Pokemon Chat Report - Thursday, January 11, 2001
by Team Compendium

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master_trainer_mike says, "Hi gang, Master Trainer Mike here. MT Pat is off at a Dungeons and Dragons game (which I left to come talk with you guys!!)."
master_trainer_mike says, "We have to play all of our games for job training...pretty rough huh?? :)"
master_trainer_mike says, "There aren't any announcements today so I will just jump in with the questions."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #1 from nookiemn2k3:will there be a holo and non-holo of the same card in neo 2
master_trainer_mike says, "Can't say."
master_trainer_mike says, "And I will remind you all to not bother asking any questions about future Pokemon expansions, promos, sts's etc."
master_trainer_mike says, "As you know, if we haven't said anything yet, then we won't be saying anything yet."
master_trainer_mike says, "Things might still be in the air, or in the planning stages, or maybe we just want to surprise you!!"
master_trainer_mike says, "So, back to the questions."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #4 from nookiemn2k3:is there any new info about the next sts and where it is going to be held ?

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #5 from crazy_nut_man:any neo(2) news??

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #7 from crazy_nut_man:any promo news??

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #13 from paokkk:Any promo news?

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #18 from paokkk:Please tell anything you guys knows about new promo....

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #21 from paokkk:Paln for Neo 2 yet??

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #27 from nookiemn2k3:any plans for central sts like going through texas ?
master_trainer_mike says, "These of course all being examples of the types of questions that I will say dunno too (I know you submitted them earlier though so its ok)."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #2 from nookiemn2k3:do u like gligar ?"
master_trainer_mike says, "A good card, free retreat is so huge."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #3 from nookiemn2k3:how do you feel about archetypes ?"
master_trainer_mike says, "Archetypes exist in all games of this nature. Magic has weenie, or land destruction or various others. There is nothing wrong with archetypes as long as they don't become the ONLY thing people play anymore."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #6 from nookiemn2k3:if so will it be coming to dallas ?

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #8 from nookiemn2k3:is there going to be a next sts ? i hope so i can't wait to go i loved it the first time :) .
master_trainer_mike says, "Dunno :)"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #9 from surfingelectrode:What does the neo Clefairy's Squaredance attack do?
master_trainer_mike says, "Flip a number of coins equal to the total number of Pokemon in play. For each heads, you may search your deck for a basic Energy card, show it to your opponent, and put it into your hand. Shuffle your deck afterward."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #10 from nookiemn2k3:any new info on the b-day pika ?
master_trainer_mike says, "Nope. It will take 6-8 weeks for the web promotion entries and cards to be processed and mailed. Expect to get this card in the mail (from the web promotion) probably in Feb."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #11 from surfingelectrode:Can you attach 4 plus powers in 1 turn?
master_trainer_mike says, "Sure."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #12 from crazy_nut_man:Say ditto is facing a snesal, it's ur ditto and ur attaching a rainbow energy to ditto and u want it to count as dark, there is a echo gym in play. so ur opponenet energy removal's the rainbow, do u get the rainbow energy back into ur hand??
master_trainer_mike says, "Yup, Rainbow energy is a non-colorless energy (it CAN'T count as colorless ever)."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #15 from nookiemn2k3:what do u think about murkrow ? i think it is as good as sneasel .
master_trainer_mike says, "It is in its own way. Many people play with cleffa right? Use Murkrow's Mean Look attack to lock te Cleffa in place. Unless that player has a way of scooping Cleffa up he is now trapped. You can use Murkrow's Feint Attack to keep attacking his bench every turn (though you will have to flip because of the baby power)."
master_trainer_mike says, "Nasty way to lose. I speak from personal experience on this one :)"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #19 from nookiemn2k3:when will neo 2 come out ?
master_trainer_mike says, "Sometime in the spring."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #20 from crazy_nut_man:stupid question but can u energy retrieval/ngr dark energy???
master_trainer_mike says, "No you can't (they are not basic energy) but you CAN try and use Energy Charge to do so (needs a flip though)."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #23 from crazy_nut_man:How come i can't earn my b-day pikachu from league yet??? have u sent them out yet??
master_trainer_mike says, "The league have been sent the activity sheet (in limited numbers), they give the create a card activity to you, you do it and mail it in to us."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #24 from nookiemn2k3:yuo guys are great for taking time and answering all the peoples questions .
master_trainer_mike says, "Thanks, I enjoy doing it :)"
master_trainer_mike says, "MINTY FRESHH!!!!!!"
master_trainer_mike says, "hee hee hee"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #25 from paokkk:What will be the next League Promo Card???
master_trainer_mike says, "dunno"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #28 from crazy_nut_man:u no those circle in the back, do u put those gym challenge stickers in the back?? and how many do u need to get one of those??
master_trainer_mike says, "Yup, each gymn challenge is different. They will explain them in the league."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #29 from reubot:what happens when u use recall on a eevee evo. Eg Flareon vs gloom. Recall Eevee Lv7 Bite. 20 or 40 damage? (does the attack count as if eevee did it or flareon did it)?
master_trainer_mike says, "It would do 40, you are using an attack from the earlier Pokemon but it is the Flareon in this case, that is doing the attack."

Connection closed by foreign host. /*** CHAT SERVER CRASHED ***/

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #1 from lord_gothmog:Your chat killed me. You need to make this IRC based.
master_trainer_mike says, "Hi, it killed me too. Sorry about that gang."
master_trainer_mike says, "So, all of the questions that were sent are gone!!!"
master_trainer_mike says, "So if you made it back and didn't hear your answer, please resubmit ok???"
master_trainer_mike says, "Keeping in mind to not ask about new sets, promo cards, sts's etc, as you will still get the same dunno answer :)"
master_trainer_mike smiles.

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #2 from soslowpoke:waht's the next promo card?

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #3 from applemtg:Any New News On Promos?

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #5 from soslowpoke:any promo news?

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #7 from soslowpoke:when will neo 2 omce out

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #9 from soslowpoke:whens the projected release date for neo3?

