Play! Pokémon VG Tournament Rules & | Play! Pokémon VG Tournament Rules & | ||
Formats | Formats | ||
Revised: November 15, 2013 | Revised: November 21, 2014 | ||
Table of Contents | Table of Contents | ||
POKÉMON VIDEO GAME TOURNAMENT RULES ........................................................................................................3 | POKÉMON VIDEO GAME TOURNAMENT RULES ........................................................................................................3 | ||
1. Game Versions....................................................................................................................................................3 | 1. Game Versions....................................................................................................................................................3 | ||
1.1. Game Systems............................................................................................................................................3 | 1.1. Game Systems............................................................................................................................................3 | ||
2. Team Restrictions...............................................................................................................................................3 | 2. Team Restrictions...............................................................................................................................................3 | ||
2.1. Illegally Manipulated Pokémon..................................................................................................................3 | 2.1. Illegally Manipulated Pokémon..................................................................................................................3 | ||
3. Battle Box Team Registration .............................................................................................................................4 | 3. Battle Box Team Registration .............................................................................................................................4 | ||
4. Time Limits .........................................................................................................................................................4 | 4. Time Limits .........................................................................................................................................................4 | ||
4.1. Pre-game Time Limit...................................................................................................................................4 | 4.1. Pre-game Time Limit...................................................................................................................................4 | ||
4.2. Mid-game Time Limit..................................................................................................................................4 | 4.2. Mid-game Time Limit..................................................................................................................................4 | ||
4.3. Match Time Limits......................................................................................................................................4 | 4.3. Match Time Limits......................................................................................................................................4 | ||
5. Technical Issues..................................................................................................................................................4 | 5. Technical Issues..................................................................................................................................................4 | ||
5.1. Single Frozen Game State...........................................................................................................................4 | 5.1. Single Frozen Game State...........................................................................................................................4 | ||
5.2. Double Frozen Game State.........................................................................................................................5 | 5.2. Double Frozen Game State.........................................................................................................................5 | ||
5.3. Game State Disruption ...............................................................................................................................5 | 5.3. Game State Disruption ...............................................................................................................................5 | ||
6. Match Resolution ...............................................................................................................................................5 | 6. Match Resolution ...............................................................................................................................................5 | ||
6.1. Tiebreakers.................................................................................................................................................5 | 6.1. Tiebreakers.................................................................................................................................................5 | ||
6.2. Sudden Death .............................................................................................................................................6 | 6.2. Sudden Death .............................................................................................................................................6 | ||
6.3. Determining the Outcome of a Best-of-Three Match................................................................................6 | 6.3. Determining the Outcome of a Best-of-Three Match................................................................................6 | ||
POKÉMON VIDEO GAME TOURNAMENT FORMATS ..................................................................................................7 | POKÉMON VIDEO GAME TOURNAMENT FORMATS ..................................................................................................7 | ||
7. Standard Format Style........................................................................................................................................7 | 7. Standard Format Style........................................................................................................................................7 | ||
