From the very beginning, our Learn to Play tables have been the busiest corner of Ocean State Card Con. Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, Lorcana, One Piece, and Yu-Gi-Oh!—no matter the game, seats fill fast with curious newcomers and players eager to share what they know.
The secret ingredient? Our volunteers. They bring patience, excitement, and real passion for teaching. Thanks to them, first-timers get hooked, and veterans rediscover the joy of starting fresh. It’s worked so well that we now host smaller learn-to-play nights between conventions, keeping that welcoming spirit alive all year.
This December, we’re taking it a step further with our new program: structured Learn to Play sessions. Here’s how it works:
45-minute slots running throughout the day
Two volunteers per slot so every player gets attention
Four players per slot to keep the games moving and fun
A suggested donation for participants, which helps us keep building these opportunities for the community and thank our instructors!
This setup means more chances for new players to get the spotlight, more variety in the games we can offer, and even more opportunities for our incredible volunteers to shine.
Whether you’re picking up your very first deck or curious to try a new game, this is the place.
To thank our volunteers, we’ll be offering $15 in con vendor credit for each 45-minute Learn to Play session taught. That means instructors can enjoy the show, support their favorite vendors, and take home something special while helping new players feel welcome. It’s our way of giving back to the folks who give their time to make the community stronger.
Interested? Fill out this form to get started! https://forms.gle/da22LaiEbEG722yw5
Ocean State Card Con – December 7, 2025.
Come learn, play, and belong!