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Play! Pokémon – Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines
Play! Pokémon – Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines
Date of last revision: July 26, 2017
Date of last revision: November 2, 2017
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Pokémon Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines
Pokémon Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines
Date of last revision: July 26, 2017
Date of last revision: November 2, 2017
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1. Team Construction ................................................................................................................................ 3
1. Team Construction ................................................................................................................................ 3
1.1. Battle Team Setup ................................................................................................................................ 3
1.1. Battle Team Setup ................................................................................................................................ 3
1.2. Nicknames ............................................................................................................................................. 3
1.2. Nicknames ............................................................................................................................................. 3
1.3. Items ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.3. Items ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.4. Pokémon ............................................................................................................................................... 3
1.4. Pokémon ............................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Equipment Rules ................................................................................................................................... 4
2. Equipment Rules ................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1. Game Cards ........................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1. Game Cards ........................................................................................................................................... 4
2.2. Game Systems....................................................................................................................................... 4
2.2. Game Systems....................................................................................................................................... 4
2.3. Game Patches, Updates, and Firmware ............................................................................................... 4
2.3. Game Patches, Updates, and Firmware ............................................................................................... 4
2.4. Headphone Use .................................................................................................................................... 4
2.4. Headphone Use .................................................................................................................................... 5
2.5. Notes ..................................................................................................................................................... 5
2.5. Notes ..................................................................................................................................................... 5
2.6. Objects in Play Area .............................................................................................................................. 5
2.6. Objects in Play Area .............................................................................................................................. 5
3. Match Play ............................................................................................................................................ 5
3. Match Play ............................................................................................................................................ 6
3.1. Double Battle Format ........................................................................................................................... 5
3.1. Double Battle Format ........................................................................................................................... 6
3.2. Events Tethered by Local Distribution .................................................................................................. 5
3.2. Events Tethered by Local Distribution .................................................................................................. 6
3.2.1. Game Time Limits .............................................................................................................. 5
3.2.1. Game Time Limits .............................................................................................................. 6
3.2.2. Match Time Limits .............................................................................................................. 5
3.2.2. Match Time Limits .............................................................................................................. 6
3.2.2.1 Definition of a Full Turn ...................................................................................................... 6
3.2.2.1 Definition of a Full Turn ...................................................................................................... 6
3.3. Events Tethered by QR Code ................................................................................................................ 6
3.3. Events Tethered by QR Code ................................................................................................................ 7
3.3.1. QR Code Time Limits .......................................................................................................... 6
3.3.1. QR Code Time Limits .......................................................................................................... 7
3.4. Match Resolution .................................................................................................................................. 6
3.4. Match Resolution .................................................................................................................................. 7
3.4.1. Resolving Time Outs ........................................................................................................... 6
3.4.1. Resolving Time Outs ........................................................................................................... 7
Play! Pokémon – Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines
Play! Pokémon – Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines
Date of last revision: July 26, 2017
Date of last revision: November 2, 2017
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3.4.2. Resolving Best-of-Three Matches in Swiss Rounds ............................................................ 7
3.4.2. Resolving Best-of-Three Matches in Swiss Rounds ............................................................ 8
3.4.3. Resolving Best-of-Three Matches in Single Elimination Rounds ....................................... 8
3.4.3. Resolving Best-of-Three Matches in Single Elimination Rounds ....................................... 8
3.4.4. Sudden Death ..................................................................................................................... 8
3.4.4. Sudden Death ..................................................................................................................... 9
3.4.5. Double Game Freeze ........................................................................................................... 9
3.4.5. Double Game Freeze ......................................................................................................... 10
4. Illegal Pokémon ..................................................................................................................................... 9
4. Illegal Pokémon ................................................................................................................................... 10
4.1. Illegally Manipulated Pokémon ............................................................................................................ 9
4.1. Illegally Manipulated Pokémon .......................................................................................................... 10
4.2. Electronic Hack Checking ...................................................................................................................... 9
4.2. Electronic Hack Checking .................................................................................................................... 10