7.1. Double Battle..............................................................................................................................................72 | 7.1. Double Battle..............................................................................................................................................72 | ||
8. Standard Team Construction Rules....................................................................................................................7 | 8. Standard Team Construction Rules....................................................................................................................7 | ||
9. Sanctioned Format .............................................................................................................................................7 | 9. Sanctioned Format .............................................................................................................................................7 | ||
9.1. Standard Format.........................................................................................................................................7 | 9.1. Standard Format.........................................................................................................................................7 | ||
9.2. Kalos Native................................................................................................................................................8 | 9.2. Kalos Native................................................................................................................................................8 | ||
10. Unsanctioned Fun Formats ............................................................................................................................8 | 10. Unsanctioned Fun Formats ............................................................................................................................8 | ||
10.1. Single Battle............................................................................................................................................8 | 10.1. Single Battle............................................................................................................................................8 | ||
10.2. Triple Battle ............................................................................................................................................8 | 10.2. Triple Battle ............................................................................................................................................8 | ||
10.3. Rotation Battle........................................................................................................................................8 | 10.3. Rotation Battle........................................................................................................................................8 | ||
Appendix A. Document Updates ......................................................................................................................93 | Appendix A. Document Updates ......................................................................................................................93 | ||
POKÉMON VIDEO GAME TOURNAMENT RULES | POKÉMON VIDEO GAME TOURNAMENT RULES | ||
This section contains tournament rules specific to the Pokémon video games. All attendees are expected to | This section contains tournament rules specific to the Pokémon video games. All attendees are expected to | ||
comply with the applicable sections of these rules while attending a Play! Pokémon tournament. | comply with the applicable sections of these rules while attending a Play! Pokémon tournament. | ||
1. Game Versions | 1. Game Versions | ||
Only legitimate versions of Pokémon X or Pokémon Y can be used in Play! Pokémon tournaments. This includes | Only legitimate versions of Pokémon X or Pokémon Y can be used in Play! Pokémon tournaments. This includes | ||
downloadable versions of Pokémon X or Pokémon Y. Players are restricted on which region Game Cards they can | downloadable versions of Pokémon X or Pokémon Y. Players are restricted on which region Game Cards they can | ||
use, based on the country where they are playing. | use, based on the country where they are playing. | ||
Players at European events may only use European Game Cards. | Players at European events may only use European Game Cards. | ||
Players at North American events may only use North American Game Cards. | Players at North American events may only use North American Game Cards. | ||
Players at the World Championships may only use Game Cards that are legal in their home markets. | Players at the World Championships may only use Game Cards that are legal in their home markets. | ||
Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire will replace Pokémon X and Pokémon Y beginning | |||
January 1, 2015. | |||
1.1. Game Systems | 1.1. Game Systems | ||
Players may use any system in the Nintendo 3DS™ family of systems during the competition. This includes | Players may use any system in the Nintendo 3DS™ family of systems during the competition. This includes | ||
the Nintendo 3DS™, Nintendo 3DS XL™, and Nintendo 2DS™. Players are responsible for bringing a | the Nintendo 3DS™, Nintendo 3DS XL™, and Nintendo 2DS™. Players are responsible for bringing a | ||
charger that is compatible with their system. | charger that is compatible with their system. | ||
Players at European events may only use systems in the European Nintendo 3DS™ family. | Players at European events may only use systems in the European Nintendo 3DS™ family. | ||
Players at North American events may only use systems in the North American Nintendo 3DS™ family. | Players at North American events may only use systems in the North American Nintendo 3DS™ family. | ||
Players at the World Championships may only use Game Cards and systems that are legal in their home | Players at the World Championships may only use Game Cards and systems that are legal in their home | ||
markets. | markets. | ||
2. Team Restrictions | 2. Team Restrictions | ||
Players may only use Pokémon that are legal for the tournament format. Players are responsible for ensuring | Players may only use Pokémon that are legal for the tournament format. Players are responsible for ensuring | ||
