Just Opened

Redcap's Corner

by Lauren F. Friedman

4040 Locust St., 215-387-4040, myspace.com/redcapscorner

If your perception of Dungeons & Dragons players comes from Wet Hot American Summer or Freaks and Geeks, then socially adjusted Jim Kettner — co-owner of Redcap's Corner — comes as a bit of a surprise. With a hoodie, a beanie and a casual mention of his girlfriend, Kettner could just as easily be a clerk at AKA Music.

But he's an unabashed D&D enthusiast ("it's like choose-your-own-adventure!"), and hopes that Redcap's Corner will be a destination for gamers of all stripes, including those who play classic games like chess and Scrabble.

Kettner and his partners — self-described "geeky punk rock kids" — began conceptualizing Redcap's Corner more than a year ago because they felt the gaming scene was missing something. "There is a rich game culture in Philly," he says. "But there was no space for us to play."

With that in mind, Redcap's Corner aims to be much more than a shop. Though it sells its fair share of Magic: The Gathering cards, D&D books, Warhammer pieces and board games, there are also several tables for people to sit down and play.

"We want people to come here and hang out," says Kettner. "We want this to feel like a second home for people who like games."

For its opening month, Redcap's Corner will host tournament-style games every night of the week. The calendar also includes regular sessions like Magic: The Gathering every Friday, and one-off events like Cranium and Boggle tournaments scheduled for this Tuesday, Feb. 24, and Wednesday, Feb. 25, respectively.