For Players

Team Compendium recommends…

…these resources for understanding your game…

Player’s Essential Rules Resources

  1. Pokemon TCG Rulebook
    Many fundamental principles, from which other rulings are derived are only found in the rulebook. The best copy of the rulebook has usually been the latest version from a Theme Deck; trade one of your friends for it and keep it in a pocket while judging. A copy of the basic and expert rules are found online, but as of this writing, they lack some of the important updates, such as the Lv.X mechanic.
  2. Rulings Compendium
    Download the latest version in HTML or iSilo PDA formats for use during your events.
    This is your reference to the comprehensive set of OFFICIAL rulings for the TCG. You definitely want to know what your cards do… and what your opponent’s cards can and can’t do. If you use cards are have been errata’d, it might be good to print the Errata section, just so there is no dispute if a less informed opponent or judge questions your play. Without the errata, you will always lose the argument to the card text.
  3. POP Penalty Guidelines
    Players should review the POP Penalty Guidelines document to find out what kinds of game and other actions merit a penalty and the related starting penalties for those actions. When referencing this document with a Judge, please keep in mind, these are Guidelines and judges can increase or decrease a penalty for good reason. Be respectful, but know where you stand.

Player’s Rulings Toolkit

  1. Compendium Update Notifications
    Subscribe via RSS so that when we get the updates you get notified. Don’t get caught behind the curve on new rulings.
  2. Rulings Discussion
    Ask your tournament and card rulings questions in the Ask the Rules Team forum on the PokéGym or Card Rulings Questions on the OP forums. Both forums recommend that you search the Compendium first before posting a question.
  3. POP Judges Resources
    Whatever isn’t in the Penalty Guidelines or Compendium or Rule Book will be on the POP Rules and Resources page. Players may want to review the documents in this area to be fully informed about how tournaments should work.

…and the following items, which will help you have a smooth, penalty-free and fun tournament:

Tournament Essentials Checklist

  • Deck
    We’ve heard too many stories over the years about people who left home for the big event and left their deck behind. Got Deck?
  • Damage Counters
    You can’t play without these, and if you do, you’ll be penalized for failing to keep track of game state. Don’t have fancy glass beads or dice? Make a 500 damage set from two quarters by getting 25 pennies and 5 nickels at the market or game store.
  • Burn/Poison Markers
    If your deck generates these special conditions you MUST have these markers. Again, there is a penalty for failing to keep track of game state if you have these conditions and don’t mark them. These markers have to be different than each other and different from your damage markers. Every player should keep these with their deck.

Tournament Toolkit Checklist

  • Tournament Bag
    You need a place to keep your deck and markers and other play items together. You might also be happy to have some bottled water and snacks. Keep your things together in your bag and keep your bag in sight or under your control during the event. The smallest possible bag is best, but if you end up with a large one, keep it on the floor at your feet and out of the aisle. Over the years, we’ve seen too many unwatched bags go missing.
  • Spare Sleeves
    Many players use plastic card sleeves. Sleeves tear and get marked. Marked sleeves will bring a penalty. Either carry a fresh set, or a few extras of the same style and condition. Brand new sleeves of the same style mixed into a well-worn set will be just as “marked” as torn or dented sleeves. Make sure any sleeves are non-reflective and are plain or have official Pokémon designs with a solid color at the four edges. All other sleeves are not legal for tournament use.
  • Card References
    If you use any foreign language cards, you need a card reference to show what it says in English (or the language of your tournament). Older printings of cards sometimes have different card texts and will also require a card reference. Card references must be kept outside your deck and available to your opponent when that card is revealed. There are two tournament-legal types of card references: 1) the most recent printing of that card in the language of the tournament or 2) an unaltered printout from the official POP Card Dex. If you don’t have these you may receive a penalty and should not expect to be able to play with the affected card in your tournament.
  • Modified legal cards list at the PokeGym. This is usually the most up-to-date listing, though the authoritative one is on the OP site under Rules & Resources. Use this to determine what older cards need references due to wording changes and what older cards you can use because they are reprinted in current sets.