! If they do not reply within a couple of weeks or refuse your offer, please do not hassle them again or force them to trade. Be polite with all your tradings. Say "please and thank you!"
- Look through a potential trader's cards to see what they are collecting before requesting for something you'd like. Avoid "I want this card, please check out my tradepost for anything you'd like."
- Be aware that each trader has their own preference and format on how/what they will be willing to trade.
- All trades must be detailed logged.
- Good example February 15: Traded mmkrumi15, moilcourage03 for Icera's mmkrfuu01, mxarashi13
- Bad example got mmkrfuu01, mxarashi13
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How to play games?
You may play all the games listed under Campus once per round. All the games are either updated weekly, monthly or ongoing; you can play those marked weekly every week and those marked monthly once every month, and the on-going are all the time. Above the games there is an indication of when they were updated i.e. March 25, so you know when that game is updated with a new round so you can play again. Check out Overview > Campus for more information.
- Please play honestly. This is a free game and we rely mostly on a honor system. Be aware that action will be taken if there are any major discrepancies within your log or disruption to other players.
- Read all instructions and reward guidelines carefully as they vary per game.
- Detail log all games played. Must log the date of each individual game played along with the cards received.
- Good example February 15: Bishounen Brawl - mmkrfuu01, mxarashi13
- Bad example Games: mmkrumi15, moilcourage03, mmkrfuu01, mxarashi13
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Earn more cards
To earn more cards participate in games or other forms of events. By participating in games, it allows you to collect more cards to complete the set you want and increase the diversity of your cards. This selection will allow you a better chance to trade with other traders for cards you're collecting. Some ways to earn cards, but not limited to...
- Campus games and events.
- Donations.
- Element up/Masterships/Birthdays.
- Reporting any errors around the site including grammar/games.
- Giveaways on the Main Update. Everyone is free to take as long as the offer date hasn't expired, regardless of when you joined.
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Site set-up
The importance of where you put your cards and how they are presented to other traders can decrease or increase your chances of trading and being successful in a TCG. It is not required at CLAMPaign to have a certain card layout scheme, these are only suggestions.
- Choose a simple layout. Nothing too flashy or hard to see. Traders are looking for your cards don't want to be blinded; remember they're looking for your cards!
- Easy to find and read navigation. You'll want other traders to be able to find your cards easily and not have to guess where you put your cards.
- Contact. Provide an easy means of contact whether it be your direct email, a forum post, or an email form.
- How to organize cards? Preferably separate cards you'd like to keep from cards you'd be willing to trade.
TCG managing scripts (require PHP): Mandi's Card Manager, Marfisa's TCG Manager |
Trade log
What is a trade log? One of the more interesting aspects of online TCGs is a trade log. You definitely need to have one to play at this TCG, but don't worry it's an easy task. A trade log is basically a place where you log down specifically where you got all your cards and what cards you received and when. This not only helps me know how you're doing, but it is also useful for you to keep track of what cards you received in case I have any questions.
What to put in your log
- Trades any trades you make with another trader (Traded Icera mmkrumi01 for mxarashi03)
- Play games for each game you play along with the specific cards you got from it. There will usually be a text log after you win with your rewards for an easy copy/paste.
- Anytime you receive cards! ranging from element-ups, masterships, updates, contests, birthday, etc.
- Place logged items in dated ascending order, that is the newest date on top!
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Log Code
Feel free to copy and paste the below code to use as your trade log. Customize your textarea by creating a CSS id (example here). You don't need to use any HTML when you use this log. To have text appear on the next line just press your enter/return key. Once you overflow the size of the box, a scrollbar will appear.
<textarea rows="5" cols="40" padding="0">
date - activity
date - activity
</textarea>
Example of a log
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Tips on how to be a successful trader
- Trade often with your fellow traders
- Participate in site games/events
- Have time to play (updating your site and playing games once a week can be time consuming!)
- Have an easy to access and navigate site
This completes your crash course in TCGs.
Disclaimer Note that this Crash Course is original content found on all of Icera's TCGs. Any ideas such as tips or just general how to play is due to my experience as a fellow trader as well as an owner from 2002-present.
