I'm looking to start the AGoT LCG competitively. I'm going to be purchasing 3 x Core Sets and the all the major house expansions. Obviously this will get me going, but probably not competitively. And i will have a lot to catch up on expansion wise. Are there certain cycles to focus on, or is it a case of finding my play style and then getting things rolling?

It will depend some on your play style. I would recommend looking at decklists at both cardgamedb and agotcards to get an idea for things like archetypes and gold curve. Then, build your own version of a deck you think you would like and find out which packs are the most important. For example, if it's a summer or winter deck, then you'll probably want at least a few packs from the seasons cycle. If you have lots of shadows cards, get packs from King's landing. If you want to play a maester deck, buy the oldtown cycle.

Before going to a tournament, if there's one or two cards you really wish you had for your deck, but you have to wait a little longer before your budget allows you to buy some more packs then you should contact the tournament organizer. Let them know you're a new player and wanted to see if anyone would let you borrow those few cards for the tournament. As long as you keep it to 3 cards or under, most groups are happy to loan out a few cards - especially for a new player.

While I love this game and eagerly support anyone trying to join, jumping in that way doesn't sound like the best idea!

It depends on your play group, but if your intention is to start one my very first purchase would be 2 Core sets. There are very few cards present 1x in the core set that you really need 3 of. Grabbing all the deluxe expansions isn't a bad idea, but I'd be a little wary of flooding the game with new cards if you're trying to introduce new players - added a box (or two) of cards each meeting is probably best. When you run out of those, you can start adding a cycle of chapter packs…

If your goal is to get up to speed and jump into competitive play from scratch, with an existing playgroup… you'll eventually want to buy everything (although again, 3 core sets is only for very few, very specific cards, and that third core set would be my last purchase). Jumping into the deep end in a pool of ~1600 cards is intimidating, and tends to require a fair bit of "study" of the cards. While your card pool increases, I'd recommend trying to take pre-built decks (you can find them on agotcards.org or cardgamedb) for a spin, so you can get a feel for some of the concepts other players feel work nicely together, and by playing you'll get a better feel for which of that large pool of cards actually see regular play. The only cards I wouldn't buy yet are the first Chapter Pack Cycle (they're not in the 3x20 card format), as they're due to be reprinted Q2 2013 in the new format.

If you don't have your cards (or a group of people to play with), I *strongly* recommend you try playing online over OCTGN and join the AGOT skype group, both good ways to get to know the game and community.

MeteorZond said:

if you want to be serious ill sell you my entire collection for $350 + shipping. I don't play enough competitively with the physical cards any more to make it worth keeping them all. It contains 3x core (maybe 4x, can't recall), and every expansion and CP (many with multiples of each, I know there is at least 3x Lords of winter in there). Every single card is sleeved and organized by house in binders.

Be warned shipping will likely be quite pricey because it weighs a ton. I'd guess close to $80-100.

Dennis selling his collection? Say it ain't so!

If he has not replied back I may be interested. I have 2x core right now and I am on the fence about getting more cards for this game or going all out with Android Netrunner. I have not played any games yet for Android.

I would not want to get it unless your definatly sure about selling. I am new here and I will send you a pm when I can figure it out and we may be able to work something out.