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #12 from soslowpoke:what will neo2 be called?
master_trainer_mike says, "Just like these questions that all get the DUNNO answer."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #4 from mr_mystery:(Me gets stabbed in the knife by the chat)
master_trainer_mike says, "me too (removing knife) :)"
master_trainer_mike says, "Just got booted again!!!!"
master_trainer_mike says, "I will try once more!!!"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #6 from chrisbo:If Lt. Surge's Electrode's "Shock Blast" power ends up causing 20 damage to itself, does the "Shock Blast" get invoked again as a result of that damage? Couldn't this potentially result in a near endless cycle of coin flips?
master_trainer_mike says, "No, as even if it did repeat, it would only do it until the Electrode was Knocked out. You would have to let the damage resolve in order for it to be damaged to trigger the Power."
master_trainer_mike says, "On the turn it took damage that would Knock it out, would be the last time it triggered."
master_trainer_mike says, "BUT I will talk to R&D on this one."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #8 from turbocharizard:What are and how do you get promos #24, 25,26, 28, and 31+
master_trainer_mike says, "League mostly, no word on 31+ yet."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #10 from chrisbo:Does Sprout Tower prevent Bench Damage also? For example: with Erica's Dragonair's "Blizzard" attack, would it prevent damage to both players' benched Pokemon?
master_trainer_mike says, "Yes it would."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #14 from chrisbo:Last week you said that if Sabrina's Haunter used Recall to use an underlying "Fade Out" attack, the S.Gastly would go back into the hand (Q133). Would same apply to Clefable when Metronoming a Sabrina's Gastly "Fade Out" (i.e. Clefairy goes back too
master_trainer_mike says, "Yes."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #15 from calathon:Back to question 1?? That will mess up the Team Compendium log!!
master_trainer_mike says, "sorry :)"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #17 from deggdegg13:Are there any steel pok�mon in Neo2?
master_trainer_mike says, "dunno"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #18 from rainbow_trainer:I have not been here the past couple of weeks... have we gone over the results of the B-Day Pikachu contest..?? Is there a list posted of the winners... ??
master_trainer_mike says, "no, as has been mentioned, it takes 6-8 weeks to porcess the mail and send out the cards. You won't get yours until Feb most likely."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #20 from pokotcg:Our league didn't finish the last 2 seasons last year. Would we start on year 2 or finish year1
master_trainer_mike says, "Start on year 2. Year 1 is done."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #21 from chrisbo:If Chaos Gym is active and I try to play Prof. Elm but flip tails, if the opponent chooses to use it can I continue to play trainers during my turn? And will the opponent be allowed to play trainers when their turn comes around?
master_trainer_mike says, "You could still try and play trainers. Your opponent would NOT be able to play any more trainers on your turn (meaning if yyou fail a chaos flip again, they would NOT be able to use them). he or she could use them normally on their next turn."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #22 from lord_gothmog:Any news on w00t?
master_trainer_mike says, "wah?"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #23 from paokkk:Do you get points for playing a game and for the promo sticker at the same time or do you pick because thats was what my gym leader did?
master_trainer_mike says, "Thought they were separate. I'll check though."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #26 from derubiru:Why did Wizards change Yadokings original pokemon Power so that it could be used on the bench?
master_trainer_mike says, "Dunno, for game balance perhaps? With trainer mania it makes sense."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #27 from chrisbo:Phanpy's "Endure" attack says "if heads, then if Phanpy is KO'd by an attack, its remaining HP become 10 instead". Would Misty's Staryu's "Swift" attack ignore this condition since it affects the amount of damage that would be done?
master_trainer_mike says, "Nope, the damage is done form the swift THEN if that would knock out the Phanby its attack effect would kick in."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #28 from mr_mystery:Thank you for removing the knife. :)
master_trainer_mike says, "welcome :)"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #29 from pikachu89:When can someone take the coach test?
master_trainer_mike says, "As soon as you are ready."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #30 from soslowpoke:when eco gym is in play, and i knock out another pokemon, will its energy cards go back to the proper owner?
master_trainer_mike says, "nope, the attack did not discard the energy cards, it Knocked out the Pokemon and then the energy cards were discarded. Not the same thing."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #31 from imakuni_00:does rainbow energy count for a metal, or a darkness energy?
master_trainer_mike says, "It can yes but it would NOT gain the extra abilities of those energy cards."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #32 from derubiru:Why did Wizards go with the Holo non-holo version of cards?
master_trainer_mike says, "Geez we explained this along time ago. Some sets would be TINY if not, also many people asked to have versions to collect and save (the holos) and versions to actually play (the non-holos)."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #33 from reubot:what do i do for the translation if i take a TR Grimer to a STS so i can get the proper poison effect? (because all english grimers have sleep error)
master_trainer_mike says, "You play it as the English card is written."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #34 from mr_mystery:Now last week you said you would check if we can submit articles for your site. Any word from they yet?
master_trainer_mike says, "nope, the meeting today was canceled (the web team wasn't in). I'll try and find out."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #35 from thundrchld:can you metronome with a clefable and use plus power?
master_trainer_mike says, "Sure."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #36 from paokkk:Can you use a scan card that you print to repleace a valueable card in your deck??
master_trainer_mike says, "nope."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #37 from thundrchld:also with the metronome attack can togetic use pluspower?
master_trainer_mike says, "Yes."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #38 from pikachu89:How many stamps do you get in your book and then on your Togepi grid if you win one game?
master_trainer_mike says, "should be 2 stamps if you win, 1 if you lose."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #40 from reubot:what do i do for the translation if i take a japanese TR Grimer to a STS so i can get the proper poison effect? (because all english grimers have sleep error)
master_trainer_mike says, "you can't, it will be played as the english version, PERIOD."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #41 from paokkk:How long does the $2 booster thing will last? Forever??
master_trainer_mike says, "it already neded at our stores."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #42 from pokesensei:Try this a third time.When I use Elekid`s P.P. Playful Punch,is it considered an attack?(Do I have to flip for my opponents Agility orBaby Power?).
master_trainer_mike says, "No, you donot have to flip for those effects BUT it does take the place of your attack (as written on the card)."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #43 from deggdegg13:Are there any steel Pokemon in Neo2?

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #44 from paokkk:Plans for Base Set 3???
master_trainer_mike says, "DUNNO!!!!"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #45 from pokotcg:Our league has 2 seasons left of year 1. Would we start year 2 or finish year 1
master_trainer_mike says, "Start Year 2. Year 1 is over."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #46 from paokkk:Plan for the movie promos?

