The most important rule in Pokemon is easy enough: Have fun.

On Saturday a group of more than 30 Pokemon enthusiasts gathered at the Purple Dragon store in Salt Lake City to compete for booster packs and the honor of being named the day's champion. But to the crowd, the prizes seemed secondary — most people just wanted to play, connect and test their skills.

Taren Rohovit, a 10-year-old from Sandy, was playing in Saturday's matchup. Taren, who started playing two years ago, is ranked 13th in the world in the juniors division. He said that Pokemon has been a great way to bond with his dad and make new friends.

"I've made a lot of friends playing Pokemon, and I've learned a lot about sportsmanship," Taren said. "Now if I lose it isn't as big a deal for me."

Of course, winning isn't that easy — it takes creativity, strategy and a touch of luck.

It takes two to play the game. With a 60-card deck, trainers (players) draw seven cards and pit their Pokemon against each other. Those new to the game can buy a competition-level deck of cards for about $25.

Troy Rohovit, Taren's father, said the game can be a teaching tool for parents.

"Pokemon is a good game that is family-oriented," Rohovit said. "By playing, kids develop skills in reading, math, self-confidence and interacting with strangers. It's a great way to teach kids, because they don't even really know they're learning lessons." For many families, Pokemon has become a family hobby that allows parents and children to spend more recreational time together.

Andrea Sargent, Pokemon USA tournament organizer for Utah, said she has seen her own children's academic skills develop because of Pokemon. Sargent said the game has helped improve their math and reading skills.

But Pokemon can teach children more than just academic lessons.

"Pokemon teaches great social skills and helps children learn how to lose," Sargent said. "Life isn't about winning. Kids have to learn to work hard and they'll be rewarded."

As in chess, Pokemon trainers must maintain both an offensive and defensive strategy throughout the game, yet in Pokemon, abilities are restricted by probability, requiring players to be more creative in their strategies.

"To have a successful deck, you need balance," said Daniel Cheney, a resident of Salt Lake City and professor (judge) for the competition. "You need to balance the right amount of energy with power when you play, until you find that something that allows you to play your deck like it was designed." The fun of the game, he said, is steeped in seeing how other players will react or how they will tailor their game.

Pokemon emphasizes sportsmanship and fair play, and Utah trainers said that friendship is also a key component.

"There are really nice people here who share and who you can trust," said Tavish Ferris, a resident of Roy. "It's easy to have fun here — but there are a few bad apples," he said, joking.

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E-mail: cnorlen@desnews.com