First Mate TCG logo — a weathered circular stampFirst Mate TCG
Sign in
← Back to Learn the basics
ROOKIE LESSON

Your first tournament checklist

What to bring, what to expect, and the two admin things I got wrong at the desk.

First Mate TCG · Published 8 Jul 2026 · 8 min read

Bring this

  • A legal 50-card deck plus Leader, in identical opaque sleeves with no distinguishing marks.
  • A DON!! deck of 10.
  • A written or digital deck list if the event asks for one — check the day before, not on the morning.
  • Dice or counters for DON!! and power tracking, and a pen.
  • Cash or card for entry, and water. Rounds are long.

Expect this

Swiss rounds mean you play everyone with a similar record and you are not eliminated after a loss. Most local events run three to five rounds of around 40 minutes.