Pokemon Chat Report - Thursday, December 19, 2002
by Team Compendium (with special thanks to Magmar2000 & Lance313)

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master_trainer_mike says, "(magic hat flies onto his head)"
master_trainer_mike says, "Happy Birthday!"
master_trainer_mike says, ""
master_trainer_mike says, "Welcome to the last Pokemon Chat of 2002!"
master_trainer_mike says, "Poor Pat is busy in cust serv so you may just be stuck with only me this time."
master_trainer_mike laughs hysterically.
master_trainer_mike says, "Ahh, I see questions starting to cue up so let's jump in ok?"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #183 from marril2000:hey mike, need to ask it again! what do you and the other MTs over there want for the hoildays?
master_trainer_mike says, "Errr, persistant aren't you...."
master_trainer_mike says, "Hmmm, I just look forward tp spending time with friends and family. The rest is just gravy."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #184 from lepi1962:Is Rocket Sneasle "best" #5 fake or real WOTC card?
master_trainer_mike says, "Why that would be January's card!"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #185 from daytongl:If we report BZ tournaments electronically, do we still have to fax in the post tournament report that was mailed to the TO?
master_trainer_mike says, "No you do not."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #186 from bodragon:Is there another wave of expansion sets coming up for release in Japan featuring the new 135 additional Pok�mon (#252 - #386)?
master_trainer_mike says, "Hopefully."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #187 from skywolf9653:Not a question, but a BIG Thank-you to MTM and everyone else for the Delagate Kit, the shirt is FIRST CLASS!! Thanks a million WotC! :)
master_trainer_mike says, "Glad you got them. The rest of the kits went out the last 2 days so some of you may get yours soon."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #188 from enik_the_sleestak:have you seen the two towers movie, and if so is it better than the 1st LotR movie as some people say?
master_trainer_mike says, "Saw it yesterday. I enjoyed it a lot. I don;t want to ruin it for anyone else but I wil say the Balrog fight was cool!"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #190 from yoshi1001:I got my delegate kit today. Thank you. My battle for battlezone starts tomorrow...
master_trainer_mike says, "Excellent!"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #191 from bulletpokemonmaster:how long is Battlezone to go on this season? all year or part of the year?
master_trainer_mike says, "We are making the kits a few months at a time."
master_trainer_mike says, "The plan is for this to be the future."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #192 from lizardotc:Can you recommend any product alternatives to LC for use in individual or TMP Sealed play?
master_trainer_mike says, "Nothing really works as well."
master_trainer_mike says, "You could use a theme deck and 2 boosters. Just make sue the boosters have evolutions that match up with your theme decks."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #189 from marril2000:so mike, have you or any of the other MT's seen the new Pokemon ADV card layouts on pokemon-card.com? what do you think of them?
master_trainer_mike says, "Looking at them right now. They look interesting."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #193 from jackiej:why did the Expedition theme decks come with 3 rares?
master_trainer_mike says, "The rare cards tend to be some of the better cards. I try to build good decks."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #195 from bulletpokemonmaster:is Wizards gonna renew the Pokemon License upcomming to continue production on pokemon Cards?
master_trainer_mike says, "Now we get into the area where I can only say no comment."
master_trainer_mike says, "I will say though, that we want to continue with Pokemon as long as we can."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #196 from lepi1962:What happened with"best" #2, #3, and #4?
master_trainer_mike says, "Just like some of the cards in the Black Star series came out of order (remember that far back?), the same thing came with the new set."
master_trainer_mike says, "You will see the other cards soon."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #197 from skywolf9653:Besides the Major chains that you had mentioned in the Delegate Package MTM, are there any other stores, that we should stay away from?
master_trainer_mike says, "I wouldn't push for BattleZone at Liquor stores or Adult stores :)"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #198 from bigdaddysnorlax:Are there stores the Pokemon Delegates (Professors) should not be contacting? Seem like I saw a list once.
master_trainer_mike says, "It is listed on the Delegate paperwork. We already have talked with Books-a Million, Hastrings, WOTC, Gamekeeper, and Target stores."
master_trainer_mike says, "So please do not visit them. Otherwise any location that sells cards is good."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #199 from marril2000:why not ask... any news on the new challenge series? nope? aw... :P
master_trainer_mike says, "When we know, you will know."
master_trainer_mike says, "Don't I say that every week?"
master_trainer_mike smirks.