4.3. Manual Hack Checking .......................................................................................................................... 9
4.3. Manual Hack Checking ........................................................................................................................ 10
4.4. Reporting Suspected Hacks ................................................................................................................ 10
4.4. Reporting Suspected Hacks ................................................................................................................ 11
5. Pokémon Video Game Penalty Guidelines ......................................................................................... 10
5. Pokémon Video Game Penalty Guidelines ......................................................................................... 11
5.1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 10
5.1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 11
5.2. Assigning Penalties ............................................................................................................................. 10
5.2. Assigning Penalties ............................................................................................................................. 11
5.2.1. Deviating from Recommended Penalties ......................................................................... 10
5.2.1. Deviating from Recommended Penalties ......................................................................... 11
5.2.2. Reporting Penalties to Pokémon Organized Play ............................................................. 11
5.2.2. Reporting Penalties to Pokémon Organized Play ............................................................. 12
5.3. Types of Penalties in the Pokémon Video Game ................................................................................ 11
5.3. Types of Penalties in the Pokémon Video Game ................................................................................ 12
5.3.1. Caution ............................................................................................................................. 11
5.3.1. Caution ............................................................................................................................. 12
5.3.2. Warning............................................................................................................................. 11
5.3.2. Warning............................................................................................................................. 12
5.3.3. Game Loss ......................................................................................................................... 12
5.3.3. Game Loss ......................................................................................................................... 13
5.3.4. Disqualification ................................................................................................................. 12
5.3.4. Disqualification ................................................................................................................. 13
5.4. Types of Infractions ............................................................................................................................ 12
5.4. Types of Infractions ............................................................................................................................ 13
5.4.1. Gameplay Error ................................................................................................................. 13
5.4.1. Gameplay Error ................................................................................................................. 14
5.4.2. Team Error ........................................................................................................................ 13
5.4.2. Team Error ........................................................................................................................ 14
5.4.3. Procedural Error ................................................................................................................ 14
5.4.3. Procedural Error ................................................................................................................ 15
5.4.4. Unsporting Conduct .......................................................................................................... 16
5.4.4. Unsporting Conduct .......................................................................................................... 17
Appendix A Manual Hack Checking ..................................................................................................... 17
Appendix A Manual Hack Checking ..................................................................................................... 18
Section 1 ...................................................................................................................................................... 17
Section 1 ...................................................................................................................................................... 18
Section 2 ...................................................................................................................................................... 18
Section 2 ...................................................................................................................................................... 19
Appendix B Document Updates ........................................................................................................ 19
Appendix B Document Updates ........................................................................................................ 20
Play! Pokémon – Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines
Play! Pokémon – Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines
Date of last revision: July 26, 2017
Date of last revision: November 2, 2017
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NOTE: In the case of a discrepancy between the content of the English language version of this document and that of any other version of this document, the English language version shall take priority.
1. Team Construction
1. Team Construction
Players are responsible for ensuring that their team adheres to any restrictions set forth by the tournament format and this document. The rules and restrictions that follow are considered the “Standard format.”
Players are responsible for ensuring that their team adheres to any restrictions set forth by the tournament format and this document. The rules and restrictions that follow are considered the “Standard format.”
1.1. Battle Team Setup
1.1. Battle Team Setup
• A player must designate a Battle Team and keep the Battle Team unchanged from the beginning to the end of the event. Note: Event staff may alter a Battle Team to apply a penalty earned by the player.
• A player must designate a Battle Team and keep the Battle Team unchanged from the beginning to the end of the event. Note: Event staff may alter a Battle Team to apply a penalty earned by the player.
• Teams must have between four and six Pokémon depending on the event format (please see Events Tethered by Local Distribution and Events Tethered by QR Code below).
• Teams must have between four and six Pokémon depending on the event format (please see Events Tethered by Local Distribution and Events Tethered by QR Code below).
1.2. Nicknames
1.2. Nicknames
• A player’s team cannot contain two Pokémon with the same nickname.
• A player’s team cannot contain two Pokémon with the same nickname.
• A player’s team cannot contain a Pokémon nicknamed with the name of another Pokémon (for example, an Unfezant named “Pidove”).
• A player’s team cannot contain a Pokémon nicknamed with the name of another Pokémon (for example, an Unfezant named “Pidove”).
• Players must avoid the use of potentially inappropriate, obscene, or otherwise offensive words or phrases when naming their Trainer or their Pokémon.
• Players must avoid the use of potentially inappropriate, obscene, or otherwise offensive words or phrases when naming their Trainer or their Pokémon.
• Any player found to be in breach of the above rules during an event may be subject to penalties up to, and including, Disqualification.
• Any player found to be in breach of the above rules during an event may be subject to penalties up to, and including, Disqualification.
1.3. Items
1.3. Items
• Each Pokémon may hold an item, though no two Pokémon may hold the same item.
• Each Pokémon may hold an item, though no two Pokémon may hold the same item.
• Players may only use items that can be obtained through regular gameplay (including the Pokémon Global Link and related functions of games released by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo) or that have been awarded as part of a distribution or special event.
