Walk through the doors of A&H Games, and you will find more than just shelves of trading cards and miniature figures. You will find a dozen tables crowded with friends, strangers and soon-to-be teammates, all bound by a love of tabletop games. Whether you are a veteran deck builder or someone who has never rolled a 20-sided die, there is a seat at the table. Part game shop, part local hub, the store offers a place to play, compete and connect.
The shop is split into two sides. Shelves stacked with Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering decks, Warhammer figures and every accessory a player might need line one wall. The other side serves as an entertainment center, with more than a dozen large tables set up for gameplay.
What sets A&H apart is its focus on creating a welcoming environment for beginners. Staff members not only sell cards and supplies but also guide new players into the fold through weekly events.
Nick Norris, an employee at A&H Games, emphasized how crucial those early experiences are.
“We want everybody to feel welcome when they walk through the door, especially if they’re a new player, because that first impression is so paramount,” Norris said.
The competitive side of the hobby is also alive and well. From Friday Night Magic to weekend Pokémon events, tournaments bring a lively energy to the store and attract players from across the region. But competition doesn’t drown out camaraderie.
Local player Kali Maxwell said the mood stays inviting no matter how many people show up.
“Very chill atmosphere, and then even on the busier nights, it’s still a place that you can just sit down and have fun,” Maxwell said.
Beyond organized play, A&H has grown into what many call a “third place”—a gathering spot outside of home or work. College students use it as a hangout between classes, kids show up for Pokémon days and older players bring years of experience to the tables. The result is a space where generations mix, where seasoned players often take the time to teach newcomers and share strategies or even help build custom decks from scratch.
That spirit of connection extends to people who might never have pictured themselves in a game shop.
ULM alum Brianna Cutforth said the welcoming environment helped her see tabletop games in a new light.
“I have seen people who you would never traditionally think would enjoy roleplaying and tabletop games fall in love with the freedom of creativity,” Cutforth said.
She described the energy as “magnetic,” though she admitted she once held back from joining in because of her own hesitation.
At A&H Games, the clatter of dice and shuffle of cards add up to more than just games. For those who play, it becomes a space to learn, to compete and most importantly, to belong.