that their team adheres to any restrictions set forth by the tournament format and this document. | that their team adheres to any restrictions set forth by the tournament format and this document. | ||
2.1. Illegally Manipulated Pokémon | 2.1. Illegally Manipulated Pokémon | ||
The use of external devices, such as a mobile app, to modify or create items or Pokémon in a player’s | The use of external devices, such as a mobile app, to modify or create items or Pokémon in a player’s | ||
party is expressly forbidden. Players found to have Pokémon or items that have been tampered with will | party is expressly forbidden. Players found to have Pokémon or items that have been tampered with will | ||
be disqualified from competition, regardless of whether the Pokémon or items belong to that player or | be disqualified from competition, regardless of whether the Pokémon or items belong to that player or | ||
were traded for. POP recommends players only use Pokémon that they have raised themselves and | were traded for. POP recommends players only use Pokémon that they have raised themselves and | ||
items that they have received through normal game play. It is always the player’s responsibility to have | items that they have received through normal game play. It is always the player’s responsibility to have | ||
legal Pokémon and items during the competition. | legal Pokémon and items during the competition. | ||
A player’s Battle Box may be checked at any time for illegal Pokémon. Any Masters Division player who | A player’s Battle Box may be checked at any time for illegal Pokémon. Any player who fails this check | ||
fails this check may be immediately disqualified and be unable to participate in the tournament.4 | may be immediately disqualified and be unable to participate in the tournament.4 | ||
2.2. Trainer and Pokémon Names | 2.2. Trainer and Pokémon Names | ||
Players are responsible for using appropriate names for their Trainer character and any Pokémon placed | Players are responsible for using appropriate names for their Trainer character and any Pokémon placed | ||
in their Battle Box. Players must avoid the use of obscene or otherwise offensive words or phrases when | in their Battle Box. Players must avoid the use of obscene or otherwise offensive words or phrases when | ||
naming their Trainer or their Pokémon. | naming their Trainer or their Pokémon. | ||
3. Battle Box Team Registration | 3. Battle Box Team Registration | ||
Before the first round of a tournament, Battle Box team registration may occur. All players must set up their | Before the first round of a tournament, Battle Box team registration may occur. All players must set up their | ||
Battle Box, including all Pokémon and held items they intend to use, before they register for the tournament. | Battle Box, including all Pokémon and held items they intend to use, before they register for the tournament. | ||
This Battle Box will then be locked by a member of the tournament staff. After the Battle Box has been locked, | This Battle Box will then be locked by a member of the tournament staff. After the Battle Box has been locked, | ||
players are not allowed to change their Pokémon or items at any time during a tournament. In addition, after | players are not allowed to change their Pokémon or items at any time during a tournament. In addition, after | ||
the Battle Box is locked, players may not select “Cancel Participation” unless they intend to drop from the | the Battle Box is locked, players may not select “Cancel Participation” unless they intend to drop from the | ||
tournament. | tournament. | ||
4. Time Limits | 4. Time Limits | ||
Tournament staff is responsible for running a timely event. To assist in this effort, POP has established guidelines | Tournament staff is responsible for running a timely event. To assist in this effort, POP has established guidelines | ||
for time limits during various portions of the event. Players may take notes at any time during their match but | for time limits during various portions of the event. Players may take notes at any time during their match but | ||
must begin each match with a blank sheet. | must begin each match with a blank sheet. | ||
4.1. Pre-game Time Limit | 4.1. Pre-game Time Limit | ||
Players will have 90 seconds to view their opponent’s team and select their Pokémon. | Players will have 90 seconds to view their opponent’s team and select their Pokémon. | ||
4.2. Mid-game Time Limit | 4.2. Mid-game Time Limit | ||
Any mid-game effects, such as selecting a move or retreating Pokémon, are to take place within the 45 | Any mid-game effects, such as selecting a move or retreating Pokémon, are to take place within the 45 | ||
seconds allocated per turn. | seconds allocated per turn. | ||
4.3. Match Time Limits | 4.3. Match Time Limits | ||
Single-game matches will be 15 minutes. For best-of-three matches, each game in the match will be 15 | Single-game matches will be 15 minutes. For best-of-three matches, each game in the match will be 15 | ||
minutes. | minutes. | ||
5. Technical Issues | 5. Technical Issues | ||
Over the course of a tournament, a player’s game connection may become disrupted in a number of ways. | Over the course of a tournament, a player’s game connection may become disrupted in a number of ways. | ||
5.1. Single Frozen Game State | 5.1. Single Frozen Game State | ||
If one player’s game system is stuck in an unfixable frozen game state and it can be determined which | If one player’s game system is stuck in an unfixable frozen game state and it can be determined which | ||
player’s Game Card or system is responsible for the frozen state, the player whose game system is | player’s Game Card or system is responsible for the frozen state, the player whose game system is | ||
frozen will receive a game loss.5 | frozen will receive a game loss.5 | ||
5.2. Double Frozen Game State | 5.2. Double Frozen Game State | ||
If both players’ game systems are stuck in an unfixable frozen game state and it cannot be determined | If both players’ game systems are stuck in an unfixable frozen game state and it cannot be determined | ||
which player’s Game Card or system is responsible for the frozen state, both players will receive a tie for | which player’s Game Card or system is responsible for the frozen state, both players will receive a tie for | ||
