Pokémon: Cards & Community (Ella Baker)

No Pokémon experience necessary—just curiosity, a love of games, or a little nostalgia!

Remember collecting Pokémon cards, watching the TV show, playing Pokémon on a Game Boy, or arguing with your friends about whether Charizard was the coolest Pokémon ever?

Whether you’re returning to Pokémon after decades away or discovering it for the first time, this beginner-friendly class is a chance to have some fun, learn something new, and meet other people who enjoy games and Pokémon.

We’ll explore two very different ways to play:

Pokémon Trading Card Game

Learn the basics of the Pokémon Trading Card Game in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. We’ll cover:

• What all those different cards actually do

• Pokémon, Energy, Trainer cards and how they work together

• How to build and play a basic deck

• Attacking, damage, Knock Outs and Prize cards

• How a Pokémon TCG turn works

• How to play casually with friends

• Where adults can find local Pokémon card games and communities

You don't need to own cards or know the rules. We'll learn by actually playing.

Finding Your Pokémon People

One of the best parts of Pokémon is the community.

We'll learn how to find local players throughout Minnesota using tools such as Facebook groups, Discord, and official Pokémon event listings.

We'll practice basic digital-community skills such as:

• Finding a local group

• Reading group rules

• Asking questions without feeling like a beginner

• Finding people who play near you

• Understanding Discord channels and servers

• Staying safe when meeting people from online communities

We'll look at Minnesota examples and learn how to find communities in your own city or neighborhood.

Who is this class for?

Adults of all ages and experience levels.

You do NOT need:

• Previous Pokémon knowledge

• A collection of cards

• A gaming background

• Experience with Discord or Facebook

• To be particularly “good at a card games”

You DO need:

• Curiosity

• A willingness to play

• An interest in Pokémon, cards, games, walking, or meeting fellow Pokémon fans

Come for the nostalgia. Stay for the strategy and community.

Gotta catch ’em all—but you don't have to do it alone!