Are there any players in the Chicago Area?

Well, you kinda have to define "playing" and you kinda have to define "area."

Until about 8-10 months ago, there was a pretty regular group of guys in the western suburbs that got together to play. Various life demands and LCG and organized play choices by FFG have pretty much degenerated that group to "catch-as-catch-can." One of the big difficulties is that there don't seem to be a lot of healthy game stores that aren't a 40+ minute drive for everyone involved.

But where specifically are you in the Chicago area? Things can usually be worked out one way or another.

ktom said:

Right now I live and work in the far north suburbs in Round Lake. For my job I do find myself occasionally in the north western suburbs (Schaumburg area). I usually go into the city (mostly north side) on the weekends. I used to play magic about 15 years ago. I've played it occasionally since with a friend who has since moved. I am looking for a deck building game that doesn't require buying a box of boosters every few months to get enough cards to build playable/competitive decks. A Game of Thrones looks interesting. I like the idea of a LCG with fixed expansions. I get the feeling that your group did not.

tofubones said:

That actually could fit well enough. Most of the guys are in that Round Lake/Mundelein area (you can see why Games Plus in Mt. Prospect is a bit of a hike). I'm furthest away in Elgin.

tofubones said:

Actually, it wasn't the LCG format. We were all for that. There is an interesting dynamic to needing to rethink your deck in light of 20 new cards every month instead of 145 new cards every 4-5 months. And the fixed nature certainly saves a lot of time, effort and cash in getting the cards you want. The biggest uncertainty with the switch to LCG was that we had some die-hard Martell and Greyjoy players who were feeling a bit left out.

Rather, most of the guys are competitive players. Not "competitive" as in "petty jerks who get snippy when they lose" (mostly - we all have our moments), but "competitive" as in "a healthy enjoyment of the spirit of competition within a larger environment." You know, when you play, knowing that the decks and skills you are developing could take you toe-to-toe with other people who play the game regardless of the "hive mind" that develops within your own play group. Anyway, when FFG announced the switch to the LCG in 12/2007, they essentially put the organized play program on hold, making us feel less connected to that larger environment. The game lost a little of its appeal when wider competition wasn't as frequent or as discussed in public forums. It didn't help that what competitive-level AGoT there was seemed to be stagnating a little. Many people (and not just within our group) commented that the competitive scene was getting a little bland. Six months ago, not long before the Gencon competition, strategies kind of normalized by faction. For example, two top-tier Lannister decks may have only shared about 40% of their cards in common, but they essentially did the same things with different cards. (This particular fact hit home for us when we got together with a down-state play group one weekend. Three people from completely different areas brought brand new Targ decks. They were all built very differently with different resource engines and the like. But they all did the same thing with the same underlying strategy.)

When FFG did announce the relaunch of the organized play in October (and then actually did so in late December...), they announced a change from an earlier announcement in September about the primary format for the program. They essentially drew a line in the sand and said that the LCG-only format would be the primary competitive format. That didn't sit well with a lot of competition-minded players because the limited LCG card pool felt restrictive for many of them. It's hard for some to feel good about an LCG deck they've built when they can think of as few as 4-5 CCG-era cards that would make it "so much better."

Sorry to turn that into a bit of a book. End result is that it wasn't the switch to the LCG model that lost the interest of a lot of the Chicago-area guys so much as a general feeling that the level of competition was going down, and that FFG wanted it that way. True or false, that was the general attitude.

Now, if I haven't completely scared you away from these guys (who are actually really nice guys, just kind of worn-out by the slow change in the game over the last 12 months), we should figure out a way to get in contact and get some games in. It would be nice to see a revitalization in the area!

I live in Chicago, and I just picked up the Core set and three of the chapter packs. My primary fear with this game was that there was going to be no regional play, so I'm glad to hear that there's people out there. Unfortunately, I'm somewhat limited in my ability to travel (I have no car), but I'd like to stay updated on any events or get-togethers you might be having; there's always the train.

peace,

nate

I'm glad there's interest in the game locally. I think your group has valid concerns about the change of format. I'll have to pick up the core set and some chapter packs. You should be able to get my e-mail address from my profile. I'd like to set a game some time.

We're going to try an "introductory" session with LCG stuff this Friday, 7pm, in the far northwester suburbs (Round Lake area). Anyone not currently in the know interested?

We're doing another game session on Sunday, April 19th in Elgin. Looks like at least 6 confirmed. Anyone else interested?

ATTENTION ALL ILLINOIS PLAYERS

(or anyone else interested in making the trip to the western suburbs of Chicago)

We're having a "Gathering of the Clans" in Elgin, IL on Sunday, May 24th (the Sunday before Memorial Day). It's not ChiCON and the Casino of Mundelein, but it should be a good time, nonetheless.

It's a great opportunity for people new to the game and returning after a hiatus to play AGoT, eat free food, talk crap, and generally have fun for a day of gaming.

All are welcome. Just give a shout (here or otherwise) to let us know you're coming - and so we can tell you where it is.

Hey all,

Another weekend session with tons of food and AGoT in Elgin, IL on Nov. 21. All are welcome. Contact for details.

- ktom

Im from IL and am just getting more into the game. I learned how to play a few years back, and now that you dont have to buy boosters anymore to hunt for cards i think this is the card game to play.

I wanted to start up a league @ somewhere like Games Plus. Let me know if anyone is interested. Also, if you all have a playgroup email list please add me to it chairmankoval @ ameritech . net

Lord_Burke81 said:

Greetings and welcome.

Where exactly are you located? West of the city if you're thinking Games Plus? Those of us who are playing are not opposed to a league, but we're pretty spread out in the northwest and far western suburbs, so our hours (and travel times) have not always been good for FLGS hours. With a guaranteed 4th, we might be able to break the logistical inertia that has been stopping us from doing a league.

We usually get together about twice every 3 weeks (i.e., once a week with some cancellations) - usually in the Gurnee area because it is central to all of us. If you're interested, we'll add you into the usual email shuffle.

The Chi-Town meta is tossing around the idea of applying for a Regional. We'd find a venue for it somewhere in the western suburbs of Chicago (Games Plus in Mount Prospect is a reasonable place to start).

Is there enough interest from people in the general North and North Central Illinois areas to make the application process worthwhile? Would people come?

Thanks,

ktom

I would definitely plan on making the trip If the entry fee didn't top $10 and I don't have a conflict that weekend. Looking forward to reconnecting with the crew.

ktom said:

there's an outside chance i'd show up to a chicago regional if the date was right; i'm back in milwaukee/madison pretty often (about once a month), and might be able to arrange things appropriately

~Oh, if Maester_Luke is going to be there. I'm in! lulz...miss that guy too! What did they do to us!

I am not in Chi-Town, but I am in Indy. If you guys set up a solid day of gaming, I would be down for the trip.

I'm sorry to be so late posting to this thread.

I'd definetly be interested, by would be limited by travel. I live in uptown Chicago, and don't have a car. But I've got at least one other person who would be interested in playing.

My son & I live outside Milw and would be interested in making a run to Northern Illinois if we can set it up in adavance.

Please post if someone can put this together.

Before I go through the work and expense of trying to put one together, what is the general interest in a Chicago-area Regional? Probably May 14 or 21, 2011?

Hey, who's playing on coming to the regional at Galactic Force games on June 12th?

I'll be bringing myself,hopefully at least two other people. Will you northern suburb types be making the trip?