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #200 from neo_fox:Whats the ETA on the Delegate kits shipping before you guys leave for the holidays? Me and some other Professors have yet to get them...
master_trainer_mike says, "Some shipped out last Friday, the rest went out on Monday and Tuesday of this week."
master_trainer_mike says, "I have a few to send out tomorrow before we leave as well."
master_trainer_mike says, "If I have not received your delegate application by today, then your kit will not be sent out until after the New Year."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #201 from daytongl:What is the cutoff to apply for Delegate Status?
master_trainer_mike says, "I must have received your application by Jan 20th, 2003."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #202 from neo_fox:I liked the battle of Helms Deep myself :)
master_trainer_mike says, "Well YEAH!"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #203 from wizo_pokemom:thanks again for the prof shirts...they are really, really nice! is it just a coincidence that they are Seahawk/Mariners blue? ;-)
master_trainer_mike says, "Not really. I would never want to tie our colors with a losing team....."
master_trainer_mike says, "Now Patriot Blue, maybe :)"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #204 from lepi1962:Any update on Aqpls release date?
master_trainer_mike says, "Nope should still be in late Jan, early Feb."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #205 from jackiej:is Blastoise going to be reprinted as a promo?
master_trainer_mike says, "No plans at this time (taht is on the no-no list from Japan)."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #206 from skywolf9653:MTM, will there be a new Promo for Battlezone every month, or how does that work exactly.
master_trainer_mike says, "Some months it will be a new card, some months it will be a rereleased card (such as the Electabuzz was)."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #207 from lepi1962:How many previously unreleased sets of cards do you plan for 2003? 2002 had only 2. Will 2003 have more?
master_trainer_mike says, "Wait and see."
master_trainer_mike says, "What do you mean 2?"
master_trainer_mike says, "Most of the cards form Leaguye Year 3 had never been released in English."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #208 from bulletpokemonmaster:Any Idea if the Crystal Pokemon like Lugia will be in Aquapolis and do you know the set after Sky Ridge?
master_trainer_mike says, "Sorry guys, not for me to leak stuff anymore."
master_trainer_mike says, "Watch for articles from DMTM on the web soon though."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #209 from lizardotc:Re: #192 For TMP sealed, could I use 2 Theme decks and 4 boosters for each Team?
master_trainer_mike says, "Sure, that would work."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #210 from skywolf9653:MTM, will the Acquopolis Boosters come with 9 or 11 cards?
master_trainer_mike says, "All of the card-e expansions will have 9 cards in the boosters."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #211 from bluetoise:there's no premiere events in Asia (according to the report) Why don't make Asia country host those events?The game will die in Asia! Malaysia would be a good hosting place.
master_trainer_mike says, "That is up to the local offices and distributors to do so. I would contact them and let them know what you think."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #212 from neo_fox:What happened with DMTM... he left early for the Holiday?
master_trainer_mike says, "He is running around actually working for once :)"
master_trainer_mike smirks.

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #213 from kingkyle3:Will you be able to get 3 rares in a booster pack like Expedition in Aqualpis? :)
master_trainer_mike says, "Haven't seen the actual packs yet, but I think the breakdown will be the same."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #214 from bodragon:Re: Questions #186 and 189: The ADV Pok�mon are the next expansion sets for the 135 additional Pok�mon, correct?
master_trainer_mike says, "They are the newest sets coming out of Japan, yes."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #215 from enik_the_sleestak:what's a rocket's sneasel?
master_trainer_mike says, "Go to BattleZone in January to find out!"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #216 from jackiej:where's dmtm? and any suggestions on how to make your "Thread the Weedle" deck playable in the current modified?
master_trainer_mike says, "Hmmm, that is a good idea for an article. I'll try to write it over break."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #217 from gengarhunter:Quick Rulings Question: If a confused active has no retreat cost, does it automatically retreat or are there a set number of times it can attempt?
master_trainer_mike says, "You attempt to retreat it, if it fails, it cannot attempt to retreat again that turn."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #218 from jpdevilliers80:What is the closing date for delegate kits?
master_trainer_mike says, "I must receive all Delegate applications by Jan 20, 2003. I would like most of the forms from stores visited postmarked by Jan 31st. I will make exceptions if need be though."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #219 from marril2000:the Pokemon Rewards Program? still a possible chance? if so, what are some possible sketched out ideas on how it is being planned to work (but we know it may not be exactly like that)... sketeched out prize ideas?
master_trainer_mike says, "Sorry but until I know if it is happening, I can't comment on it."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #220 from bulletpokemonmaster:will Promo Stars come back? and will promos only be available at Battle Zone or will their be promos in other promotions like magazines and the Pokemon Center?
master_trainer_mike says, "Other promo cards will still appear in promotions. OP cards will all be part of the new Best series though."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #221 from neo_fox:When should stores call to signup for BattleZone to get the kits for January in time?
master_trainer_mike says, "Kits for January are shipping out right now. Of course, stores can still order them until around the 20th of January or so."
master_trainer_mike says, "I will talk with sales to find out specifically though."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #222 from marril2000:hmm... Neo Genesis Sneasel would make a really nice reprint with a 'Best' stamp on it, dont you agree ;)
master_trainer_mike says, "Nope, I do not."
master_trainer_mike grins evilly.

