Describing playing a TCG game

[theclaw]

This isn't per se about cards (their history, collecting, etc), but isn't about writing fiction either. The TCG of course is a tangible, playable product, and more formal events would need a turn-by-turn record keeper in the event of ruling disputes.

That said, what are the most accepted formats to present TCG matches, so that readers have a basic concept of the course of battle?

 

[Hands]

Video honestly. Being able to provide a play by play commentary with visual reference is a huge asset that written form just cannot do.

If you're dead set on writing it though I'd give brief summaries of turns and actions unless something very notable happens, so like


"Player A wins the coin flip and opts to go second, pulling a workable opening hand and opening with Budew, it looks like item lock is coming. Player B has a stronger opening hand and is able to play two Buddy Buddy Poffin, setting up two Dreepy, a Duskull and their own Budew. They attach an energy down to one of the Dreepy and pass. Player 1 uses Arven to fish out their own poffin and a bravery charm, getting two Ralts into play and hitting with an itchy pollen."


Just a brief summary of the turns like that, sharing the most important information and cutting out info that isn't immediately relevant.

 

[icycatelf]

It may get kind of confusing whenever multiple Pokémon with the same name were in play, so you'd probably want to label your Bench slots (Bench 1, Bench 2, etc.). You could also include turn by turn diagrams or photos of the field, as they've done in records for the game of go (if I'm remembering that bit from Hikaru no Go correctly).