Pokemon brings people together

Adalynn Walters giggles as she draws her first hand of Pokemon cards Saturday, March 19, 2022, during a learn-to-play event at the Missouri River Regional Library in Jefferson City. The event was held by Proud Pancake Company — an online card shop. (Ethan Weston/News Tribune photo)
Adalynn Walters giggles as she draws her first hand of Pokemon cards Saturday, March 19, 2022, during a learn-to-play event at the Missouri River Regional Library in Jefferson City. The event was held by Proud Pancake Company — an online card shop. (Ethan Weston/News Tribune photo)

The term "rare find" is that for a reason, because it isn't easy to come by.

For those who play Pokemon, it refers to finding a special or shiny card.

However, for some people discovering the game is a rare find itself.

Seth Bundy and his daughter, Eleanor, recently picked up playing Pokemon cards.

"She started playing, and she seems pretty good at it," he said. "She likes the strategy and the characters. I think she really just likes beating her dad at something."

Bundy said they found a starter kit to use that helped lay out all the rules and walked them through several games before they started playing on their own.

They also attended gaming events, like one Saturday at Missouri River Regional Library.

Bundy said it was nice to have an event in Jefferson City as they've mostly gone to Columbia for events.

"It's a good chance to sit down with your kid and that's all you're doing," he said. "There's no screens, no distractions."

Quinton Sallin, who owns Proud Pancake Co. and organized the event at the library, said it came out of wanting somewhere to go play himself.

After finding out the library hosts events for other games, like Dungeons and Dragons, he reached out about putting on events for playing Pokemon cards.

Saturday was the second event and Sallin said he's happy with the turnout of about seven to nine players each time.

"We're holding steady," he said. "I would love for more youth to keep going and if there were olders who also wanted a more competitive scene, see if we can get that going, too."

Bundy said playing together serves as a way to spend time with his daughter. Sallin said the social interaction is the biggest benefit of the game.

"Finding other like-minded individuals that maybe share this hobby or interest, but you never would have met them for any other reason," Sallin said. "I've seen athletes that play games and love Pokemon that meet other individuals that love to read books and then they have this mutual interest."

He said playing Pokemon also helps keep his mind sharp because of the strategy, math and statistics that go into it.