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #223 from lepi1962:In 2002 there were only Neo 4 and E-1 new sets. LC wasn't new.
master_trainer_mike says, "Correct."
master_trainer_mike says, "You do know that we don't own Pokemon right? That everything we do with it goes through a process right?"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #224 from marril2000:any plans to update that 3 masters page (the one along with the space weedle and pika tower)?
master_trainer_mike says, "Geez, maybe when Iget some time......."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #225 from gengarhunter:Are the future card sets like Aquapolis still going to be E-cards or was that a one-time shot?
master_trainer_mike says, "Aquqapolis and Skyridge are both card-e sets."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #226 from wizo_pokemom:Just to be sure: there's no chat on 12/26, but there IS one on 1/2/2003?
master_trainer_mike says, "Correct!"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #227 from soslowpoke:so is Slowking now on the "Japanese No-no List"
master_trainer_mike says, "They have wanted us to pull that card for some time."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #228 from soslowpoke:which energy happens to be the classic promo for battlezone in January?
master_trainer_mike says, "Ahhh, wait and see."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #229 from jackiej:do you know any combos with the Legendary Collection Nidoking?
master_trainer_mike says, "He works great in sealed play!"
master_trainer_mike says, "Same for Team Sealed play."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #230 from matthewssandslash:I'm late, what happened? Did you ban any other cards? =P
master_trainer_mike says, "I was thinking of banning Fire energy. What do you think?"
master_trainer_mike smirks.

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #231 from lizardotc:By what date do you need the BZ reports sent for the current season?
master_trainer_mike says, "By the end of the month if possible."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #232 from skywolf9653:Any news on exactly WHAT is going to be in Acquopolis as of yet?
master_trainer_mike says, "DMTM will be writing some sneak preview articles about that coming up soon. Watch the web site for more details."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #233 from bulletpokemonmaster:Do you know of any upcomming Pokemon or Pokemon Card Promotions?
master_trainer_mike says, "Yes I do."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #234 from skywolf9653:Any new RULINGS that we need to know about?
master_trainer_mike says, "Nothing has changed since last we chatted."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #235 from jackiej:is there a chance of a card like hitmonchan being reprinted?
master_trainer_mike says, "You will have to wait and see what cards we bring back :)"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #236 from i_luv_my_oddish:With the new energy ruling, will Light Dragonite's Pokemon Power effect basic energy cards that are converted by Porygon2 to another type, since this makes them "special energy cards"?
master_trainer_mike says, "I'm not sure why this is so hard for people to figure out."
master_trainer_mike says, "Porygon 2 just changes what type of energy a card provides. Period."
master_trainer_mike says, "It does NOT change whether it is a BASIC or SPECIAL energy card."
master_trainer_mike says, "It does not change a Basic Grass Energy card into a Basic Fire Energy card."
master_trainer_mike says, "It WOULD make a Basic Grass Energy card provide Fire energy which would make that card count as a fire energy card."
master_trainer_mike says, "NOT a BASIC fire energy card though."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #237 from bulletpokemonmaster::( could you tell us the promotions?
master_trainer_mike says, "Nope."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #238 from jackiej:any new info on Super Battlezone?
master_trainer_mike says, "Will try and get some up soon. Looks like it will be held at 50 locations around North America on Feb 1st though."
master_trainer_mike says, "Chance to win product, TROPHIES, and so on."
master_trainer_mike says, "Details are still being finalized. It swill happen but the date may slip so once I know for sure, it will get posted."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #239 from soslowpoke:well sneasel's #5...do you have promos 2-4 or anything beyond 5 planned yet?
master_trainer_mike says, "Yup."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #240 from soslowpoke:will there be a promo card inside Pokemon 4Ever on DVD?
master_trainer_mike says, "maybe"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #241 from indigomaster33:have locations for Super battlezone been decied?
master_trainer_mike says, "Still being worked on."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #242 from indigomaster33:is it still possible for events to become super battlezones? such as if there was a major tourny held in an area?
master_trainer_mike says, "Nope, we will be working with existing TO's for Super BattleZone."
master_trainer_mike says, "Premiere events are only held through people that have experience and that we are sure can run a quality event."
master_trainer_mike says, "If this is something you'd like to work towards, then run lots of events, gain experience and stay in contact with us through the TO pages."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #243 from soslowpoke:How many seasons or "months" of battlezone do you plan to do for 2003?
master_trainer_mike says, "It is a monthly program. How many months are there in a year???"
master_trainer_mike smiles.

