- 06 Dec, 2025 *
I hadn’t gotten myself a third place ever since I left college (and subsequently, the clubroom). No, that’s not quite right. I had one after, the place we all hung out as an extension to the clubroom, but at one point I moved in and it became my first and second place (I work remotely). So for the next five years, there was nowhere I could call a third place.
I went out, sure. Had some nice addresses in the back of my mind, sure. But I didn’t go to these places frequently enough, and none of them I would consider a place on a tier of my old clubroom. The ones I really liked were a tad too far for casual drop-ins, the ones closer didn’t really gel with me.
Until May this year, when I checked out a new LGS with some friends. It was promising enough. Wit…
- 06 Dec, 2025 *
I hadn’t gotten myself a third place ever since I left college (and subsequently, the clubroom). No, that’s not quite right. I had one after, the place we all hung out as an extension to the clubroom, but at one point I moved in and it became my first and second place (I work remotely). So for the next five years, there was nowhere I could call a third place.
I went out, sure. Had some nice addresses in the back of my mind, sure. But I didn’t go to these places frequently enough, and none of them I would consider a place on a tier of my old clubroom. The ones I really liked were a tad too far for casual drop-ins, the ones closer didn’t really gel with me.
Until May this year, when I checked out a new LGS with some friends. It was promising enough. Within walking distance, small enough to be intimate but big enough to give you a breathing room when one needed to, reasonable prices, ran and kept by the direct owners: four childhood friends who decided to give the business a go. Jolly fellows they were too.
Still, I was cautious at first.
I knew I had to go out more regularly, so it was initially more practical than anything. I was able to get my Magic fix at home, after all. Months rolled by and I was actually growing comfortable, enough to throw jokes, chat up strangers, leisurely draw. Usually, I would be mighty bothered if people saw me drawing and/or writing. The store attracts people of certain ilk too: polite enough not to bother anyone new, but would be happy to talk if you indicate willingness. Soon, I learn who’s who and when they might be around. Gradually, we learn each other’s birthdays. It does help that the neighborhood gives most patrons a certain shared background.
Oh, they make good tea and coffee.
I spent the last week sick, which meant forgoing my twice-weekly visit to the shop. Yesterday I was itching to go even if my brain was still fogged, so I stopped by. It was amazing that I spent some 9 hours there without actually touching Magic cards. I watched my friends play, I chatted with the shop owners and the wargaming guys and the board game crowds. I sat in one corner reading. We all ordered takeouts and had dinner. In the evening it was loud but not unwelcoming. At night the shop gradually grew quieter, punctuated by occasional laughter.
I felt a little better.
The notion of a third place hasn’t crossed my mind for a long time, because I’m lucky enough to have a pretty good home/workplace situation. Yet, I’m grateful for all the forces that coincided in the day I stumbled upon this shop. I might not be the best customer (and definitely not the Most Valuable), but I’ll be happy to cheer the owners on.
Cheers to all wonderful third places in this festive season, and those who nurture them.