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #47 from deggdegg13:Have you seen the Neo 2 Packs yet?
master_trainer_mike says, "gang, these are all dunno questions, ok?"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #48 from pikabruce_:If Brock's 9tales has Focus Band attached, has Shapeshifted into Wigglytuff, is knocked out and the Focus Band flip is heads, which happens: (a) Wigglytuff is discarded, 60 damage on Brock's 9tales, or (b) 70 damage on Wigglytuff.
master_trainer_mike says, "B, 70 damage on Wiggly."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #49 from paokkk:So no vending sheet set will be made?? Sad....
master_trainer_mike says, "No plans yet."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #51 from pikabruce_:Can Erika's Clefairy do an attack with Lunar Power on the first turn? (For example, to place Aerodactyl or Slowking into play on the first turn.)
master_trainer_mike says, "Sure! Sneaky huh??"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #52 from lord_gothmog:Are you of the mindset that Vending would help fix the metagame of Pokemon? Please say yes. Please push for vending. We need it. Bad.
master_trainer_mike says, "To be honest, the metagame for Pokemon doesn't look truly fixable to my mind."
master_trainer_mike says, "The cards they keep designing.....shessh."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #53 from pikabruce_:In a previous chat, it was stated that Rainbow Energy cannot provide colorless energy. Does this mean that if you have a Sneasel with 1 Rainbow Energy attached, you cannot do Fury Swipes?
master_trainer_mike says, "No, any energy can be used to PAY for a colorless energy cost (as per the rules). You just cannot choose the Rainbow to provide a colorless energy (like a DCE does)."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #54 from slowbro:We all know about the Slowking/Chaos Gym questions. But what if your OPPONENT has a Slowking in play, but YOU played Chaos Gym? If you try to use a Trainer card, then which do you flip for first.
master_trainer_mike says, "The active player's effects always go first. So you flip for Chaos Gym first, if you get past that then the opponent could have you flip for the Slowking."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #55 from pikachu89:How many stamps do you get in your book and on your Togepi grid when you win one game?
master_trainer_mike says, "2 for win, 1 for loss."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #56 from pikabruce_:Does Metal Energy reduce damage done by Digger?
master_trainer_mike says, "Yup, Digger does damage."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #57 from pikabruce_:If Chansey has 4 Metal Energy on it, and does Double-Edge, the opponent normally receives 40 damage and all self-damage to Chansey is prevented, correct?
master_trainer_mike says, "Correct."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #58 from pokesensei:If Elekid has a Dark Energy attached and uses P.P. Playful Punch, would he deal 20 or 30 damage on heads?
master_trainer_mike says, "20, Darkness says the ATTACK does 10 more damage. Playful Punch is a Pokemon power NOT an attack."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #59 from reubot:in reply to #6 what if the Surge's Electrode had 4 defenders on it?
master_trainer_mike says, "duunno, as I said I will ask R&D, but how bloody likely is this??"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #60 from pikabruce_:If Misty's Staryu (Challenge version) does Star Boomerang against an Erika's Vileplume, which comes first, the flip to see if Staryu returns to my hand OR the flip to see if Pollen Defense will confuse my active pokemon?
master_trainer_mike says, "Pokemon powers always resolve before other effects of an attack."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #61 from slowbro:Who decides on the rarity of the translated cards? Why are idiotic things like Pichu holos, but good cards like Gligar commons?
master_trainer_mike says, "Creatures ultimately does."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #62 from pokesensei:If Elekid has a Metal Energy attached,and uses Playful Punch,would he do 10 or 20 damage?
master_trainer_mike says, "It would do 10, Metal energy only says it reduces any damage done by that Pokemon by 10, doesn't have to be an attack."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #63 from paokkk:Plans for other Jumbo card???
master_trainer_mike says, "Not that I know of."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #64 from mr_mystery:If you could ban any of the following cards, which one would you ban and why?: Professor Oak, Scyther, Electabuzz, Hitmonchan, Rocket's Zapdos, Wigglytuff, Blastoise, Movie Promo Mewtwo
master_trainer_mike says, "Silly question, we can't do that."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #65 from reubot:which cards did creatures inc ask u to change?
master_trainer_mike says, "inside information gang, can't say"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #66 from pokesensei:Pichu`s Zzzap attack states "Do 20 damage to each Pokemon with a Pokemon Power".Would this do 20 or 10 to Erika`s Dratini?Is Pichu considered a "Basic" or "Baby" Pokemon in this instance?
master_trainer_mike says, "Erika's Dratini would only take 10. Baby Pokemon count as basic Pokemon."
master_trainer_mike says, "Use Magby's Sputter attack first to shut off Pokemon powers, then use Pichu next turn."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #67 from lord_gothmog:At the last chat before Christmas Break, I asked if you were thinking about making w00t your new catch phrase. Any updates on that?
master_trainer_mike says, "Oh...ummm....wOOt???"
master_trainer_mike says, "hmmm, doesn't seem very exciting......"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #68 from thundrchld:doesn't neo's electabuzz's swift go right through fossi; magmar's flip a coin for smokescreen?
master_trainer_mike says, "Yes it would, the attack still occurs and swift doesn't allow anything to lower the damage. Now Agility, which can prevent the attack form even happening is another story."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #69 from surfingelectrode:want a donut?
master_trainer_mike says, "Hmm, thanks :)"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #70 from slowbro:Regarding Focus Band/Giovanni's Machamp: Wouldn't you have to flip for Focus Band first, since Trainer cards on the Def. Pok�mon (step g) come before Pok�mon Powers (step h)?
master_trainer_mike says, "Nope, in this case the Pokemon is going to be Knocked out (so we already resolved the steps of doing the attack g and h). Both of these effects take place at the same time, so you get to choose the order of resolving them."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #71 from scrye_fung:can you give out the names of the people who are refered to in the coach's test for year 2?
master_trainer_mike says, "Nope, far too many and we don;t get reliable data back from the league's (unfortunately)."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #72 from derubiru:As for the coach test...will it be changed now that Neo is in englsih because I'm not familiar with the english Neo and there have been alot of changes...
master_trainer_mike says, "Don't think so."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #73 from surfingelectrode:if you use a rainbow energy to substitute a steel or dark energy would you get the extra benefits?
master_trainer_mike says, "Nope."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #74 from pokesensei:Does Sprout Tower prevent Bench damage also?For example:With Erika`s Dragonair`s "Blizzard" attack,would it prevent damage to both player`s benched pokemon?
master_trainer_mike says, "Yup."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #75 from thamaster:Ant news for us in the UK, like you said last year, there may be some good news?
master_trainer_mike says, "Sorry but I only have info about North America. Wotc UK are the people to ask about events over there (and releases and such)."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #77 from pikabruce_:If Blaine's Charizard has 2 Rainbow energy on it, and attacks with Roaring Flames, can you choose how many of those Rainbow energy are fire and discarded, or must both be considered fire and discarded?
master_trainer_mike says, "Rainbow counts as all basic types at all times, you would have to discard both."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #78 from slowbro:Why does Neo have Pichu/Pikachu and Cleffa/Clefairy but no Raichu or Clefable? If you know anything about the game, Raichu and Clefable are the only reason you play Pikachu and Clefairy.
master_trainer_mike says, "We only translate the sets my friend. Don't know why they didn't include them."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #79 from derubiru:do you like the english pokemon names better? I happen to preffer the Japanese names..but what is your take?
master_trainer_mike says, "Well I can't read japanese so the englisg is easier for me to understand :)"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #80 from pokesensei:At a DCI Tournament,my opponent refuses to let other players use the same randomizer(a coin in this case) that he is using.Is this allowed by the rules?
master_trainer_mike says, "Yes it is. This is done to keep players form gaining an edge with a possibly unblanaced randomizer."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #81 from derubiru:In refference to #36, I have a signed Odairu promo from the Neo Premium File, I want to play it but ti's signed, and I've had alot of cards stolen that means I can't play it even if I scan it?
master_trainer_mike says, "Correct."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #82 from reubot:okay do any other languages that u make not have the error? (TR grimer)
