Bat City Magic Club: A Parent's Guide for Ages 8 to 16

If your kid has come home talking about Magic: The Gathering, or you have found cards in a coat pocket, you may be wondering where to take that interest next. Bat City Magic Club is our answer.

We meet every Sunday for ages 8 to 16, welcome all skill levels, and teach new players at the table.

This guide is for parents and guardians, and for kids who want to read ahead. It covers what Magic is, when Club meets, what to bring and how to sign up. It starts at 10 AM, which is early for a bat, and the room is better for it.

What is Bat City Magic Club?

• When: every Sunday, 10 AM to 2 PM.
• Who: ages 8 to 16. Every skill level is welcome.
• Where: Bat City Games & Comics, 5001 Highway 290, Austin, Texas 78735.
• Cost and sign-up: one Sunday at a time, on the Bat City Magic Club page.

What is Magic?

Magic: The Gathering is a card game where you play a wizard, called a planeswalker. You cast spells and call up creatures to defeat the other player. You start with 20 life points, play land cards to make mana, and spend that mana on everything else. The cards come in five colors, and each color plays differently.

It is a strategy game, so there's a lot to think about, and a game rarely goes the same way twice. Our How to Play Magic guide covers the basics.

Does my child need to know how to play?

No. We teach new players at the table, so a first Sunday can be a first game. If your child already plays, they are welcome too, and every skill level shares the room.

What should they bring?

• A deck, if they have one. If they do not, ask at the counter or call (512) 276-2870 before Sunday, and we will tell you what to bring.
• Lunch. Four hours is a good stretch, so feel free to bring lunch. Outside food and drink are fine in the shop. Please help us keep the gaming area clean.
• Protection for the cards. Sleeves and deck boxes are in the shop. You can browse sleeves and deck boxes online.

How do you sign up?

Sign up one Sunday at a time on the Bat City Magic Club page, or ask at the counter. If the date you want doesn't show up or says sold out, call us at (512) 276-2870 or stop by. We will tell you what is open.

What if you have questions?

Ask them! Parents and guardians can ask us anything at the counter, or call (512) 276-2870. If you want to know how a Sunday works before you sign up, call or stop by first. That includes the day's schedule and how drop-off and pick-up go. We will walk you through it. Our house rules cover how everyone shares the shop.

How do you get ready for a first Sunday?

• Talk about it first. Ask your kid what they know about Magic, and read the basics together. It helps to have a few words ready.
• Arrive a few minutes early. Say hello at the counter and tell us how much experience your child has. We will take it from there.
• Pack lunch. It is a four-hour stretch.
• Let them lead. Magic is a game with a lot of rules, and nobody learns them all in one Sunday. A good first day is one where they want to come back.

What happens right after Club?

Pokémon Open Play starts at 2 PM on Sundays and is free. If your kid plays both games, Sunday can be one trip.

Can parents learn too?

Yes, and it is a good way to see what the fuss is about. Commander Night is every Wednesday from 6 to 10 PM, and it is free. Commander is Magic's multiplayer format, and if you are new, say so, and the table will take it from there. Our guides, Commander for Beginners and Creating a Killer Commander Deck, can help you get ready.

Frequently asked questions

What ages is Bat City Magic Club for?

Ages 8 to 16. Every skill level is welcome.

When does Magic Club meet?

Every Sunday, 10 AM to 2 PM.

Can my child join if they have never played?

Yes. We teach new players at the table.

Can my child bring lunch?

Yes. Four hours is a good stretch. Outside food and drink are fine in the shop.

How do I sign up?

Sign up one Sunday at a time on the Bat City Magic Club page, or ask at the counter.

Where is Magic Club in South Austin?

Bat City Games & Comics, 5001 Highway 290, Austin, Texas 78735, in Sunset Valley. We are open every day, 10 AM to 10 PM.

Ready to take a seat?

Sign up for a Sunday on the Bat City Magic Club page, or come by and ask at the counter. Questions first? Call (512) 276-2870.

Browse online: Bat City Magic Club · Sleeves · Deck boxes · Events at the shop