The Pendari Champion is a STCCG ambassador in Calgary, Alberta. He is not qualified to answer your questions. He does not have a Psychology Degree, but is a caring and concerned player who does want to help. The views and opinions expressed by the Pendari Champion are in no way reflective of those of the WNOHGB or Decipher, or even the Pendari Champion.  

        Hello readers, a few weeks ago, as I started preparing to write this column, I sent out an e-mail to a number of Star Trek related list servers asking people to write in with their Star Trek CCG related romantic dilemmas. Although it started as a lark, the response has been overwhelming. So overwhelming that I can't get around to all of the letters-- If I haven't gotten to your letter this month, I will try to answer in the following issues.

        If you have any questions for me, please write to "pendari_champion@hotmail.com"

        Dear Pendari Champion,
        I am a single 23 year old gamer with a degree, a good job, and unlike many other gamers a healthy respect for and practice of hygiene. There is a cute chick who plays STCCG in Vancouver (where I live) and I want her to notice me-- the problem is that every other male STCCG player in the city is hitting on her constantly and being creepy about it. What should I do? I'm already afraid that the other players will frighten her off by being creepy-- how do I get to know her without being creepy?
        Sincerely, Confused Canadian.

        Dear Confused,
        Well, it sounds to me like you're already on the right path-- being actually clean and well groomed should make you stand out in a crowd of gamers-- the first piece of advice is not to call her a "Chick" --Women do not like to be called "Chicks."
        You can't control how others treat her, so yes, she might get frightened away-- unfortunately this happens to all too many girl-gamers. Don't be openly flirtatious with, "hit on" or "put the Mack on" her, but make non CCG related conversation when playing games against her-- find out about who she is when not in a card store. What does she do for a living? What are her other interests? Does she own a pet?
        Try and organize some sort of "away from the card game social event" for the STCCG players to attend-- maybe go out to the bar for drinks after a tourney-- this is a great way to develop friendships with the whole group, and gives you the chance to spend time with her-- without appearing too creepy, and if she does get chased away from the CCG you will have something else to do together if the relationship works out.

        Dear Pendari Champion,
        My friend keeps inviting me to hang out with him at the local CCG store.  He's a cool guy and all and I enjoy hanging around with him; the problem is that I don't play STCCG and every time I'm there he's off playing STCCG instead of hanging out with me.
        Irritated in CowTown

        Look, I already said I was sorry about that and that it won't happen again.

        Dear Pendari Champion,
        There's this girl at the local card game shop who plays Magic the Gathering-- a game I know nothing about. She's really hot. But she's unwilling to learn Star Trek, because it's too geeky. Should I learn Magic the Gathering? I know that I'll loose at it, and I'd rather be playing STCCG-- but she's really hot, and I'd like to know her better.
        GamerGoth in LA

        Dear GamerGoth,
        The "Swoop" preconstructed deck of MtG is quite good. It includes a number of good flyers and just enough Counterspells to keep your advantage in the air. The Mystic Snake that you get in the deck will also trade relatively well, getting you the commons and uncommons you need to round out the deck. Without too much difficulty it can be adapted into a more combo oriented Opposition deck.

        Dear Pendari Champion,
        I'm a member of Starfleet (the Star Trek Fanclub) and a card player to boot. I've just moved to town here, and met up with the local CCG players and Starfleet members. I've started getting to know one of the Starfleet girls and it's looking like the relationship will get serious in the next month or so, but people have started making jokes about us as a couple. They say that she's "easy" and she seems to be the ex-girlfriend of every-one of the card players, and now working through the fan club.
        Puzzled in Utah

        Dear Puzzled,
        There are several things you need to ponder. Do you trust her to change her ways? Is she into Star Trek because she likes it-- or is she in it because she likes the ego massage of being lusted over? Is she just a Con-Slut? Maybe she needs a friend who won't take advantage of her "easiness" instead of just another randy geek.

        If you wish to ask the Pendari Champion a question about romance, Star Trek CCG or Klingon etiquette, please e-mail him at pendari_champion@hotmail.com. Letters to the Pendari Champion become the Pendari Champion's sole property. Submitting to the Pendari Champion relinquishes all ownership rights to, or any claims for financial or other consideration in connection with the submitted material, including any ideas, suggestions, dream cards, anything... Anything I tell you!!! ANYTHING. Bwa ha! ha! ha! Submit to my will! Fools!