• Players may only use items that can be obtained through regular gameplay (including the Pokémon Global Link and related functions of games released by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo) or that have been awarded as part of a distribution or special event.
• Pokémon may not hold a Mega Stone.
• Pokémon may not hold a Mega Stone.
1.4. Pokémon
1.4. Pokémon
• A player’s team cannot contain two Pokémon with the same Alola Pokédex number.
• A player’s team cannot contain two Pokémon with the same Alola Pokédex number.
• Pokémon may only use moves that have been learned through normal gameplay or from an official Pokémon event or promotion.
• Pokémon may only use moves that have been learned through normal gameplay or from an official Pokémon event or promotion obtainable through a copy of Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon. Players may not use moves that are exclusively obtained through use of a copy of Pokémon Ultra Sun or Pokémon Ultra Moon.
• Pokémon may have Hidden Abilities.
• Pokémon may have Hidden Abilities.
• Pokémon may use Z-Moves.
• Pokémon may use Z-Moves.
• Pokémon must have the black clover on their summary screen, shown below:
• Pokémon must have the black clover on their summary screen, shown below:
• Pokémon above and below Lv. 50 are permitted, but will be auto-leveled to Lv. 50 during battle.
• Pokémon above and below Lv. 50 are permitted, but will be auto-leveled to Lv. 50 during battle.
• Players may use Pokémon from the Alola Pokédex with the following Pokédex numbers, provided they are caught or hatched in the game, or received at an official event or distribution:
• Players may use Pokémon from the Alola Pokédex with the following Pokédex numbers, provided they are caught or hatched in the game, or received at an official event or distribution:
o #001–204
o #001–204
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Date of last revision: November 2, 2017
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o #206–288
o #206–288
o #293–299
o #293–299
• Where Pokémon have a regional variant, only the Alola form may be used.
• Where Pokémon have a regional variant, only the Alola form may be used.
Play! Pokémon – Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines
Date of last revision: July 26, 2017
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2. Equipment Rules
2. Equipment Rules
2.1. Game Cards
2.1. Game Cards
• Only legitimate versions of Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon can be used in Play! Pokémon tournaments. This includes game cards and downloadable versions of Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon.
• Only legitimate versions of Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon can be used in Play! Pokémon tournaments. This includes game cards and downloadable versions of Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon.
• Players are responsible for ensuring that their game card or downloadable game is fully functional.
• Players are responsible for ensuring that their game card or downloadable game is fully functional.
• Players are restricted on which region game cards they can use, based on the country where they are playing.
• Players are restricted on which region game cards they can use, based on the country where they are playing.
o Players at European events may only use European game cards.
o Players at European events may only use European game cards.
o Players at North American events may only use North American game cards.
o Players at North American events may only use North American game cards.
o Players in the Oceania, Latin America, South Africa, and Russia rating zones may only use game cards distributed in the player’s local market.
o Players in the Oceania, Latin America, South Africa, and Russia rating zones may only use game cards distributed in the player’s local market.
• Players at the World Championships or International Championships may use game cards from any region or market.
• Players at the World Championships or International Championships may use game cards from any region or market.
2.2. Game Systems
2.2. Game Systems
• Players may use any system in the Nintendo 3DS™ family of systems during the competition. This includes the New Nintendo 3DS™, New Nintendo 3DS XL™, Nintendo 3DS™, Nintendo 3DS XL™, and Nintendo 2DS™. Players are responsible for bringing a charger that is compatible with their system.
• Players may use any system in the Nintendo 3DS™ family of systems during the competition. This includes – but is not restricted to – the New Nintendo 3DS™, New Nintendo 3DS XL™, Nintendo 3DS™, Nintendo 3DS XL™, New Nintendo 2DS XL™, and Nintendo 2DS™. Players are responsible for bringing a charger that is compatible with their system.
• Players are responsible for keeping their system charged for the duration of the tournament.
o At a Judge’s discretion, a match may be moved to the designated charging station. Players must not move to the charging station without receiving permission from a Judge. A match may only be moved between games, and never while a game is in progress.
• Players are responsible for ensuring that their game system is fully functional.
• Players are responsible for ensuring that their game system is fully functional.
o Players at European events may only use systems in the European Nintendo 3DS™ family.
o Players at European events may only use systems in the European Nintendo 3DS™ family.
o Players at North American events may only use systems in the North American Nintendo 3DS™ family.
o Players at North American events may only use systems in the North American Nintendo 3DS™ family.
o Players in the Oceania, Latin America, South Africa, and Russia rating zones may only use systems distributed in the player’s local market.
o Players in the Oceania, Latin America, South Africa, and Russia rating zones may only use systems distributed in the player’s local market.