master_trainer_mike says, "Sorry friend, TR Grimer is played as is in English in North America. You might be able to play it differently overseas."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #83 from pikachu89:Re: Q38. So if I win one game, I get 2 stamps in my book towards my badge and then 2 stamps on my Togepi grid to earn the Togepi promo card. Is that correct?
master_trainer_mike says, "Dunno, I thought they were separate. I'll find out for next week."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #84 from jdg6248:Do you have do take the coatch test over this year?
master_trainer_mike says, "If you want to coach, yes."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #85 from slowbro:Why are you repeating all the questions twice?
master_trainer_mike says, "This is how I am getting them."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #86 from applemtg:Would you consider Meganium #11/111 a broken card?
master_trainer_mike says, "Nope."
master_trainer_mike says, "Sneasel yes, but Meganium, nope."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #87 from derubiru:WHy do you say that Japanese cards are illegal to play? And why do you say this, when you allow them at tournements? And if they are illegal to sell, then why do so many stores carry them?
master_trainer_mike says, "They are NOT illegal to play, never said that. What I did say is that you must use the ENGLISH translation of the card in North America as has always been our policy."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #88 from sd_pokemom:Is there anyone ELSE we can go to other than J.H. at Organized Play to try to get our League back for our location? We have 40+ kids with nowhere to play--all 3 TrUs are NOT running, and GameKeeper/WotC are full...where do we go from here? Or is it j
master_trainer_mike says, "Unfortunately no. Many of the stores that ran last years league did a poor job. We are working on improving it for this year. Contact JH with the names of the Toys R Us's that aren;t running it. We are beoing told by Toys R Us corporate that every store runs it."
master_trainer_mike says, "We are investigating the truth of that staement."
master_trainer_mike says, "Otherwise, see if there are any local business's that would be interested in becoming premiere stores and running the league."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #89 from pikachu89:Can you do Falkner's Challenge before you earn the Zephyr Badge?
master_trainer_mike says, "Nope, Challenges are done after you earn the badges."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #90 from pokesensei:My opponent has a Chaos Gym in play.It`s my turn.I already tried to use a Prof. Elm but flipped tails and my opponent used it.Now I try to play another Prof. Elm and flip tails.Can my opponent use it since this is the same turn?
master_trainer_mike says, "Nope, they could not use it."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #91 from derubiru:Why were we not allowed to play Neo 2 and Neo 3 cards at the ECSTS when the winners were given the Neo3 Premium File promo folder?
master_trainer_mike says, "Because those cards have not been released yet to the public."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #92 from reubot:where can i find a copy of ur errata policy?
master_trainer_mike says, "Read the DCI rules."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #93 from slowbro:For the last time! Why were some cards, like Misty's Lapras, one of Sabrina's Haunters, and one of Misty's Seadras, left out of the Gym sets?
master_trainer_mike says, "No specific reason. Sets would have been too large, not useful cards, in some cases we might have been asked to hold them, etc."
master_trainer_mike says, "These are the type of questions that I will won' be able to answer gang. We are a publicy traded company and so this sort of stuff is considered insider information."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #94 from lord_gothmog:Okay, wrong question. Will there be vending, period?
master_trainer_mike says, "Who knows?? For now, no plans but geez guys, we already know things change."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #95 from pokemoncardkid500:Is there a mistake on Snorlax's (Jungle) Pokemon Power?
master_trainer_mike says, "Nope. There are ways for a Pokemon Power to be shut off (like Magby's Sputter). If Snorlax became confused while his power was off, then his power wouldn;t turn back on while he was confused."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #96 from chrisbo:For control purposes, can I use my own Stadium card to replace my opponent's Stadium card (i.e. Chaos Gym + "Mind Games" control combo)?
master_trainer_mike says, "Sure, though you would still have to flip for Slowking if your opponent controlled it before you could play a new Stadium."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #97 from slowbro:Do you think Gligar will be replacing Scyther eventually (at least in decks in which Scizor would not be useful?)
master_trainer_mike says, "It does see a lot of play here internally."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #98 from reubot:can u tell Nintendo Australia to hurry up and do league 2? And can u please make them do it proper becasue we only got one promo a month and they cut league short too!
master_trainer_mike says, "I don;t knoiw much about the Australian league but have a meeting with the league folks tomorrow. I will ask about it."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #99 from pokemoncardkid500:where is the Togepi promo grid
master_trainer_mike says, "Should be in your league book."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #100 from turbocharizard:If my local card shop holds a DCI-correct tornament, do the prop 15/3 rules apply?
master_trainer_mike says, "Nope, that was never DCI sanctioned."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #101 from lingon:what is the strongest attack
master_trainer_mike says, "Too many possibles, charizard's, dark charizards, blaine's charizard, sneasel, feraligatr, etc."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #102 from thundrchld:if i had an erika's dratini out and it had a metal energy which would come first if it was attacked the pokemon pwoer or metal energy?
master_trainer_mike says, "The metal energy would go resolve first (nice try)."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #103 from reubot:cant u ban cards that r banned in japan?
master_trainer_mike says, "Nope, we are not allowed to ban cards."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #104 from lord_gothmog:Why did Giovanni's Pinsir's first attack get changed from 10 + 20 to 10 + 10? I don't need to read Japanese for that, cus the numbers are printed in...whatever language numbers are in.
master_trainer_mike says, "No idea."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #105 from calathon:I you draw a starting hand with a Baby Pokemon as the only Pokemon, is that a Mulligan, do you have to play it, or do you get to choose?
master_trainer_mike says, "You have to play it."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #106 from lingon:how many poke'mon are there
master_trainer_mike says, "There will be 252 I think eventually."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #107 from pokemoncardkid500:Whadda think about Energy Charge(NEO Genesis)
master_trainer_mike says, "A good way to bring back your Darkness and Metal energies."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #108 from surfingelectrode:jelly filled or glazed?
master_trainer_mike says, "definately glazed."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #109 from elf_girl:If I wanted to start a pokemon TCG league at a store in my area, who would I contact?
master_trainer_mike says, "It can only be run through a premiere store. If you own a store or are helping one run the league, then have them contact Merchant Relations here at WOTC."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #110 from lord_gothmog:If I have one Fire energy on a Blaine's Charizard, and I use Roaring Flames, do I dicard the one energy and do 40?
master_trainer_mike says, "Yup! Pretty fly huh??"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #111 from slowbro:Regarding 68: Agility doesn't prevent attacks from happening. It prevents EFFECTS of attacks done to the Pok�mon that uses Agility. This would mean it prevents all damage. Swift SHOULD penetrate that.
master_trainer_mike says, "Ahh, my bad. I meant Sand Attack which prevents attacks."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #112 from scrye_fung:MTM, i was referring to the easter eggs insie the WotC test (example, Kierin, yourself, DMTM) what about the others? (WotC coach's test btw)
master_trainer_mike says, "Ahhh, you know I helped make that document months ago. To be honest I don;t remember it anymore. Glad to see we made it :)"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #113 from chrisbo:Last week you ruled that Ditto can choose what energy type a given card can provide. Does this extend to Rainbow Energy cards too or are they still "all colors, all the time" regardless of the text on Ditto's Transform power?
master_trainer_mike says, "Ditto could overried the Rainbow effect."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #114 from pokemoncardkid500:How do I get a DCI card?
master_trainer_mike says, "Sign up for free at any sanctioned DCI tournament."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #115 from pokesensei:RE:Q # 80.Is it allowable for a player in a DCI tourney to refuse to let someone use their randomizer(coin)?
master_trainer_mike says, "Nope."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #116 from oldman_405:Murkrow's feint attack can be to the bench or active correct? Also with 2 darkness energy on it, it would do 40 damage correct?
