In response to the OP, I'm having a tough time in the Tampa Bay area. I posted a request for players here which got lots of views, but at last check, no responses. NONE of the local gaming stores around here even carry AGoT; I buy all my cards online. My wife plays sporadically - it was her idea to get us started since she's such a fan of the books and HBO show. It was a somewhat easy shift for me since I play Magic. I've spoken to one store about putting together a demo and bringing a few decks with me, but nothing has happened there yet. The problem there is that since I don't have a group to play with, I'm sure that we're making mistakes while playing. I'd love to have someone experienced to play against to pick up on those things.

It seems like this game has a fierce following, but it's apparently smaller than I expected, and somewhat regional. I hope I can run into some players around here so I can fine-tune my game...

swhiteboy - if you want to get together again next week, I should be able to head back out your way. I'm trying to talk one or two more people into coming out, as well.

Yeah, I'll be back out there next week. BTW, I'm sorry if you felt like it was cheating when I was helping my wife out that last game. I just feel that the best way to help her learn card games is to tell her when she makes a mistake and why it was a mistake (it really annoys her, but she has been picking up things). Either way, she has told me that I am not to help her in any way the next time.

Haha! No, I didn't feel that way at all. It seemed like she wanted to blaze her own trail, so to speak, but I didn't feel like anything foul was taking place. (I think I may have tried to help voice concerns for her autonomy when she seemed to get upset about help, but that was all.) I was just glad you two were both being as kind as you were while I bumbled through everything.

sWhiteboy said:

There's always fiddle room for "winning" in multiplayer. And if she has any say on where you sleep at night, I think it's okay to let outside loyalties affect the situation. That said, I love teaching the game via melee, the table talk helps players discuss options, even if there is some persuasion going on.