• Players should ensure that game systems with which they enter Play! Pokémon tournaments are unmodified. Players found to be using modified systems may be subject to disqualification and subsequent disciplinary action.
• Players at the World Championships or International Championships may use systems from any region or market.
• Players at the World Championships or International Championships may use systems from any region or market.
2.3. Game Patches, Updates, and Firmware
2.3. Game Patches, Updates, and Firmware
Players are responsible for ensuring their version of Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon has the latest game update downloaded prior to the start of the tournament. Players may be penalized, including Disqualification, in the event their game does not have the latest update, or if their console is not running on the latest firmware.
Players are responsible for ensuring their version of Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon has the latest game update downloaded prior to the start of the tournament and that the latest software update has been
2.4. Headphone Use
Headphones may be worn by players only if they are wired and plugged directly into their game system. The headphone wire must be clearly visible.
Play! Pokémon – Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines
Play! Pokémon – Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines
Date of last revision: July 26, 2017
Date of last revision: November 2, 2017
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performed on their console. Players may be penalized, including Disqualification, in the event their game does not have the latest update, or if their console is not running on the latest firmware.
Tournament regulations are tethered to the player’s registered game card, not to the console. If a player chooses to put their game into a new console, they are responsible for ensuring that this console also follows all the above requirements.
2.4. Headphone Use
Headphones may be worn by players only if they are wired and plugged directly into their game system. The headphone wire must be clearly visible.
2.5. Notes
2.5. Notes
Players may take notes at any time during their match but must begin each match with a blank sheet. Lined, ruled, or grid paper are permitted. No written or printed aids, including type charts, are permitted in the play space.
Players may take notes at any time during their match but must begin each match with a blank sheet. Lined, ruled, or grid paper are permitted. No written or printed aids, including type charts, are permitted in the play space.
2.6. Objects in Play Area
2.6. Objects in Play Area
Players are permitted to have good luck charms or objects in the play space but must keep the play space neat. Players must avoid objects obstructing the IR port connection between game systems.
Players are permitted to have good luck charms or objects in the play space but must keep the play space neat. Players must avoid objects obstructing the IR port connection between game systems.
2.7. Team Lists
Players are required to provide a legible and accurate list of the Pokémon that comprise their team. It is recommended that players make use of the official Play! Pokémon Team List document for this purpose. As long as the team list records the player’s name, Player ID and date of birth, alongside the following information for each Pokémon, it will be accepted:
• Pokémon species
• Gender
• Nature
• Ability
• Level
• All known moves
o If the move Hidden Power is included, the Hidden Power Type must be included.
• All stats (HP/Attack/Defense/Special Attack/Special Defense/Speed)
o Stats should be recorded at the Pokémon’s native level; ie, the level it is when viewed in the player’s in-game PC.
Please refer to the below to determine which language should be used to complete your team list:
• At Special and Regional Championships held in North America or Europe, the team list must be completed in English.
• At Special and Regional Championships held elsewhere in the world, the team list may be completed in the local language of the event, or the language to which the game being used by the player is set.
• At International Championships and the World Championships, team lists may be completed using the player’s preferred language.
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Date of last revision: November 2, 2017
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• At all other Premier Events, the team list must either be completed in the local language of the event, or the language to which the game being used by the player is set.
3. Match Play
3. Match Play
3.1. Double Battle Format
3.1. Double Battle Format
Each player selects four Pokémon from their Battle Team to battle with. At the start of the battle, players send out the first two Pokémon in their party, making a total of four Pokémon on the battlefield. Gameplay continues until a player makes all four of their opponent’s Pokémon faint or one player’s time limit has expired.
Each player selects four Pokémon from their Battle Team to battle with. At the start of the battle, players send out the first two Pokémon in their party, making a total of four Pokémon on the battlefield. Gameplay continues until a player makes all four of their opponent’s Pokémon faint, until one player’s time limit has expired, or until time is called on the round.
3.2. Events Tethered by Local Distribution
3.2. Events Tethered by Local Distribution
An event that is tethered by local distribution is a tournament where the Battle Team is locked electronically via infrared distribution of tournament regulations.
An event that is tethered by local distribution is a tournament where the Battle Team is locked electronically via infrared distribution of tournament regulations.
• Teams must contain a minimum of four Pokémon to participate in these events.
• Teams must contain a minimum of four Pokémon to participate in these events.
• Selecting Cancel Participation after the Battle Team is locked may result in Disqualification.
• Selecting Cancel Participation after the Battle Team is locked may result in Disqualification.