master_trainer_mike says, "Yes and yes but only if you are attacking the defending Pokemon (darkness does NOT add to bench attacks)."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #117 from reubot:can u play error cards like they were sposed to be 'proper' if the other player says it is alright (friendly play)
master_trainer_mike says, "For friendly play you can do whatever you like :)"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #118 from elf_girl:I once got all of my cards stolen at a Toys R us league game. is there anything I can do to get compencation for them?
master_trainer_mike says, "Sorry but no, everyone should always keep an eye out on any valuable property you own. If you left money lying around, you wouldn't be able to call the US mint either."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #119 from sd_pokemom:Investigating the truth of WHICH statement? That TrUs is NOT running? I've already told JH that. What do you have to do to become a "premier" store? And can a store in a chain do that?
master_trainer_mike says, "That TRU is NOT running at locations. There are meetings with them at this time over that. As for a Chainm store becoming a premiere store, I think the Chain Store would have to talk with us about that."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #120 from oldman_405:Both Pichu & Ditto are active. Pichu attacks with zzzap, gets a heads. Does Ditto, copying Pichu take 20?
master_trainer_mike says, "Yup. Transform says Ditto always has this power."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #121 from pokemoncardkid500:On Jynx's Meditate is it the amount of damage counters on you or your opponent?
master_trainer_mike says, "On your opponent's Pokemon."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #122 from reubot:would u be able to set up shop in Australia and take over cards and leaugue drim nintendo (they dont know how to run it properly)?
master_trainer_mike says, "As I said, I dont know what is happening down there but I will try and find out for you."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #123 from oldman_405:Both Magby & Ditto active. Magby attacks with sputter, flips heads. Does Dittos power stop working?
master_trainer_mike says, "Yup."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #124 from hi_jynx:If my only active card is a card like "Blaine's Moltres" or "Misty's Starmie" and because of the coin toss I have to put it in my hand, and I have no benched Pok�mon, do I lose?
master_trainer_mike says, "You mean Misty's Staryu? Yes, you would lose in those cases."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #125 from slowbro:Can I send in a proposal to release Vending and "Base Set 3?"
master_trainer_mike says, "Thanks but we don't get to decide that sort of thing."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #126 from pokemoncardkid500:Are Pokemon Powers always on Just to clarify this, my friend thinks some stuff about them and he wanted to know
master_trainer_mike says, "Yes they are always on."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #127 from pokemoncardkid500:Will there be Promo Murkrow comng in Nintendo Power
master_trainer_mike says, "Dunno"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #128 from reubot:re:#106 there r actually 251
master_trainer_mike says, "Really???"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #129 from thundrchld:i am lazy to go look myself but how old do ya gotta be to get a tournament started at some store?
master_trainer_mike says, "No age limit. Just have to be organized."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #130 from lord_gothmog:W00T is better than fly. That's w00t.
master_trainer_mike says, "hmmmm, how about ginchy?? Does that work?"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #131 from pokemoncardkid500:any news on Promos past #31?
master_trainer_mike says, "nope"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #132 from slowbro:Is there a procedure for using Misty's Duel in tournaments (since it is too easy to cheat at rock-paper-scissors?) For example, bring 2 copies of Totodile, Cyndaquil, Chikorita and use them for rock-paper-scissors?
master_trainer_mike says, "If you feel that you can't play RPS fairly then do what the card says and flip to see who wins (one person flips one person calls the result)."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #133 from pokesensei:If a Pokemon that does bench damage like Dark Raichu,and it ends up being 10 damage to the bench,would the Metal energy both reduce the attack to just 20 damage and the bench damage is reduced to zero?
master_trainer_mike says, "Correct."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #134 from pokemoncardkid500:Some leagues Ex: My friend's (Toysrus) allows them to battle Sudden Death. Are they allowed to do that?
master_trainer_mike says, "You should only do Sudden Death if a regular game ends in a draw."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #135 from elf_girl:what are all the new promos for the TCG leage season 2?
master_trainer_mike says, "dunno."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #137 from kirbycopies:Say I have a Venomoth and it is shifted into a Dark type and it has 4 Darkness Energy attached. I have a Murkrow on my bench with 40 damage. If my opponent damages my beched Murkrow and gets knocked out my Venomoth would then revert to a Grass type. W
master_trainer_mike says, "It would not revert unlkess its power was shut off somehow. It only checks to see what types are in play when you use the power, it is not a continuous check."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #138 from slowbro:If Muk is in play, is Pichu unable to do damge, does it do damage to Muk only (since Muk says "ignore al Pok�. Powers other than Toxic Gases,) or as normal?
master_trainer_mike says, "As normal. The other Pokemon still have the pokemon powers even if they are ignored."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #139 from sd_pokemom:So who can I contact about our store (which is in a chain) becoming a Premier store?
master_trainer_mike says, "Call our merchant relations number at 1-800-821-8028 for information."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #140 from elf_girl:If I had a ditto as my active pokemon, and the defending pokemon was a charizard, and I knock it out, is my ditto still a charizard, or is it whatever the opponent puts out?
master_trainer_mike says, "It becomes whatever your opponent brings out."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #141 from oldman_405:For clarification again. Ditto is active & has 3 colored energy attached to it. Opponent has an active Steelix. I choose Ditto's energy to be metal. Does it have the metal energy effect?
master_trainer_mike says, "Nope it does not. It would provide steel energy so you could use Steelix's Tail Crsuh attack (for the Ditto) but it would NOT provide the damage reduction effects."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #142 from pokemoncardkid500:any news on Neo 3 coming out?
master_trainer_mike says, "nope"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #143 from pokemoncardkid500:Wanna donut, they're fresh?
master_trainer_mike says, "just had one, thanks."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #144 from trovtwo:can people 10 and over do the b-day pikachu activity?
master_trainer_mike says, "that is up to the league, they only get a limited supply of those."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #145 from elf_girl:I know someone who runs an offical TCG league. is he allowed to sell the extra season one badges on Ebay? Because i have seen some on there.
master_trainer_mike says, "nope that is breaking our contract, if you are sure they are doing this please email us at [email protected] with the details."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #146 from pokemoncardkid500:what are the medal grids for, they have like 4 spots then a medal etc
master_trainer_mike says, "after you earn your badge, you can start working on point for next season's badge, every 50 points you earn can count as 10 points towards your next badge."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #147 from trovtwo:Is there any date for when the league b-day promotion starts and whgen it ends?
master_trainer_mike says, "Nope, it is a season 1 activity. Ends when season 1 ends."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #148 from trovtwo:Will you include darkness energies in neo 2?
master_trainer_mike says, "dunno"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #149 from pikachu89:Have the W-foil Dark Arbok
master_trainer_mike says, "me??? yes :)"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #150 from slowbro:What do you think of the Misty's Gyarados/Muk combo?
master_trainer_mike says, "not a bad way to make the gyarados more playable."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #151 from pikachu89:Have the English W-foil Dark Arbok for the Chineses New Year be released yet. Sorry, on cut off question.
master_trainer_mike says, "hmm, not sure, when is Chinese New Year?"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #152 from pokemoncardkid500:Is the feint a mistake on the Murkrow in Neo Genesis
master_trainer_mike says, "nope Feint is a word, check out a dictionary."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #153 from trovtwo:Will Whitney's challenge cut the damage in halve when doing Sabrinas Kadabra life drain,how will it work?
master_trainer_mike says, "Dunno, I haven't seen the challenges yet, sorry."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #154 from lord_gothmog:From your earlier ruling about Chansey, can I assume Metal Energy reduces all self damage(except for confusion maybe) by 20?
