Resources for Players

Team Compendium recommends these resources for players.

Player’s Essential Rules Resources

Pokémon TCG Rulebook

Many fundamental principles, from which other rulings are derived are only found in the rulebook. Physical copies of the rulebook used to be included in theme decks, but lately are only available in special products like Ultra-Premium Collection boxes. The version on Pokemon.com is always accessible and up-to-date, though!

Rulings Compendium

This is your reference to the comprehensive set of OFFICIAL rulings for the TCG. You definitely want to know what your cards do… and what your opponent’s cards can and can’t do. If you use cards are have been errata’d, it might be good to print the Errata section, just so there is no dispute if a less informed opponent or judge questions your play. Without the errata, you will always lose the argument to the card text.

Play! Pokémon Penalty Guidelines

Players should review the Penalty Guidelines document in the Rules and Resources section to find out what kinds of game and other actions merit a penalty and the related starting penalties for those actions. When referencing this document with a Judge, please keep in mind, these are Guidelines and judges can increase or decrease a penalty for good reason. Be respectful, but know where you stand.

The Penalty Guidelines are currently part of the Tournament Rules Handbook.

Player’s Rulings Toolkit

Ask the Rules Team

Can’t find it in the Compendium? Something came up at the last event and your want to cross-check your card or gameplay ruling? Ask the Rules Team forum is the place to get a speedy answer from the guys who work with Play! Pokemon week in and week out to publish the rules. Please make sure to check the Compendium before asking!

Rules and Resources

Whatever isn’t on the Compendium will be on the Play! Pokémon Rules and Resources page. Players may want to review the documents in this area to be fully informed about how tournaments should work.

Tournament Essentials Checklist

Deck

This may seem like a no-brainer, but we’ve heard too many stories over the years about people who left home for the big event and left their deck behind. Got Deck?

Damage Counters

You can’t play without these, and if you do, you’ll be penalized for failing to keep track of game state. Damage counters can be anything you want, as long as they’re easily understandable by both players and judges. Don’t have fancy glass beads or dice? Make a 500 damage set from two quarters by getting 25 pennies and 5 nickels at the market or game store.

Special Markers

If your deck uses Burn/Poison special conditions, or you have GX cards in your deck, you MUST have these markers. Again, there is a penalty for failing to keep track of game state if you have these conditions and don’t mark them. These markers have to be different than each other and different from your damage markers. Every player should keep these with their deck. Official markers are available in theme decks and Elite Trainer Boxes, but you can make your own as long as the purpose is clear.

Tournament Toolkit Checklist

Tournament Bag

You need a place to keep your deck and markers and other play items together. You might also be happy to have some bottled water and snacks. Keep your things together in your bag and keep your bag in sight or under your control during the event. The smallest possible bag is best, but if you end up with a large one, keep it on the floor at your feet and out of the aisle. Over the years, we’ve seen too many unwatched bags go missing.

Spare Sleeves

Many players use plastic card sleeves. Sleeves tear and get marked. Marked sleeves may bring a penalty. Either carry a fresh set, or a few extras of the same style and condition. Brand new sleeves of the same style mixed into a well-worn set will be just as “marked” as torn or dented sleeves. Make sure any sleeves are non-reflective and are plain or have official Pokémon designs with a solid color at the four edges. All other sleeves are not legal for tournament use.

Card References

If you play older cards that are reprinted in newer sets, you may need a reference card outside your deck if the wording has change. Check out the Standard and Expanded Formats Legal Cards Lists at the PokeGym to determine what cards from older sets are legal and which need reference cards. These lists are updated regularly, but occasionally might be missing the latest cards.