• Players must submit a Team Sheet at the start of the tournament that matches the player’s Pokémon, items, and moves exactly as they appear in the Battle Team.
• Players must submit a team list at the start of the tournament that matches the player’s Pokémon, items, and moves exactly as they appear in the Battle Team.
o They must use this team during the entire tournament.
o They must use this team during the entire tournament.
• When requested, players must permit a judge to review gameplay of their last match through the View Previous Match function on the Live Competition menu.
• When requested, players must permit a Judge to review gameplay of their last match through the View Previous Match function on the Live Competition menu.
3.2.1. Game Time Limits
3.2.1. Game Time Limits
• Tournaments tethered by local distribution will automatically enforce the following time limits:
• Tournaments tethered by local distribution will automatically enforce the following time limits:
o Team preview: 90 seconds
o Team preview: 90 seconds
o Move time limit: 45 seconds
o Move time limit: 45 seconds
o Player time (“Your Time”) limit: 10 minutes
o Player time (“Your Time”) limit: 10 minutes
• Players may take notes at any time during a turn.
• Players may take notes at any time during a turn, and during Team Preview.
• Players may use as much time as allowed each turn.
• Players may use as much time as allowed each turn.
3.2.2. Match Time Limits
3.2.2. Match Time Limits
There is a match time limit of 50 minutes for best-of-three games and 20 minutes for best-of-one games. When match time is called, players will have three additional full turns to complete the current game.
There is a match time limit of 50 minutes for best-of-three games and 20 minutes for best-of-one games. When match time is called, players will have three additional full turns to complete the current game.
Play! Pokémon – Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines
Date of last revision: July 26, 2017
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3.2.2.1 Definition of a Full Turn
3.2.2.1 Definition of a Full Turn
• A turn begins when the Run/Fight menu is displayed for both players, and lasts until all battle animations have completed and the Run/Fight menu is displayed once again.
• A turn begins when the Run/Fight menu is displayed for both players, and lasts until all battle animations have completed and the Run/Fight menu is displayed once again.
• If time is called at any point in the current turn other than when the Run/Fight menu is displayed for both players, the current turn does not constitute a full turn.
• If time is called at any point in the current turn other than when the Run/Fight menu is displayed for both players, the current turn does not constitute a full turn.
o In this situation, the turn must be completed, and the three additional full turns will begin when the Run/Fight menu is once again displayed for both players.
o In this situation, the turn must be completed, and the three additional full turns will begin when the Run/Fight menu is once again displayed for both players.
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Date of last revision: November 2, 2017
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3.3. Events Tethered by QR Code
3.3. Events Tethered by QR Code
An event that is tethered by QR Code is a tournament where the Battle Team is locked electronically via the use of a QR Code generated by the organizer.
An event that is tethered by QR Code is a tournament where the Battle Team is locked electronically via the use of a QR Code generated by the organizer.
Beginning July 26, 2017, all Premier Events must be tethered by QR Code, unless they are operated by, or in conjunction with, TPCi. If the event is operated by or with TPCi, then it may be tethered by local distribution, provided this method is available.
All Premier Events must be tethered by QR Code unless they are operated by, or in conjunction with, TPCi. If the event is operated by or with TPCi, then it may be tethered by local distribution, provided this method is available.
• Battle Teams must contain six Pokémon to participate in these events.
• Battle Teams must contain six Pokémon to participate in these events.
• Players must submit a Team Sheet at the start of the tournament that matches the player’s Pokémon, items, and moves exactly as they appear in the Battle Team.
• Players must submit a team list at the start of the tournament that matches the player’s Pokémon, items, and moves exactly as they appear in the Battle Team.
o Players must use this Battle Team during the entire tournament.
o Players must use this Battle Team during the entire tournament.
• After a match, players must select the option to save video of the last battle.
• After a match, players must select the option to save video of the last battle.
• Players are prohibited from using the Live Competition feature to play friendly games in between rounds. If a player runs out of the 30 available playable games at a QR Code tournament, they will be unable to continue playing in the event.
• Players are prohibited from using the Live Competition feature to play friendly games in between rounds. If a player runs out of the 30 available playable games at a QR Code tournament, they will be unable to continue playing in the event.
3.3.1. QR Code Time Limits
3.3.1. QR Code Time Limits
• Tournaments tethered by QR Code will automatically enforce the following time limits:
• Tournaments tethered by QR Code will automatically enforce the following time limits:
o Team preview: 90 seconds
o Team preview: 90 seconds
o Move time limit: 45 seconds
o Move time limit: 45 seconds
o Player time (“Your Time”) limit: 10 minutes
o Player time (“Your Time”) limit: 10 minutes
• Players may take notes at any time during a turn.