master_trainer_mike says, "Correct and it would do that for Confusion too."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #155 from pokemoncardkid500:What was the comic strip activity for?
master_trainer_mike says, "???? not sure what that is"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #156 from elf_girl:where can I get one of thoes neeto green star stamps?
master_trainer_mike says, "you can't, they are only for the gym leaders in the league"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #157 from pokesensei:If I have an actual Steel energy on ditto who is active and copying the opponent`s Steelix,will the damage Ditto(As Steelix) take 10 less damage from the opponents attack?
master_trainer_mike says, "yup"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #158 from trovtwo:Will you use the drawings from the b-day contest on existin pokemon baby cards?
master_trainer_mike says, "don;t think so"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #159 from lord_gothmog:How many languages is the TCG printed in? I've forgotten.
master_trainer_mike says, "10 I think"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #160 from megabestia1:if I had a pichu on the bench, and I have a pikachu in my hand and a space on the bench can I play the pikachu in the space and not over the pichu?
master_trainer_mike says, "Sure, your choice."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #161 from elf_girl:RE: 153, the challenges are in the badge book, jsut to let you know
master_trainer_mike says, "Yeah I know, thanks :) I don;t have a copy of the badge book yet."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #162 from hi_jynx:I have a Rocket Trap Trainer in my Omanyte deck. Since Omanyte lets me see my opponents cards, do I get to choose the 3 or does my opp get to pick his cards up, mix them, and I pick 3 at random?
master_trainer_mike says, "Good question. Last I heard, if you can't pull them random then you can't play Trap but I will check with R&D on this one."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #163 from lord_gothmog:Whitney's Challenge: All damage done by Pokemon is reduced by half, rounded down.
master_trainer_mike says, "Ok, Sabrina's Life Drain doesn't do damage, it places counters so it would not be affected."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #164 from trovtwo:When you ever get the neo 3 news,will the golden magikarp be as rare?
master_trainer_mike says, "I have no idea."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #165 from elf_girl:Why is wizards stopping topdeck? That was a really good magazine
master_trainer_mike says, "I know. We are part of Hasbro now. Fiscal issues came up."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #166 from chrisbo:I'm not sure if you're allowed to answer this, but when sending in the Create-A-Card activity sheet, do you *have to* put down your SSN or is it optional?
master_trainer_mike says, "We ask that you do because you are entering a contest (legal issues) but I have been told that we don;t REQUIRE it."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #167 from slowbro:I have heard rumors that there will be a Steel theme deck. How will this work? Both Steel Energy and Steel Pok�s are always holos, so you couldn't have both in a deck (unless you change the rule about 1 holo per deck.) Or is the rumor false?
master_trainer_mike says, "I have never heard that one. Must be a rumor."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #168 from trovtwo:Do you get another type of Victory road book if you earn all the new badges?
master_trainer_mike says, "Probably but I don;t know. Hasn't been planned out that far yet"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #169 from pikachu89:Chinese New Year is in Feb. In a Dec. chat we were told they would be available in Jan. in Hong Kong. An follow up on that?
master_trainer_mike says, "Thanks, I don;t know. I will try and find out."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #170 from lord_gothmog:Will TopDeck last until a Paper Spoiler for Neo 2 can be printed?
master_trainer_mike says, "I believe there is only 1 more issue coming out."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #171 from trovtwo:What will the theme decks be in Neo 2?
master_trainer_mike says, "dunno"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #172 from slowbro:For the Space Weedle, do you want Koga's Weedles, or just regular ones?
master_trainer_mike says, "Any weedle is fine :)"
master_trainer_mike says, "Speaking of the Space Weedle, the Leaning Tower of Pika (made of italian Pikachus) is almost done). I will get up pictures when it is finished."
master_trainer_mike says, "We have other similar projects in the works well (heh heh heh)"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #173 from pokemoncardkid500:do you think this is a good trade? Skarmory for Rocket's Hitmonchan and Rocket's Scyther. Was if fair or did someone get jipped
master_trainer_mike says, "that is entirely up to you guys"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #174 from deggdegg:Why doesn't my league have the Togepis yet? I go to Toys R Us.
master_trainer_mike says, "dunno"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #175 from elf_girl:When is the next Super trainer show down, or TCG mall tour?
master_trainer_mike says, "nothing set yet"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #176 from hi_jynx:What is this I hear about a 1 holo/deck rule?
master_trainer_mike says, "??? never heard of it"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #177 from lord_gothmog:Do you think Ken Sugimori will be at the next STS? I didn't get a chance to have my Blaine's Arcanine Foil Signed. :(
master_trainer_mike says, "sorry but I don;t know"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #178 from pokemoncardkid500:What is the Space Weedle Project
master_trainer_mike says, "check out http://home.earthlink.net/~seawolven for details"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #179 from chrisbo:Re Q162: Back in September you said that if Omanyte's "Clairvoyance" power is active, when you play Trap the cards are temporarily placed face down. Wha's the matter, don't you read "Team Compendium"? (grin)
master_trainer_mike says, "Yes I do but there have been rules meetings since then, things change as you should know :)"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #180 from trovtwo:How old would you say someone should be to be a gym leader?
master_trainer_mike says, "A gym leader is usually an employee of the store running the league, age is up to their policies."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #181 from pokemoncardkid500:On Jynx's Meditate do you count your damage or theres?
master_trainer_mike says, "theirs"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #182 from lord_gothmog:While we're doing Card Structures, how bout an Arcanine de triumph?
master_trainer_mike says, "Hmm, good one, possible"
master_trainer_mike says, "though we want to try and stick with commons though (easier to get)"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #183 from oldman_405:were there ant announcements? If so please announce at closing.
master_trainer_mike says, "Nope none this week"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #184 from trovtwo:WIl the neo 2 go back to non or holo foils since thier are no other rares?
master_trainer_mike says, "dunno"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #185 from megabestia1:in the question #163 you referres to a whitney's challenge from wich set is it.
master_trainer_mike says, "that is a challenge activity in the league book"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #186 from pokesensei:Leaning tower of Pika?You never informed us of that!Give us the juicy details on it Mike!
master_trainer_mike says, "Well let's just say Pokemon All Around the World is the thought."
master_trainer_mike says, "After the Leaning Tower perhaps we will start on the "Running of the Bills" :)"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #187 from slowbro:Can you have 4 English Fossil Magmars and 4 Japanese Base Magmars in one deck? They are neither the same card nor do they have the same name.
master_trainer_mike says, "No, they still have the same name."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #188 from elf_girl:Where you at the east cosat TCG STS Qualifers? There was someone there that WORKED FOR wizards selling packs of cards for $2 and sisging jiggilypuffs for $4. If you need more information contact me.
master_trainer_mike says, "I was there but would NEVER stoop to such a thing. Please email us at [email protected] with details!"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #189 from feralshade:There are 2 Leagues in my city--neither have heard anything about a season 1 birthday pikachu release. Are they the exception or will it be released in the League later on?
master_trainer_mike says, "Every official Year 2 league is doing it. They might not have received the activities yet.,"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #190 from lord_gothmog:You do realize if you ask People to send in Pikachus, you'll get Promo ANA Airlines ones...right?
master_trainer_mike says, "Well I already have 5000 italian Pikachus under my desk so that one was covered :) But we might ask for more mail-in's in the future."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #191 from trovtwo:will you make a Base set 3(TR, Foss,Gym)?
master_trainer_mike says, "dunno"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #192 from pokemoncardkid500:What challenge (Gym Leader Challenge) do u like the most?
master_trainer_mike says, "haven't seen them all yet, sorry"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #193 from toshin007:you guys make any surprise stops this week at any stores for day1? : )
master_trainer_mike says, "no, unfortunately not, I was sick this last weekend :("

