Living in the rural Northland has many perks, like easy access to outdoor recreation and more peace and quiet, though it can also feel isolating. Many people turn on their computers, phones, or gaming consoles to engage socially, but face-to-face camaraderie with friends can be far more beneficial. For a group of gamers in Cook County, every Monday is an opportunity for exactly that.
“I call it Monday Night Magic,” says Drew Johnson, the organizer of the event. What started as a pre-pandemic game night rotating through a group of friends’ homes and public places has grown into a thriving weekly hangout at the Community Center in Grand Marais.
“When I revived the group a few years ago, I had a couple of goals,” Johnson explains. “I wanted to make it more consistent and give access to people not in the direct friend group. By creating this permanent weekly home rather than bouncing between houses, we’ve created a reliable community hub for players.”
With the nearest local game stores far away in Duluth and Thunder Bay, Johnson says, “this space fills a vital gap for gamers in our area.” Players regularly travel in from Hovland and the Tofte/Schroeder area to participate.
Considered the first trading card game (TCG), Magic: The Gathering (MTG, Magic, for short) is a strategic, fantasy-based game with a dedicated fan base. According to Johnson, the game “combines the strategy of chess and the hidden information of poker.”
Magic has expanded and grown in popularity since its release in 1993. “Today there are over 29,000 cards, and they are adding more each year,” Johnson says. “With that much history, it can be daunting for a new player to start.”
Don’t let that intimidate you if you’re interested in giving it a try, though—there is training available.
“We love introducing new people to the game,” Johnson says. “For total beginners, we usually start with a 1v1 session using simplified decks to keep things from getting overwhelming.” He also recommends downloading MTG Arena on a phone or computer, as it includes a tutorial to help new players learn and get comfortable with the basic rules.
“For those already familiar with the game, we primarily play the Commander format,” Johnson says. “It’s the most popular way to play Magic because it’s social, casual, and perfect for groups of various sizes.”
“We’re always open to other formats if there’s enough interest,” he adds. Whether new or a veteran player, “You can expect a relaxed environment focused on having a good time rather than high-stakes competition.”
The group gathers in the Cook County Community Center conference room every Monday night from 4:30 to 9 p.m., though occasionally they migrate to the bigger room if there’s a large turnout. “We chose the Community Center because it’s a central, accessible location with plenty of room to accommodate everyone comfortably,” Johnson says. The event is completely free and open to the public.
Attendance fluctuates, but Johnson says they typically see “between five and 12 players.” There’s a dedicated core of regulars, plus “a rotating cast of seasonal or occasional players.” Their experience levels range from brand new to advanced gamers who have been playing since the 1990s.
Monday Night Magic is a great way to make friends and connect on a shared interest. “I have met a lot of people through this event, many people of many different walks of life that I probably wouldn’t have met otherwise,” Johnson says.
“In a small town, the game night becomes much more personal,” he continues. “When I played in the city, the sheer volume of people meant you rarely saw the same face twice; it was a revolving door of strangers with a tiny core of regulars. Here, it’s the opposite. You aren’t just playing against an opponent; you’re playing against a friend or a neighbor.”
Every game of MTG is unique, and there are exciting things to experience in the group every week. “The most memorable moments aren’t necessarily about winning or pulling off a perfect strategic play,” Johnson says. “It’s the moments when the whole table starts laughing or cheering because of a wild, unexpected interaction in the game.”
While he won’t name any “local legends,” Johnson says, “each player brings a little bit of themselves to the game each week with their deck choices and play styles.”
Johnson hopes to see Monday Night Magic continue to grow. “I’d love to offer a second night during the week so more people would have a chance to play, but I also wouldn’t mind seeing the group grow into a broader ‘Tabletop Community,’” he says, mentioning how they could incorporate strategy board games and role-playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons.
“If you enjoy social strategy games and are looking for a great way to spend those frigid winter nights, stop on by and check out our Monday Night Magic,” Johnson says. “Whether you’re a pro or just curious, there’s always a seat at the table for you.”
