Beginners Card guide

Just a simple guide for those that might be new to final fantasy 8, or never got in to the card game...

The guide

I'm just typing up a simple guide to get people started. I do not know where every rare card is, how ever I remember a couple, how ever this guide is for getting people started, and not a guide on getting the rare card....


To begin, why the card in Final Fantasy 8 are far more usful then in Final fantasy 9... The GF Quezacotl, which you can get right at the start along with shiva, from the computer you're sitting in front of in class at the very beginning of the game (use the computer and access the tutorial)

Quezacotl has the unique ability to turn monsters in to cards, and to turn cards in to items, which can be very valuable, for not only creating your weapons at the smiths, but also to get many spells from early on.

After you get Quezacotl, you can get a starter deck of cards from the guy standing next to the elevator on the second floor, how ever the starting deck is pretty pathetic, and unless you plan to reload several times trying to win some semi decent cards there is an easier way....

First head to the shore line out side of the garden, to fight some fish, make sure to be leveling the card skill with Quezacotl, the fish give 3 ap each, you need 30 to gain the card ability. Normally I stick around after gaining the card ability, and also get the ability to change cards in to items, while getting Shivas ability to turn items in to spell.

After you gain the card ability, head to the fire cave where you fight Ifrit (and also gain his card) it is best to do it just after you beat ifrit so you do not need to worry about a timer.... In the cave there are Bomb, monster, these cards actually have decent points, 3. 2. 7. 6.
Try to get at least two of these cards, they make a world of difference in building up your beginners deck.

After that, basically aim for cards that are strong in corners, that way when you have to place a card first in a card match, it will be harder for the opponent to get a head start.

two rare cards you can get right at the start, The Mini Mog card. You can get that from the kid in a blue shirt that runs rings around the First floor of the garden.

The Second card, and much better is the Quistis card. Which you can get in the Cafeteria, in the lunch room to the top right. There are two guys sitting at a table, they're both *hot* for Quistis. When you go to play cards with them you will get a dialog to play ether the Guy in front, or the *guy in the back.* Pick the guy in the back.

Two last tips.

Tip 1. When you play in different areas, there are different rules. DO NOT LET THE RULES SPREAD.... When you play in an area with a new rule, it will follow you back to any other area where you can play cards. When you try to play cards it will say something about wanting to try the new rules, say no, each and every time, till it stops being asked.

Edited Tip 2 Cheers. brentten26
Tip 2. While I said don't let rules spread, there is one rule you do want, and can be gain at the start from the town (follow the road outside the Garden)
near the train station there is the queen of cards. she is near the item store. make sure to have saved it first.... Challenge her to a card game, if the rule only says one, then don't worry about reloading, if the rule says All that is the rule you want, play a match against her, but don't lose, as if you lose a rare card to her, she will leave the town with the card. If you see her with any other rules besides Rule: all, reload. Once you have The Rull ALL save it, and then go back to playing cards with people at the garden.

It wont appear right away, how ever eventually the diff rule should appear.

The Rule All. Will win all the cards in their hand (or lose all your cards)

That’s all, hope it helps.

Credits:
brentten26 for telling me of the Rule: all, much better then the Diff rule.

[darkrajin]

yeah, lol, one rule I hate it that random rule xD I don't mind the elemental rule personally, as that makes the game a little more challanging, but not badly so.

[brentten26]

It does not always work in your favor though thats why you save before doing it lol

[brentten26]

Np Also if you don't like a rule save before doing this but say they have a bunch of rules and you have trade rule open and you want to keep it do the same but in reverse untill they abloish the other rules but exit and not play them untill they do so.

[darkrajin]

Cheers brentten26, I updated the tip for that, even after playing the game for so many years I am still learning new stuff xD

[brentten26]

i do every game just play her witch dont see it exit out the card game till you see it then play her to have it

[darkrajin]

I don't think you can get that rule at the very start from the queen of cards, (if I am mistaken, and can, then by all means yes that would be the better rule to get)

[brentten26]

Why not just get the all rule?

[darkrajin]

Well I hope it does help xD

[Zalor]

Honestly, I needed these tips. I have always been horrible at the card game. NOT FOR LONG.