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #194 from trovtwo:What will happen to pokemon after neo 3?
master_trainer_mike says, "dunno"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #195 from lord_gothmog:Hmm, what about The Jynx?(Sphinx)
master_trainer_mike says, "we don;t release Pokemon in any arabic languages but thanks for the idea."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #196 from chrisbo:re Q179 So how should we play "Clairvoyance" + "Trap" for now? I might consider throwing some Omanytes into my deck just to shut down Trap!
master_trainer_mike says, "Don't have an answer for you yet. This issue came up with the Card Flip game after someone played Here Comes Team Rocket."
master_trainer_mike says, "The answer was you could NOT play card flip game as it asks you to look at a face down prize and there aren't any."
master_trainer_mike says, "Not sure if this would apply with Trap or not though (Trap does say don't look at the cards)."
master_trainer_mike says, "I'll get an answer for you next week."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #197 from pokesensei:Will you have the Pika Tower and the Space Weedle on Display at the next STS(barring they don`t get lost enroute)?
master_trainer_mike says, "Yup!!"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #198 from slowbro:If you have 4 Blaine's Last Resorts in your hand, can you play one?
master_trainer_mike says, "Yes you can."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #199 from oldman_405:Where is MTM Pat this week?
master_trainer_mike says, "He is off playing Dungeons and Dragons for job training (I left the game early while the Black Dragon was wiping out our party)."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #200 from megabestia1:any theme deck in neo 1
master_trainer_mike says, "Yup, Cold Fusion, and Hot Foot."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #201 from feralshade:It is said on the site and in here that Topdeck will soon be discontinued, yet I contacted a Service Rep. for the magazine, and they said it would continue indefinately
master_trainer_mike says, "Well that is not true. The policy of reimbursements might not have been in place yet. But it will be."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #202 from trovtwo:If you postmarked your B-day activity before Jan.6 will it still be acepted?
master_trainer_mike says, "Maybe, a separate company is doing the web promotion."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #203 from elf_girl:It was at the Braintree Mass South shore plaza. The guy dressed up as Imposter professor oak from Erikas challenge was trying to sell some to me at EB.
master_trainer_mike says, "Hmm, I was there too. Can you email us with these details?"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #204 from slowbro:What's the point in Lt. Surge, since Switch, a common card, makes it obsolete?
master_trainer_mike says, "??? Surge let's you put out a Basic from your hand into your active slot. Your opponent won'tsee it coming! Besides if you play any block formats, Switch might not be allowed."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #205 from thundrchld:will you never sing to us again? :P
master_trainer_mike says, "Only if te questions ever run dry :)"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #206 from feralshade:will the activity to earn birthday pikachu be limited to those ages 10 and under?
master_trainer_mike says, "No idea, it is up to the leagues themselves."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #207 from reubot:have u seen the shiny cards from neo3?
master_trainer_mike says, "Yup"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #208 from trovtwo:Will you ever release Imakuni? if you have the rights I mean ?
master_trainer_mike says, "doubtful"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #209 from pokemoncardkid500:What challenge (Gym Leader Challenge) do you like most from the Badge Book? Sorry I wasn't more specific on the last one.
master_trainer_mike says, "s'ok, I haven't seen them yet though, so I can't say."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #210 from pokemoncardkid500:Donut?
master_trainer_mike says, "thanks"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #211 from trovtwo:Will you make My name Chansey a promo for future seasons?
master_trainer_mike says, "I don;t think so"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #212 from deggdegg:The league I went to(Not my regular league) didn't have a stamper. They just used a pen and put X's in my book. Does my regular league with a stamper have to count these points?
master_trainer_mike says, "Hmm, every league should have a stamper, your regular league might have to contact the other one to verify"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #213 from lord_gothmog:Where would I send cards If I wanted the MT's to Autograph them? :P
master_trainer_mike says, "send them to Attention"Master Trainer Mike or Pat or Dark Master Trainer Mike (whichever you want) c/0 Wizards of the Coast PO Box 707 Renton, WA 98057"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #214 from feralshade:i know someone probably already asked but, when will neo 2 be released?
master_trainer_mike says, "spring"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #215 from lord_gothmog:Do any of the people in R&D have big afros? This is just a hunch I've had that a local Card Guru is actually Wizards staff in disguise.
master_trainer_mike says, "hmmm, nope"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #216 from toshin007:Mike what kind of Decks you using these days?
master_trainer_mike says, "I have 4 rocket on block decks I am testing. One fighting/steel, one Blaine Charizard fire, once Erika's Grass, and one Misty's water."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #217 from pokemoncardkid500:what were you supposed to do with the Space Weedle Project?
master_trainer_mike says, "Read the web site to see. Fans sent in their weedles and we made the Space Weedle from them ."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #218 from reubot:what is this about a imposter oak?
master_trainer_mike says, "not sure"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #220 from elf_girl:RE: 203, Sure, can I have the email address again?
master_trainer_mike says, "send any issues with leagues or any other questions to [email protected]"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #221 from slowbro:Why is Pichu so valuable? It's much more valuable even than Meganium and Ampharos, two of the best holos in the game!
master_trainer_mike says, "cuz he's so darn cute"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #222 from reubot:re: #204 could'nt surge be used like 8 switches?
master_trainer_mike says, "sure"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #223 from lord_gothmog:The Imposter Professor Oak guy on the STS tour was really cool, but I didn't see him at the STS in Jersey. Any way I can find out what happened to him?
master_trainer_mike says, "hmm, not surte, I'll ask around"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #224 from slowbro:Regarding #204: There's no point in preventing your opponent from seeing it coming, since he can't do anything between the time you put down a Pok�mon and the time you play Switch.
master_trainer_mike says, "But you could play 4 of them as well as 4 switch as someone else stated.,"
master_trainer_mike says, "Besides, how many cards let you draw more cards??? Duplication is the way of life with Pokemon."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #225 from scrye_fung:if the q's are out how about f we retire early today then? (I'm sure D&D playtesting is on your mind right now ::gin::
master_trainer_mike says, "Thanks but Dark Master Mike is DMing. It is a scary game......:)"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #226 from feralshade:there was a question on the certified coach test about legally playable cards that stated that ancient mew and proxies _weren't_ allowed but you guys have repeatedly said that they conditionally are
master_trainer_mike says, "Ancient Mew and proxies (fake cards used to represent a card) are NOT DCI sanctioned allowable. Ancient Mew can't be used because it does NOT have an english translated version available."
master_trainer_mike says, "You CAN use non-english versions of legal cards as long as you have an english version of the card handy for translation purposes. These are not proxies ."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #227 from chrisbo:Can you try and get a copy of the League badge book by next week? I have a question regarding one of the future challenges too.
master_trainer_mike says, "Sure :)"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #228 from trovtwo:Will we see a card promotion at the next Third movie trailer?
master_trainer_mike says, "dunno"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #229 from pokemoncardkid500:what kind of deck do you think I should use?
master_trainer_mike says, "That is entirely up to you. Whatever you work best with."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #230 from feralshade:when will the winners for the birthday pikachu contest be posted on the site, if at all?
master_trainer_mike says, "With the huge number of winners (I think 30,000???) I doubt there will be a list that big. Besides it takes 6-8 weeks to process as I've stated."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #231 from slowbro:Why are there rare cards like Brock's Zubat and Misty's Goldeen in Gym Heroes, but no similar rare cards in Gym Challenge?
master_trainer_mike says, "Those cards were hard to get in japan so they were made rares. Nothing similar was released in japan for Challenge."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #232 from reubot:what do u think the chances of anyone creating another 'haymaker' r?
master_trainer_mike says, "There are other archetypes that come up all the time. Evaporate, Sponge, Stall, Murkrow Mean, etc."
master_trainer_mike says, "Haymaker is just the easiet to put together and play."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #233 from pokemoncardkid500:Were there ever 11 Prerelease Base Raichus?
master_trainer_mike says, "lalalalala I can't hear you!!!"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #234 from lord_gothmog:Thanks Mike, you da man.
master_trainer_mike says, "No, YOU da man!!"
master_trainer_mike )

