Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method for playing a trading card game between a first player and a second player. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of determining that the first player has an initiative, which allows the first player to perform a plurality of steps during a first cycle prior to the second player performing any of the steps during the first cycle. Subsequently, the second player can perform a plurality of steps during the first cycle. The initiative then shifts to the second player, at which time the second player can perform a plurality of steps during a second cycle prior to the first player performing any of the steps during the second cycle. In another embodiment, the method includes temporarily eliminating one of a first card and a second card from play and reorienting the deactivated card on the play area to be recognizable as a card that has been temporarily deactivated from play.