• Players may take notes at any time during a turn, and during Team Preview.
• Players may use as much time as allowed each turn.
• Players may use as much time as allowed each turn.
3.4. Match Resolution
3.4. Match Resolution
• A player wins by making their opponent’s final Pokémon faint.
• A player wins by making their opponent’s final Pokémon faint.
• If both players’ Pokémon faint during the last turn of a match, the player whose Pokémon faints last wins the game.
• If both players’ Pokémon faint during the last turn of a match, the player whose Pokémon faints last wins the game.
• Players are unable to resolve a match with an intentional draw (ID).
• Players are unable to resolve a match with an intentional draw (ID).
3.4.1. Resolving Time Outs
3.4.1. Resolving Time Outs
• Each player’s personal “Your Time” timer will automatically count down the time left in the game available to that player.
• Each player’s personal “Your Time” timer will automatically count down the time left in the game available to that player.
• A player who runs out of “Your Time” will lose at the end of the turn.
• A player who runs out of “Your Time” will lose at the end of the turn.
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Date of last revision: July 26, 2017
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• If both players run out of “Your Time” on the same turn, the game will automatically determine the winner using the following conditions in hierarchical order. This should also be applied by the tournament staff for any game that is not finished when match time is called and the final turn has resolved:
• If both players run out of “Your Time” on the same turn, the game will automatically determine the winner using the following conditions in hierarchical order. This should also be applied by the tournament staff for any game that is not finished when match time is called and the final turn has resolved:
o Whoever has the most Pokémon remaining wins.
o Whoever has the most Pokémon remaining wins.
o If both players have the same number of Pokémon remaining, the player with the highest ratio of total HP remaining / total maximum HP for all Pokémon in their party wins.
o If both players have the same number of Pokémon remaining, the player with the highest ratio of total HP remaining / total maximum HP for all Pokémon in their party wins.
▪ This is found using the following equation: (Current HP of remaining Pokémon) / (Maximum HP of all Pokémon brought to battle)
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Date of last revision: November 2, 2017
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▪ This is found using the following equation: (Current HP of remaining Pokémon) / (Maximum HP of all Pokémon brought to battle). If performing this calculation manually, the Professor performing the calculation should round the resulting figure to 3 decimal places.
• If there is no clear winner from conditions 1 or 2, then the player with the highest total HP remaining wins.
• If there is no clear winner from conditions 1 or 2, then the player with the highest total HP remaining wins.
• If there is still no clear winner, the game will be a tie.
• If there is still no clear winner, the game will be a tie.
3.4.2. Resolving Best-of-Three Matches in Swiss Rounds
3.4.2. Resolving Best-of-Three Matches in Swiss Rounds
Refer to the following charts to determine at which point the winner of the match is decided.
Refer to the following charts to determine at which point the winner of the match is decided.
Example
Example
Player
Player
Game 1 outcome
Game 1 outcome
Game 2 outcome
Game 2 outcome
Game 3 outcome
Game 3 outcome
Sudden Death
Sudden Death
Match outcome
Match outcome
A
A
Player 1
Player 1
Win
Win
Win Unnecessary Unnecessary
Win Unnecessary Unnecessary
Player 1 wins
Player 1 wins
Player 2
Player 2
Loss
Loss
Loss B Player 1 Win Loss Win Unnecessary Player 1 wins Player 2 Loss Win Loss
Loss B Player 1 Win Loss Win Unnecessary Player 1 wins Player 2 Loss Win Loss
C
C
Player 1
Player 1
Win
Win
Tie
Tie
Win Unnecessary
Win Unnecessary
Player 1 wins
Player 1 wins
Player 2
Player 2
Loss
Loss
Loss D Player 1 Tie Win Tie Unnecessary Player 1 wins Player 2 Loss
Loss D Player 1 Tie Win Tie Unnecessary Player 1 wins Player 2 Loss
E
E
Player 1
Player 1
Tie
Tie
Win
Win
Win Unnecessary
Win Unnecessary
Player 1 wins
Player 1 wins
Player 2
Player 2
Loss
Loss
Loss F Player 1 Tie Tie Tie Win Player 1 wins Player 2
Loss F Player 1 Tie Tie Tie Win Player 1 wins Player 2 Loss
Loss
G
G
Player 1
Player 1
Tie
Tie
Win
Win
Loss
Loss
Win
Win
Player 1 wins
Player 1 wins
Player 2
Player 2
Loss
Loss
Win
Win
Loss
Loss
If match time is called and both players have each won one game following the resolution of Game 2, then players will proceed to Sudden Death instead. This ONLY occurs during Swiss rounds if two games have been completed and match time has been called. In this case, it is appropriate to use the following solution:
If round time is called and both players have each won one game following the resolution of Game 2, then players will proceed to Sudden Death instead. In this case, it is appropriate to use the following solution:
Example
Example
Player
Player
Game 1 outcome
Game 1 outcome
Game 2 outcome
Game 2 outcome
Game 3 outcome
Game 3 outcome
Sudden Death
Sudden Death
Match outcome
Match outcome
H
H
Player 1
Player 1
Win
Win
Loss Unnecessary Win
Loss Unnecessary Win
Player 1 wins
Player 1 wins
Player 2
Player 2
Loss
Loss
Win Loss
Win Loss
Play! Pokémon – Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines
If Sudden Death resolves in a tie during Swiss rounds, a tie is given for the match.