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #235 from pokesensei:I have a Brock`s Rhydon on the bench and it has a metal energy on it.One of the active pokemon does an attack that does 10 damage to each of the benched pokemon.Using Bench Guard,and the metal enrgy is attached,would the Net bench damage have been zero as the Metal Energy would have blocked each 10 damage unit?
master_trainer_mike says, "That would work, see??? A new combo!!!"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #236 from trovtwo:Are you just turning vending cards into promos?
master_trainer_mike says, "no specific plans, some vending cards have already come out in sets"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #237 from feralshade:why is the only set being currently printed, Neo Genesis? The shorter release durations are making it much harder to find boosters
master_trainer_mike says, "The Gym sets didn't sell as well. Seems everyone was jonesing for the new Pokemon."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #238 from pokesensei:Dark MT Mike is DM`ing?I`ll bet he likes to kill off your characters!:)
master_trainer_mike says, "Well he did sic the Black Dragon (and Dragons are TOUGH in 3rd edition) on us right away :)"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #239 from slowbro:What do you think of this combo? Play Ariados, Spider Web (to make your opponent stay put for the rest of this combo,) play Dodrio, retreat for Base Porygon and change weakness to grass, retreat for Dodrio and Poison Bite (remove 20 damage from Ariado
master_trainer_mike says, "That would work but needs a lot of cards to pull it off. Murkrow's Mean look is faster and tougher."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #240 from lord_gothmog:Re: 226: Shouldn't that have been said on the test then?
master_trainer_mike says, "The rule has always been that you can't use fakes and you can only use cards that have been released in english (or had a version rleased in english)."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #242 from trovtwo:Do you get anything for getting all the challenge stickers,promo mabey?
master_trainer_mike says, "Don't think so."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #243 from lord_gothmog:Re: 229: Shouldn't everybody play Weedle decks?
master_trainer_mike says, "Well we can't ALL be that cool :)"
master_trainer_mike says, "Koga's Deck do work pretty well too but I already mastered that one, I like to keep trying new things."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #244 from toshin007:Why did the TCG league go to a 5 week format instead of 6 for this year?
master_trainer_mike says, "I think most people got antsy waiting 6 weeks until the next season started."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #245 from oldman_405:In your opinion what are the best uncommon cards in genesis?
master_trainer_mike says, "Geez, well Elm is the most obvious."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #246 from feralshade:how do char counters work? Do they count as "effects from attacks"?
master_trainer_mike says, "That is when they are placed yes."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #247 from lord_gothmog:About LT Surge, if your deck needs 8 switch cards, you need a new deck, correct?
master_trainer_mike says, "Sure unless you use a lot of good high retreat basics."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #248 from pojoness:You have a Zubat. Your opponent has a promo Eevee with 20 damage on it. You evolve to Dark Golbat. Do you knock out Eevee first or does it get to evolve?
master_trainer_mike says, "I think the Eeevee would evolve first. Its power is triggered when you announce you are playing the Dark Golbat. It would evolve and then Dark Golbat would come into play."
master_trainer_mike says, "This is the same ruling for Muk with the promo evvee."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #249 from pojoness:You play computer error. Must you declare how many you are going to draw before drawing?
master_trainer_mike says, "Yes"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #254 from feralshade:what's your favorite baby pok�mon? I've seen unstopable clefa decks but elekid seems extremely effective? Also is Pichu minty fresh?
master_trainer_mike says, "Cleffa deifantely gets the most use, but they are all pretty bad :)"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #256 from pojoness:If you play a Gambler and have no hand, do you still shuffle your deck?
master_trainer_mike says, "Yup."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #257 from pojoness:If you evolve to Dark Dragonite and have a full bench, can you still search through your deck?
master_trainer_mike says, "Nope."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #261 from pojoness:What's the current ruling on Ditto copying a Mysterious Fossil and it being knocked out? Does it give up a prize?
master_trainer_mike says, "It does not."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #263 from pojoness:Ditto is opposite a Gengar, and uses Curse. It retreats, come back active. Can it curse again?
master_trainer_mike says, "Nope."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #270 from feralshade:does a rocket evolution("Dark") take damage when it has a Darkness Energy on it or is that a misprint on the energy card?
master_trainer_mike says, "It does not."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #273 from pokemoncardkid500:will there be sts in canada?
master_trainer_mike says, "dunno"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #259 from trovtwo:Why is that Pikachu so poular?
master_trainer_mike says, "he appears worldwide"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #260 from pokemoncardkid500:want the last donut?
master_trainer_mike says, "no thanks"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #262 from slowbro:Regarding 239: Murkrow's Mean Look ends when Murkrow retreats. It wouldn't work in this particular combo, especially since it needs poison (see 241.)
master_trainer_mike says, "true, but you could leave Murkrow up there and beat on his bench."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #264 from trovtwo:Do you get free cards?
master_trainer_mike says, "we do get samples so we can answer your questions, yes"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #266 from trovtwo:Will there be a victory neo road at the end?
master_trainer_mike says, "dunno"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #267 from lord_gothmog:What about that whole Croconaw Jaw Clamp Instant win thing? Is there anything valid about that? It does seem a little logical. And the rule books were Contradicting about when Pokemon are knocked out and when effects of attacks happen
master_trainer_mike says, "not necessarily. Jaw Clamp only damages the defending Pokemon. You woudle eventually Kncok it out and then hopefully your opponent has omsething on the Bench ready to take out Croconaw."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #265 from feralshade:is there anything in the works for a PCT with darkness or steel pok�mon? (i know they're not basic types but it would increase the versatility of gameplay)
master_trainer_mike says, "No."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #268 from lugia_2001:announcements, announcements, annoooooouuuncements!
master_trainer_mike says, "there aren't any this week :)"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #269 from elf_girl:There should be a trainer that lets you borrow cards from the hand of the person in a game next to you :P That would have come in handy in lots of the games I have played :P
master_trainer_mike says, "hmmm"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #274 from trovtwo:Why do you change artwork that dosn't need changing ie.Promo Mewtwo forom np,Typhlosion etc.
master_trainer_mike says, "dunno"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #275 from feralshade:will mew ever be released in a set? I understand the fossil omission but it's gotta fit _somewhere_
master_trainer_mike says, "no plans that I know of yet"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #277 from thundrchld:if a ditto is active against a scytehr can it use swords dance and if scyther retreats and you send it up again can it do 60 with slash?
master_trainer_mike says, "yes"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #278 from elf_girl:Do you know master trainer Michelle?
master_trainer_mike says, "hmmm, don;t think so"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #250 from elf_girl:is there any theme deck that contains wigglytuff?
master_trainer_mike says, "I don;t think so"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #272 from trovtwo:If All of EEvee's evolutions end with Eon then why didn't they call him Eon?
master_trainer_mike says, "??? you;d have to ask creatures"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #279 from lord_gothmog:Why is Poliwhirl on everything? Is he that popular?
master_trainer_mike says, "he's filled with whirly-goodness???"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #282 from trovtwo:Will you ever realease the other gym promos ie.Mistys Staryu Erikas Dratini?
master_trainer_mike says, "doubtful"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #286 from feralshade:In the league, can you work toward a medal and a Challenge at the same time?
master_trainer_mike says, "I thought they were separate but I will aks and find out."
master_trainer_mike says, "Ok gang, time to go."
master_trainer_mike says, "Doing this by myself gets tiring...:)"
master_trainer_mike says, "Glad you could all make it."