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #244 from jackiej:i heard that on the Neo Revelation Riachu that even Rainbow energy can be discarded to make the attack bigger. did i just read it wrong?
master_trainer_mike says, "Yes you can do that. Why?"
master_trainer_mike says, "Because the attack says for all discarded lightning energy cards. Any card that provide lightning energy counts as a lightning energy card."
master_trainer_mike says, "Rainbow does, so it would count."
master_trainer_mike says, "Now, if it said for each BASIC lightning energy card, it would NOT count as it is a special energy card."
master_trainer_mike says, "AND if you had a basic fire energy card attached that was providing lightning energy (doe to Dark Porygon2) then THAT would NOT count either."
master_trainer_mike says, "However, it does NOT say BASIC, so either of these would add damage if discarded."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #245 from kingkyle3:What do you think of 2 vs. 2 battle in ADV? Any idea of how it might effect the game when ADV is released here?
master_trainer_mike says, "Haven't seen the game. Sounds an awful lot like Team Multiplay which we have been doing since May."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #246 from indigomaster33:will all the super battlezones be held on the same day? or will they be somewhat spread out?
master_trainer_mike says, "Planned on being held on 1 day."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #247 from soslowpoke:well...do you plan on doing battlezone for the whole year or stopping in october?
master_trainer_mike says, "Plan on shooting for the whole year."
master_trainer_mike says, "Any other questions my friends?"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #248 from jackiej:have a Merry Christmas!
master_trainer_mike says, "You too!"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #249 from i_luv_my_oddish:A Rocket's Zapdos has 4 Lightning Energy Cards attached to it. Porygon2 converts one of them to Fire type. Since it's still a Basic Lightning Energy Card, Rocket's Zapdos takes 40 from Electroburn, right?
master_trainer_mike says, "Nope 30. The card says for each lightning energy card NOT BASIC lightning energy card."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #250 from lizardotc:Have a great holiday!!!

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #253 from enik_the_sleestak:Happy Holidays !!!

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #254 from kingkyle3:And a happy new year ;)
master_trainer_mike says, "Same to you all gang!"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #251 from daytongl:About Super BZ, will it bne run thru Premier TOs or regular Leagues?
master_trainer_mike says, "Premiere TOs initially but we may need some additional help."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #252 from purity1:will super battlezone be run again, later in the year?
master_trainer_mike says, "Possibly."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #255 from the_mystery_thing:does the effect on misty's duel count as a cost or as a requirement of fufilling it (or whatever that is). so does a player with a slowking on the opponent's bench play misty's duel, and then play r-p-s to see who would have to shuffle and draw 5, and then the person with the king choose if they want to flip to try and negate the effect? or does the king flip occur prior to the playing of r-p-s?
master_trainer_mike says, "It is an effect of actually playing the card. You would flip before even going into RPS."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #256 from soslowpoke:ummm any idea on when the challenge series may start up?
master_trainer_mike says, "When we know for sure, you will know."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #257 from michel1be:When will Porygon2 be banned ? :-)
master_trainer_mike says, "Since I doubt many people actually use it (just like to argue rules about it), probably never."
master_trainer_mike smiles.

