Children and teens are invited to duel today in the metro. No need to alert the authorities, however; it's all in good, clean fun as the Midwest City Library at 8143 E. Reno presents its monthly "Yu-Gi-Oh!" tournament from 4 to 5 p.m.
Like "Pokémon" or "Dragon Ball Z," "Yu-Gi-Oh!" is a popular trading card game from Japan, where the object is to defeat one's opponent through play of various characters of magicians and monsters, each with distinct powers and capabilities.
SKILLS
Sam Richards, the librarian in charge of young-adult programs, said the tournament proves a continuing draw, with roughly two dozen attending each time.
"It's the collectibility" that keeps the fan base alive, he said, and "the combination of logic and skill" that makes the game fun, even in an age where many prefer play to be electronic-based.
Returning players even have expressed interest in playing other collectible trading card games, like "Naruto" and "Magic: The Gathering," which is the first modern game of this kind.
"So we may be opening that up in the future," Richards said.
According to him, play is broken up among two age brackets, and prizes are awarded for first and second place.
The tournament is intended for ages 10-16. No preregistration is required. For more information, call 732-4828.
"Rod Lott
