I am a Pokemon player, and I know how important it is to have a legal deck. A legal deck is necessary to compete in official tournaments and ensure a fair game. But, how do I know if my Pokemon deck is legal? The answer is straightforward, and in this article, I will explain how to check if your Pokemon deck is legal.

To start, a Pokemon deck must have 60 cards, including energies, and no more than four of any card, except for basic energy cards. Also, the cards must be legal in the format that you are playing. The Pokemon Trading Card Company maintains a list on its website of the cards that are legal to play with. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your deck is legal and ready to play.

Understanding Pokemon TCG Rules

Card Legality

As a Pokemon TCG player, it is important to know which cards are legal to use in tournaments and which are not. The Pokemon Company regularly updates its list of banned and restricted cards, so it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest information.

Cards that have been banned or restricted may not be used in tournaments, and players who are caught using them may be subject to penalties. The Pokemon Company provides a list of banned and restricted cards on its website, which includes both individual cards and entire sets.

Deck Construction Rules

When constructing a Pokemon TCG deck, there are several rules that players must follow. Each deck must contain exactly 60 cards, and players may only include up to four copies of any card that is not a basic energy card.

Players must also ensure that their decks comply with the current format rules. The Pokemon Company regularly updates its format rules, so it is important to check the website for the latest information.

In addition, players must ensure that their decks comply with the current rotation rules. Each year, the Pokemon Company rotates out certain sets from the standard format, which means that cards from those sets may no longer be used in tournaments. Players should check the website for the latest rotation information.

Identifying Legal Cards

Card Editions

To ensure that your Pokemon deck is legal, you need to know which cards are allowed in the format you’re playing. The Pokemon Trading Card Company maintains a list of legal cards on its website. It’s important to note that the legality of a card is not determined by its release date, but rather by the format it’s being played in. For example, a card that was legal in the Expanded format may not be legal in the Standard format.

Banned and Restricted Cards

In addition to knowing which cards are legal, you also need to be aware of any banned or restricted cards. These are cards that are not allowed or have limitations on how many copies can be included in a deck. The banned and restricted cards list is also maintained on the Pokemon Trading Card Company’s website. It’s important to check this list regularly, as it can change from time to time.

When building your deck, make sure to double-check that all the cards you’re including are legal and not banned or restricted. Including banned or restricted cards can result in disqualification from tournaments.

To summarize, identifying legal cards is crucial to building a legal Pokemon deck. Make sure to check the Pokemon Trading Card Company’s website for the most up-to-date list of legal cards and banned/restricted cards.

Deck Legality in Different Formats

Standard Format

In the Standard Format, only cards from specific sets are allowed to be used in tournaments. The sets that are currently legal in the Standard Format are determined by the rotation schedule set by The Pokémon Company. As of September 10, 2021, the 2022 Standard format rotation is in effect, and card legality is linked to regulation mark rather than expansion release. Players should double-check which sets are legal before building their deck.

Expanded Format

In the Expanded Format, players can use cards from a wider range of sets than in the Standard Format. The Expanded format will remain unchanged, maintaining the Black & White Series and forward. Players should double-check what format is being used before choosing a deck to bring to their events.

Unlimited Format

In the Unlimited Format, players can use any card ever printed in the Pokémon Trading Card Game. While this format allows for a lot of creativity in deck-building, it can also lead to some very powerful and potentially broken decks. It’s important to note that the Unlimited Format is not used in official tournaments, but it can be a fun way to play with friends or experiment with different cards and strategies.

Overall, it’s important to keep in mind which format you are playing in and which cards are legal in that format. The Pokémon Trading Card Company maintains a list on its website, which makes it easy to check which cards are legal to play with. By following the rules and guidelines for each format, players can ensure that their deck is legal and ready for any tournament or casual play.

Checking Deck Legality Before Tournaments

As a competitive Pokémon TCG player, I always make sure that my deck is legal before participating in any tournaments. Here are a few ways to check if your deck is legal:

• Check the format: Each Pokémon TCG tournament has a specific format that determines which cards are legal to use. Make sure your deck follows the format rules before entering a tournament. You can find the current format rules on the official Pokémon website.
• Check the card list: The Pokémon TCG has a list of banned cards that cannot be used in tournaments. Make sure your deck does not include any banned cards. You can find the current banned card list on the official Pokémon website.
• Use the software: The VGC staff uses special software to ensure that a player’s team is legal for competition. This software only scans the Pokémon and items being used for the competition. You can use this software yourself to check if your deck is legal before entering a tournament.
• Ask a judge: If you are unsure whether your deck is legal, ask a judge. Judges are available at Pokémon TCG tournaments to answer questions and help players.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your deck is legal and ready for any Pokémon TCG tournament.

Maintaining Deck Legality

As a competitive Pokémon Trading Card Game player, it’s essential to make sure that your deck is legal before entering any tournament. Here are some tips to help you maintain deck legality.

Keeping Up with Rule Changes

It’s crucial to keep up with the latest rule changes and updates to ensure that your deck is legal. The Pokémon Company International frequently updates their website with the latest rules and resources, including the banned card list, deck list requirements, and format rotations.

Updating Deck with New Expansions

New expansions are released regularly, and it’s essential to update your deck with the latest cards to stay competitive. However, not all cards are legal for play in every format, so make sure to check the latest format rotation before adding new cards to your deck.

One way to ensure that your deck is legal is to use the Pokémon Trading Card Game Deck Builder on the official website. The Deck Builder will check your deck for legality based on the latest format rules and regulations.

In summary, maintaining deck legality is crucial for competitive Pokémon Trading Card Game players. Keeping up with the latest rule changes and updating your deck with new expansions are two essential steps to ensure that your deck is legal and ready for tournament play.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the current legal sets for a Pokémon TCG deck?

As of the current date, the legal sets for a Pokémon TCG deck are listed on the official website of the Pokémon Trading Card Company. It is important to ensure that your deck only contains cards from the legal sets to avoid disqualification from tournaments.

Can I use McDonald’s promo cards in a tournament?

No, McDonald’s promo cards are not legal for use in official tournaments. These cards are considered to be promotional items and are not part of any official sets.

How can I check if my Pokémon deck is legal for competitive play?

You can check if your Pokémon deck is legal for competitive play by making sure it has 60 cards, no more than 4 of any card (excluding energy cards), and only contains cards from the current legal sets. You can also use the official Pokémon TCG deck list form to ensure that your deck is legal.

What are the different formats for Pokémon TCG tournaments?

There are several different formats for Pokémon TCG tournaments, including Standard, Expanded, and Limited. Standard format allows cards from the most recent sets, while Expanded format allows cards from a larger pool of sets. Limited format restricts the number of cards you can use in your deck and is often used in pre-release events.

Are custom-made Pokémon cards allowed in official tournaments?

No, custom-made Pokémon cards are not allowed in official tournaments. All cards used in official tournaments must be official cards from the current legal sets.

Is it against the rules to print my own Pokémon cards?

Yes, it is against the rules to print your own Pokémon cards. This is considered to be counterfeiting and is strictly prohibited. All cards used in official tournaments must be official cards from the current legal sets.