that game. | that game. | ||
5.3. Game State Disruption | 5.3. Game State Disruption | ||
Players should attempt to fix any game disruption by checking their 3DS systems and making sure they | Players should attempt to fix any game disruption by checking their 3DS systems and making sure they | ||
are aligned properly. If issues persist, contact a judge for immediate assistance. If consistent disruptions | are aligned properly. If issues persist, contact a judge for immediate assistance. If consistent disruptions | ||
are determined to be due to actions on the part of a player, the judge may issue an appropriate penalty | are determined to be due to actions on the part of a player, the judge may issue an appropriate penalty | ||
as outlined in the Pokémon Penalty Guidelines. | as outlined in the Pokémon Penalty Guidelines. | ||
6. Match Resolution | 6. Match Resolution | ||
A player wins by making his or her opponent’s final Pokémon faint. | A player wins by making his or her opponent’s final Pokémon faint. | ||
If the player’s final Pokémon used Selfdestruct, Explosion, Destiny Bond, or Final Gambit, and both | If the player’s final Pokémon used Selfdestruct, Explosion, Destiny Bond, or Final Gambit, and both | ||
players’ final Pokémon faint as a result, the player who used the move loses that game. | players’ final Pokémon faint as a result, the player who used the move loses that game. | ||
If a player’s final Pokémon used Double‐Edge, Volt Tackle, Flare Blitz, Take Down, Submission, Brave | If a player’s final Pokémon used Double‐Edge, Volt Tackle, Flare Blitz, Take Down, Submission, Brave | ||
Bird, Wood Hammer, Head Smash, Struggle, Head Charge, or Wild Charge, or was holding Life Orb, and | Bird, Wood Hammer, Head Smash, Struggle, Head Charge, or Wild Charge, or was holding Life Orb, and | ||
both players’ final Pokémon faint as a result, the player who used the move wins that game. | both players’ final Pokémon faint as a result, the player who used the move wins that game. | ||
If both players’ final Pokémon faint due to a weather condition, such as Hail or Sandstorm, the player | If both players’ final Pokémon faint due to a weather condition, such as Hail or Sandstorm, the player | ||
whose Pokémon faints last wins the game. This includes the effects of Perish Song. | whose Pokémon faints last wins the game. This includes the effects of Perish Song. | ||
If a Pokémon’s Ability (such as Rough Skin, Aftermath, Liquid Ooze, or Iron Barbs) or held item (such as | If a Pokémon’s Ability (such as Rough Skin, Aftermath, Liquid Ooze, or Iron Barbs) or held item (such as | ||
Rocky Helmet) results in each player’s final Pokémon fainting, the player whose Pokémon had the Ability | Rocky Helmet) results in each player’s final Pokémon fainting, the player whose Pokémon had the Ability | ||
or held item wins the game. | or held item wins the game. | ||
A player who selects “Run” during a battle will count as the loser of that game, whether selected intentionally or | A player who selects “Run” during a battle will count as the loser of that game, whether selected intentionally or | ||
not. | not. Players may not intentionally play a match to a tie nor agree to record a match as a tie without playing. | ||
6.1. Tiebreakers | 6.1. Tiebreakers | ||
Should the time limit expire before a player makes his or her opponent’s final Pokémon faint, the winner | Should the time limit expire before a player makes his or her opponent’s final Pokémon faint, the winner | ||
of the game is determined based on the criteria below. | of the game is determined based on the criteria below. | ||
1. Remaining Pokémon | 1. Remaining Pokémon | ||
a. If one player has more remaining Pokémon than the other, that player wins the game. | a. If one player has more remaining Pokémon than the other, that player wins the game. | ||
b. If both players have the same number of Pokémon remaining, the result of the game is | b. If both players have the same number of Pokémon remaining, the result of the game is | ||
determined by average percentage of HP remaining, as described below. | determined by average percentage of HP remaining, as described below. | ||
2. Average Percentage of HP Remaining | 2. Average Percentage of HP Remaining | ||
a. If one player’s team has a higher average percentage of HP remaining, that player wins | a. If one player’s team has a higher average percentage of HP remaining, that player wins | ||
the game. | the game. | ||
b. If both players’ teams have the same average HP remaining, the result of the game is | b. If both players’ teams have the same average HP remaining, the result of the game is | ||
determined by amount of HP remaining, as described below. | determined by amount of HP remaining, as described below. | ||
3. Amount of Total HP Remaining | 3. Amount of Total HP Remaining | ||
a. If one player’s team has a higher total HP remaining, that player wins the game. | a. If one player’s team has a higher total HP remaining, that player wins the game. | ||
b. If both players’ teams have the same total HP remaining, the result of the game is a tie.6 | b. If both players’ teams have the same total HP remaining, the result of the game is a tie.6 | ||
6.2. Sudden Death | 6.2. Sudden Death | ||
If a game ends in a tie during the single-elimination portion of an event, a single Sudden Death game is | If a game ends in a tie during the single-elimination portion of an event, a single Sudden Death game is | ||
played to determine the winner of the match. Players are required to gain an advantage in number of | played to determine the winner of the match. 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 | 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 | 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. | tournament staff will determine the number of Pokémon that each player has remaining. | ||
If both players have the same number of Pokémon remaining at the end of the turn, the game | If both players have the same number of Pokémon remaining at the end of the turn, the game | ||
continues for another turn. | continues for another turn. | ||
If a player has more remaining Pokémon than his or her opponent at the end of any turn, that | If a player has more remaining Pokémon than his or her opponent at the end of any turn, that | ||
player wins the game. | player wins the game. | ||
6.3. