Seen somebody in a local card shop playing a Star Trek game? Read about it on a newsgroup? Want to learn more? Well, why don't we see what we can do...
Q: What's this game about?
A: The Star Trek: Customizable Card Game is set in the Star Trek universe. Right now, the game covers Star Trek: The Next Generation, the feature film Star Trek: First Contact, and certain sections of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. You are a sort of diety-esque figure who moves people and ships about to accomplish certain goals.
Q: What are those goals? What's the point of the game?
A: Funny you should mention "points..."
In the ST:CCG, you win by reaching 100 points before your opponent does. Points are accrued by completing missions (diplomatic meetings, scientific research, etc.) and/or by completing objectives (assimilating planets, exploring the Gamma Quadrant, etc.).
Q: How does the game itself work?
A: That's a mighty big question. Suffice it to say that a deck has two parts: The "seed deck" which is used to create the playing field and the "draw deck" which includes the people, ships, events, etc. that you'll be using to score points and harass your opponent. During the course of the game, you will attempt to complete the missions you and your opponent have seeded while avoiding or overcoming the dilemmas that arise during those attempts.
Q: That sounds like it could be cool. So, where do I start?
A: There are a couple of good "jumping-off" points:
Q: Ok, I have my cards, but there are some things I don't understand. What do I do?
A: First and foremost, check the rulebook one more time. The print is small, and it's easy to miss things. ;) If you can't find the answer there, try the official FAQ. It's remarkably comprehensive, and the answer you need is probably there. If all else fails, you can always ask questions on the ST:CCG Discussion BBS.
Q: I'm having some trouble building a competitive deck. Where can I go for help?
A: There are many personal webpages out there devoted to the ST:CCG, and most of these have their owner's favorite decks posted. You can also consult the Deck BBS, where you are welcome to post your decks and deck ideas.
Q: I'm more of a collector than a player. Which cards are the most sought after?
A: For the most part, the high-dollar cards are the "bridge crew" (Picard, Riker, etc.) and the Enterprise-D and -E. However, even these cards have not gone completely through the roof, and none of them are out of print. This is not to say that collectors should have nothing to do with the game; it *is* to say that the valuable cards are not out of reach for someone who wants a Data to adorn their collection with.
Q: Is there any way to tell what set a given card is from?
A: Unfortunately, Decipher didn't put any kind of set indication on their cards until the First Contact expansion. You can tell by the copyright dates to some extent, but as sets are reprinted this becomes more and more dangerous. The ones you know for sure are:
Q: All right, I've become a respectable player and I have a strong deck. I'd like to participate in a tournament. Is there any organization I need to join?
A: Nope! The only charge for playing in a tournament is whatever cover charge the Ambassador has to defray his or her own costs. You'll be ranked automatically. Decipher's tournament locator can be used to find a tournament near you.
Q: You've mentioned the Bulletin Boards. Is there any other way to communicate with my fellow players?
There are a couple options:
You now officially know everything you need to know to get started, and a few things you don't. Remember, check out the code of conduct for the BBSs before you post, and it might not be a bad idea to check out the handle list to make sure your chosen nickname is available before you post. Now, get out there and start playing!
Qapla',
Special thanks goes out to Commander Valak, Wesley Crusher, Trelane, and all those who have provided the Newbie's Guide with a home!