The Elmdor-Appreciation-Out - Number of practitioners: one.

[Zaladane]

well now I remember why I never finished FF9 it's because of the stupid ass card game and how it's forced as part of the story.

Going through the game again myself. You can largely ignore it though. It's only forced on you twice I think. Beginning with Vivi and the card tournement in Treno which you can just lose if you want, all you get is a rebirth ring which can be found in one of the chocograph chests and can also be synthed.