Date of last revision: July 26, 2017
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3.4.3. Resolving Best-of-Three Matches in Single Elimination Rounds
3.4.3. Resolving Best-of-Three Matches in Single Elimination Rounds
Refer to the following charts to determine at which point the winner of the match is decided.
Refer to the following charts to determine at which point the winner of the match is decided.
Play! Pokémon – Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines
Date of last revision: November 2, 2017
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Example
Example
Player
Player
Game 1 outcome
Game 1 outcome
Game 2 outcome
Game 2 outcome
Game 3 outcome
Game 3 outcome
Sudden Death
Sudden Death
Match outcome
Match outcome
A
A
Player 1
Player 1
Win
Win
Win Unnecessary Unnecessary
Win Unnecessary Unnecessary
Player 1 wins
Player 1 wins
Player 2
Player 2
Loss
Loss
Loss B Player 1 Win Loss Win Unnecessary Player 1 wins Player 2 Loss Win Loss
Loss B Player 1 Win Loss Win Unnecessary Player 1 wins Player 2 Loss Win Loss
C
C
Player 1
Player 1
Win
Win
Tie
Tie
Win Unnecessary
Win Unnecessary
Player 1 wins
Player 1 wins
Player 2
Player 2
Loss
Loss
Loss D Player 1 Tie Win Tie Unnecessary Player 1 wins Player 2 Loss
Loss D Player 1 Tie Win Tie Unnecessary Player 1 wins Player 2 Loss
E
E
Player 1
Player 1
Tie
Tie
Win
Win
Win Unnecessary
Win Unnecessary
Player 1 wins
Player 1 wins
Player 2
Player 2
Loss
Loss
Loss F Player 1 Tie Tie Tie Win Player 1 wins Player 2
Loss F Player 1 Tie Tie Tie Win Player 1 wins Player 2 Loss
Loss
G
G
Player 1
Player 1
Tie
Tie
Win
Win
Loss
Loss
Win
Win
Player 1 wins
Player 1 wins
Player 2
Player 2
Loss
Loss
Win
Win
Loss
Loss
If match time is called and both players have each won one game following the resolution of Game 2 OR Game 3, then players will proceed to Sudden Death instead.
If round time is called and both players have each won one game following the resolution of Game 2 OR Game 3, then players will proceed to Sudden Death instead.
Example
Example
Player
Player
Game 1 outcome
Game 1 outcome
Game 2 outcome
Game 2 outcome
Game 3 outcome
Game 3 outcome
Sudden Death
Sudden Death
Match outcome
Match outcome
H
H
Player 1
Player 1
Win
Win
Loss Unnecessary Win
Loss Unnecessary Win
Player 1 wins
Player 1 wins
Player 2
Player 2
Loss
Loss
Win Loss I Player 1 Win Tie Loss Win Player 1 wins Player 2 Loss Win Loss
Win Loss I Player 1 Win Tie Loss Win Player 1 wins Player 2 Loss Win Loss
If Sudden Death resolves in a tie during Single Elimination rounds, a second Sudden Death game will be played.
3.4.4. Sudden Death
3.4.4. Sudden Death
During Sudden Death, players begin a new game. Players are required to gain an advantage in number of remaining Pokémon over their opponent. Tournament staff will evaluate the game at the end of each turn to determine if an advantage has been gained. After each turn has been completed, the tournament staff will determine the number of Pokémon that each player has remaining.
During Sudden Death, players begin a new game. Players are required to gain an advantage in number of remaining Pokémon over their opponent. After each turn has been completed, tournament staff will determine the number of Pokémon that each player has remaining to determine if an advantage has been gained.
