Konami is again partnering with after-school programs in a program to bring new players to the Yu-Gi-Oh! CCG.  Konami VP of Card Business Yumi Hoashi and Events Manager Takahiro Shimada outlined the program last year (see "'Yu-Gi-Oh!' in Education"), and Hoashi shared details at Toy Fair for this year’s plan.
 
Konami will again be sending out free kits to 6,000 after-school programs and community organizations.  "Later on this month, and into March, we’re sending out kits: demo decks, how-to-play guides as well as a coupon for $2 off products in Target," said Hoashi.  "We wanted to drive traffic back to our retailers, so we have a Target coupon; we also have our COSI cards, which is the tournament ID card, so if they want to play in tournaments at our Official Tournament Stores they can do that.  So that way we’re targeting both the mass and hobby retailers."
 
Hoashi also shared details about the Official Tournament Store Championship, which happened on February 22nd at over 75 North American Official Tournament Stores. "It’s like a mini-regional, except it’s held in-store instead of at convention centers," said Hoashi.  As a Tier 2 tournament, players could earn invites to the World Championship Qualifier (WCQ).
 
For more Yu-Gi-Oh! news from Toy Fair, see "'Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V'".