Magic Night at Maplewood Hobby
Friday night means magic, as in Magic the Gathering, for Maplewood Hobby and its devoted following. Many local tweens, teens and adults — usually enough to sell out the seats — come together weekly at 7 p.m. to play Magic the Gathering, a strategic and competitive trading card game, and to compare and share favorite character cards.
“FNM,” as regulars call the Friday night Magic event, started at the Springfield Avenue store about two years ago, according to store manager Richard Trockle, though such gatherings have been popular across the nation since the 1990s.
At Maplewood Hobby, regulars know to show up shortly after 6:30 pm to purchase a ticket for the 7pm match. The event is popular, notes Trockle, and he is also a fan.
“This is a safe, social event,” explains Trockle. “It’s analog, not digital. Players win and they lose, along with their peers, and it’s a very important part of growing up.”
Trockle recommends the Friday night gatherings for kids sixth grade and older, though he notes this year saw a strong Jefferson School fifth grade contingent. Magic the Gathering players take over the building’s second floor, while teens and adults can be found downstairs playing Warhammer 40K.
“Magic the Gathering and Friday Night Magic require math and reading skills,” says Trockle. “It’s good for kids and they have a great time.”
