We play Game of Thrones in a pub and I also build decks while sitting in a train or taking the bus to work. So quite often I get asked "What is this?". I tried things like it's like Yugioh but for adults or it's a collectible card game after a fantasy novel and so on. I wish I had something better to say. Something that would arise interest in that game so maybe one day someone would be that interested that he would go to one of our play sessions...

Any recommendations?

I always put attention to the books... and if they loved the novels they "always" love the game... Just to speack about my "history"... I never played card games before... at 29 years old I started playing cards ONLY for the love of the books... playing thrones for me it is "get excited" to play Robb Stark... wolves... Warships... and kill lions :-)

That's why I rarely change houses... I'm a man in the North... defending it from "the south" and the threat from the lands after the wall :-)

Gualdo pretty much summed up my experience. If not for the books, I never would have played the game. Ironically, since it has been so long since we've had a new book in the series, it has become the card game that keeps me interested in the world of Westeros.

I would recommend the books to anyone with even a passing interest in the game. If they like the books, they will likely like the game. The designers have done a very good job of capturing the essence of each house represented in the books and translating that to a fun card game (in my opinion, the best card game on the market).

Try to be short in your original answer, something like "It's a strategy card game based on this amazing fantasy books series. You get to customize your decks to how you want to win. And did I mention this really great fantasy book series?" Since they are at least asking about the game, they perhaps have a passing interest in stuff, so if the hook get them, you could go a litle more indepth about how the game works (but again, be short and sweet you don't want to lsoe them by becoming too technical). And if they recognize the book series, explain how much cooler the game is because you can use the characters in the books and build a deck for your favorite house. Then, if they are still interested, explain the whole LCG concept. By this time, you might have a new player.

When asked about A Game of Thrones LCG, I often blurt out, "it's the only game that matters!" (Quoting the tag line)

Don't use this method. It only attracts strange looks and an overall disinterest. It also serves to pretty well ruin that social encounter.

JJ hit it on the nose with being "short and sweet!" no-brainer, you have to pitch it to a child-like attention span! i think the most important aspect, more than all else, is considering your demographic! try to interest the kinds of people that enjoy fantasy and novels, essentially a person with a slightly higher intellectual foundation than some! i targeted my math lab at school and invited them to my buddy's weekly card night at our local card shop! i identified that these guys and gals work their butts off in calculus and need a de-stresser! a few showed but i'm sure if i would have harassed they wouldn't have been able to resist! i also use my job as a I.A. to interest middle school students who are budding into an increasingly tumultuous surrounding that is adolescence! i offer a safe haven from ridicule associated with "magic" and they think it's cool that a teacher plays... i'm regressing, but it's important to consider that having a deck for a new interested person to play with is key! and if people make time they tend to always come back for more! best a luck and keep it alive MARTIN jeez.... i'm dyin' here!

Well, I think it is important to decide whether you are going to describe this game or card games in general. Depending on who is asking you describing customizable card games in general is a good option. I always liked deciphers old description:

"Imagine playing a game of chess where each player could from 1000 pieces, each of which moved differently. You would your 16 pieces in secret, and so would your opponent. Sitting opposite him, surveying the board, you would make your attacks based on the pieces you selected, and form your defenses based on the pieces your opponent selected. Of course, you'd have to change your strategy and pieces from time to time, otherwise your opponent would always know what's coming and he could prepare for it by selecting different pieces!"

I tend to say to people that if they like scheming, plotting and fantasy they will probably become addicted. Otherwise I just get them to watch a game and they become hoocked within minutes.

I love house stark, wolves and hard hitting military challenges are me all over. I got into the game before reading the first book but the books are great for putting everything and everyone in context.

Amnell

JerusalemJones said:

I think that nails it.

JerusalemJones said:

I've had many conversations like this before, stemming back to the days I played M:tG on my train commute. It sometimes helps to answer their question as simply as possible, and then ask a question to probe for how you can respond best.

It usually goes like this:

"Hey, what are those cards?

"Oh, it's a strategy game I play against one or more people. Did you see something that interested you?"

"Well, the artwork looks really good ..."

"Yeah, it's based on a fantasy medieval world you know, like Lord of the Rings."

"Oh, I love that movie!"

"In this game, I essentially control one faction, and another player can control another. Each card represents a character or some other aspect of that fantasy medieval world, and we choose what to play with."