I have to admit, I don't know a lot about the Yu-Gi-Oh! trading-card game. But I do know it's one of the most popular games that kids are playing today.

I also know I've bought my fair share of booster packs for my grandsons. They put a lot of effort into learning about the characters represented by each card in their collections and devising game-winning strategies for duels. I'm told it takes a lot of concentration and intelligence to outthink the game's monsters to win the game.

Yu-Gi-Oh! first appeared on kids' radar 10 years ago when Japanese artist Kazuki Takahashi developed the comic series on which the game is based. Since then, it has become a worldwide phenomenon spawning books, magazines, video games and a popular television cartoon series, as well as the top-selling collectible trading-card game.

The game follows a young boy, Yugi, who possesses the Millennium Puzzle. When challenged, he transforms into the Game King to battle powerful monsters with magic spells and wise strategies while avoiding deadly traps. Players need a well-built collection of cards and a little luck to be victorious.

Gamers eagerly await new booster packs frequently produced by the Konami Corp., maker of the game. Local, state, national and international competitions keep youngsters energized and constantly updating their strategies to best their opponents to earn valuable prizes such as iPods, PSPs and DVD players.

Shellie Wilson of Australia features a Spider-Man iPod pouch similar to this one on her Web site, www.craftbits.com.

I used her instructions (with slight modifications) to make a trading-card game pouch for the beginning gamer. Or, use it as a sack for your portable game players and cell phone. Just adjust the size of the sock to the size of the item you want it to hold. You can use any character-theme socks you'd like, and each pair makes two sacks.

Supplies you will need:

• 1 child's-size character sock

• Scissors

• Needle and thread or strong craft glue

• Ribbon or cord

• Safety pin

Begin by measuring the item the sock will hold against the sock and cut off the excess at the bottom.

Turn the sock inside out and sew the bottom closed. If you don't sew, try using a strong craft glue and let dry.

Turn 1 inch of the top of the sock down and sew the edge to the sock to form a pocket on the top of the sock. Cut a small hole in the pocket to weave a cord through. Place a safety pin on one end of a cord or ribbon and use the pin to help weave the cord through the pocket. Tie the ends together to form a loop.