• If both players have the same number of Pokémon remaining at the end of the turn, the game continues for another turn.
• If both players have the same number of Pokémon remaining at the end of the turn, the game continues for another turn.
• If either player has more remaining Pokémon than their opponent at the end of the turn, that player wins the game.
Play! Pokémon – Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines
Play! Pokémon – Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines
Date of last revision: July 26, 2017
Date of last revision: November 2, 2017
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• If either player has more remaining Pokémon than their opponent at the end of the turn, that player wins the game.
If both players’ final Pokémon faint on the same turn, the game will end naturally. In this case, the game will utilize in-built match resolution to determine the result of the game.
3.4.5. Double Game Freeze
3.4.5. Double Game Freeze
In some rare circumstances, players may experience a situation where both games freeze, and it is not clear which player is at fault. In this situation, the game cannot progress any further by organic means, and must be resolved as outlined below.
In some rare circumstances, players may experience a situation where both games freeze, and it is not clear which player is at fault. In this situation, the game cannot progress any further by organic means, and must be resolved as outlined below.
The point in the game at which the double game freeze happens has an impact on how the resolution should occur.
The point in the game at which the double game freeze happens has an impact on how the resolution should occur.
Pokémon remaining in team
Pokémon remaining in team
Game resolution 4-4 (including during Team Preview) Game void, restart from the beginning
Game resolution 4-4 (including during Team Preview) Game void, restart from the beginning
4-3
4-3
Tie 4-2 Tie
Tie 4-2 Tie
4-1
4-1
Win for player with most remaining Pokémon 3-3 Tie
Win for player with most remaining Pokémon 3-3 Tie
3-2
3-2
Tie 3-1 Win for player with most remaining Pokémon
Tie 3-1 Win for player with most remain
2-2
Tie 2-1 Tie
1-1
Tie
4. Illegal Pokémon
4.1. Illegally Manipulated Pokémon
The use of external devices, such as a mobile app, to modify or create items or Pokémon in a player’s Battle Team is expressly forbidden. Players found to have Pokémon or items that have been tampered with may be disqualified from competition, regardless of whether the Pokémon or items belong to that player or were traded for.
4.2. Electronic Hack Checking
A player’s Battle Team may be checked at any time for illegal Pokémon using an electronic hack check. If a player is unable to connect to the Internet due to device error or is blacklisted from game online functionality, the player will not be able to participate in the event. If it is discovered during an event that staff are unable to perform a hack check for the above reasons, the player may receive Disqualification from the event.
4.3. Manual Hack Checking
A player’s Battle Team may be manually checked by an organizer or a judge for known hacks as outlined in the Manual Hack Checking Appendix. Only hacks outlined in the Manual Hack Checking Appendix or uncovered through the electronic hack check may be penalized.
Play! Pokémon – Video Game Rules, Formats, and Penalty Guidelines
Date of last revision: July 26, 2017
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4.4. Reporting Suspected Hacks
Suspected new hacks should be reported to the Pokémon Organized Play team through Customer Support at support.pokemon.com.
5. Pokémon Video Game Penalty Guidelines
5.1. Introduction
Play! Pokémon protocols and procedures are intended to foster a spirit of friendly competition at all Play! Pokémon events. However, there occasionally arise situations, whether intentionally or unintentionally, in which players and spectators do not abide by the Play! Pokémon rules or the spirit of the game. In these cases, penalties can be earned, ranging from Cautions and Warnings that do not represent substantial corrective action to more lasting forms of penalties, including Disqualification from an event.
This section of the document is intended to provide organizers and judges with guidelines by which they can assign and report penalties in a fair, even, and logical way.
5.2. Assigning Penalties
Play! Pokémon Professors should seek to create fun, safe, and non-stressful play experiences for our players. For this reason, the application of penalties should be handled in the most polite and discreet manner possible.
Every time a penalty is assigned, it should be accompanied by an explanation of specifically how the player’s actions are disallowed by the Play! Pokémon Tournament Rules documents, and by a clear description of what penalty will result from a repeated infraction. The application of penalties should be handled in a way that is positive and that moves the player toward a better overall understanding of the rules. To avoid singling players out or making a spectacle of an incident, organizers and judges may want to assign penalties in private.
In some cases, a player may choose to drop from the event in an attempt to avoid receiving a serious penalty. This tactic is unacceptable. The Head Judge should notify the player that the penalty will still be assessed and reported to Pokémon Organized Play (POP) accordingly.
5.2.1. Deviating from Recommended Penalties
T