Gameplay » Deck
If I receive cards in a Prerelease prior to the expansion set's release date, can I use cards from that set in a sanctioned tournament as long as those cards are reprints of already legal cards?
Per the current Play! Pokemon Tournament Rules Handbook you cannot use any new cards until the set is considered legal for tournament play (currently the 2nd Friday following that expansion's US market release date), however you can use a newer version of a reprinted card that is currently playable in the Standard or Expanded format immediately upon its official release.
Source: TPCi Rules Team (2022-08-04); TPCi Rules Team (2024-01-25)
Gameplay » Deck
Here's some info regarding Pokemon ex: • Older cards that refer to Pokemon-ex should include modern Pokemon ex. Pokemon-ex and Pokemon ex are the same. For example, "Gardevoir ex" from EX Sandstorm has the same name as "Gardevoir ex" from Scarlet & Violet. • Pokemon ex from the SV series have a Rule Box, but Pokemon ex from the original EX series do not have a Rule Box. • Pokemon ex are not Pokemon-EX. For example, "Gardevoir ex" from Scarlet & Violet does not have the same name as "Gardevoir-EX" from XY-Primal Clash. Case-sensitivity matters.
Source: TPCi Rules Team (2023-04-06)
Gameplay » Deck
Can I make an entire deck with jumbo sized cards to be used in a sanctioned tournament as long as they are all the same uniform size?
No, you cannot. You may only use cards that have been released for TCG play in the standard size. Jumbo cards are artistic representations of the legal card's art.
Source: TPCi Rules Team (2022-08-04)
Gameplay » Deck
The "Prism Star rule" on the card says "you can't have more than one {*} card of the same name in your deck", but can I have more than one Prism Star cards of different names in my deck?
You can have several Prism Star cards in your deck as long as they are different names, but only one copy of each. For example, you can have one Giratina {*} and one Lunala {*} and one Super Boost Energy {*}, and so on. This rule is not ignored for Limited tournaments such as Prereleases, Drafts, etc.
Source: Ultra Prism FAQ (2018-01-19), TPCi Rules Team (2018-02-01)
Gameplay » Deck
When constructing a deck, am I limited to 4 total Raichu, including Raichu BREAK?
Actually, BREAK is part of the Pokemon's name. So you can play up to 4 Raichu and up to 4 Raichu BREAK in your deck.
Source: BREAKthrough FAQ (2015-11-19), TPCi Rules Team (2015-11-19)
Gameplay » Deck | Gameplay » Discard Pile
Must I have my Deck above my Discard Pile on the field, or can I have it the other way around?
The Deck and Discard Pile must be on the same side of the field (either left or right), arranged one above the other. The standard play layout is to have the Discard Pile below the deck, but having the Deck below the Discard Pile is also permitted.
Source: TPCi Rules Team (2015-09-10)
Gameplay » Deck | Gameplay » Discard Pile
Must I have my Deck and Discard Pile on the right side of the field, or can I have it on the left side (it's easier for me on the left because I am left-handed)?
The standard play layout is to have the Deck & Discard Pile on the right side and prizes on the left side, but having them the other way around is also permitted.
Source: TPCi Rules Team (2015-09-10)
Gameplay » Deck
Can I put 4 each of the Unown with the "RETURN" Poke-POWER and the Unown with the "FLASH" Poke-POWER in a 60 card deck?
No, you can't. In the case of cards like "Unown G" and "Unown R" where the Unown's letter is in its name, they are considered different names, and you can have 4 of each in your deck. When only "Unown" is written these are cards with the same name, so you can only put up to 4 copies of any with that exact name in a 60 card deck.
Source: HeartGold & SoulSilver FAQ (2010-02-11), PUI Rules Team (2010-02-11)
Gameplay » Deck
How many Shellos/Gastrodons of the East Sea or West Sea variety can you have in a deck?
You may have four of each. "Shellos East Sea" and "Shellos West Sea" are different Pokemon.
Source: PUI Rules Team (2009-04-30)
Gameplay » Deck
I like to keep my deck and discard pile sideways to help me keep them separate from my bench. Is that OK?
Your deck must be oriented vertically, to avoid revealing information during handling or cuts. You may turn your discard pile 'sideways', to help you distinguish it from your bench.
Source: PUI Rules Team (2008-10-16)