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #258 from i_luv_my_oddish:Isn't a Basic Lightning Energy card a Lightning Energy Card?
master_trainer_mike says, "The only time you care what type of BASIC energy card the card ACTUALLY is is with the Rainbow Burn Ho-oh."
master_trainer_mike says, "Otherwise, the type of energy the card is providing determines what type of energy card it is."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #259 from bluetoise:The BZ (some) are just running Unlimited.So,have we to take action to push?
master_trainer_mike says, "I can't force locations to run a particulat type. Your best bet is to let them know what you would like."
master_trainer_mike says, "I recommended Unlimited for December and recommended Modified for January. It is ultimately up to the BattleZone leader to decide though."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #260 from jackiej:so, there will be chat on 1/2/03?
master_trainer_mike says, "Sure! We'll be back :)"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #261 from soslowpoke:so umm what are your plans for winter break?
master_trainer_mike says, "Flying back to Vermont this weekend to see family and friends. Hope you all enjoy time with your as well."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #262 from bluetoise:Re:#259.I mean,push them(or players) run modified.
master_trainer_mike says, "Like I said, let your desires be known."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #263 from neo_fox:I wrote an Article that explains how Energy Cards work and how they should be used in cases like Porygon2 coverting them.... http://www.pokemonlabs.com/tcg/energy_cards.html... this should help a lot!
master_trainer_mike says, "Ok. Take a look gang :)"
master_trainer_mike says, "One last call for questions! Anyone? Anyone?"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #264 from marril2000:whats for dinner?
master_trainer_mike says, "Ok, that is not the type fo question I mean :)"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #265 from lizardotc:SO, Aquapolis may not hit shelves until February?
master_trainer_mike says, "We will wait and see, I hear later Jan, early Feb."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #266 from jpdevilliers80:Will Skyridge be Ecard 4&5 together or just 4?
master_trainer_mike says, "Wait and see :)"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #267 from i_luv_my_oddish:Are these accurate: 1) Basic Grass Energy Card is the name of a card, and cannot be changed. 2) Grass Energy Card is a card that provides Grass energy, even if it's some other type that was converted to grass.
master_trainer_mike says, "Correct."
master_trainer_mike says, "So far only the Ho-Oh cares about different BASIC energy cards."
master_trainer_mike says, "This is why a Rainbow energy counts as a Special Energy card even though it also counts as all energy types."
master_trainer_mike says, "Or if you used Dark Porygon2 on a Full Heal Energy and made it provide fire."
master_trainer_mike says, "It would still count as a Special Full Heal Energy card and would also count as a fire energy card."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #268 from soslowpoke:any discription on the packaging art for aquapolis?
master_trainer_mike says, "Haven't seen much of it myself."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #269 from marril2000:so after reviewing the new card layout images on Pokemon-card.com, mike, what do you personally think of them and why? so far, what has been your favoret card layout and why?
master_trainer_mike says, "Dude, I only just saw them."
master_trainer_mike says, "That is too far in the future for me to comment on, sorry."
master_trainer_mike says, "Ok gang, that seems to be it."
master_trainer_mike says, "Thank you all for coming and for all the fun we had in 2002!"
master_trainer_mike says, "Hope it was fun for you as well!"
master_trainer_mike says, "Have a safe and happy holiday season!"
master_trainer_mike says, "Hope to see and meet many more of you in 2003!"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #275 from i_luv_my_oddish:Hold up MTM, it's Porygon2, not Dark Porygon2. Also, Energy Converter doesn't work on Special energy cards.

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #274 from chrisbo:Sorry I'm late. Re Q267, Item 2 : I don't think a Basic Grass Energy card still provides Grass Energy if it's been furned to Fire, does it?
master_trainer_mike says, "Ok, so sue me, I didn't have the databse open (makes my computer crash). You are correct, but you could Energy Burn Special cards and it still makes the point valid."
master_trainer_mike says, "Right Chrisbo, a basic grass energy card that Porygon2 changes to provide fire no longer provides grass energy."
master_trainer_mike says, "Ok, now I relaly have to go."
master_trainer_mike says, "Happy holidays all!"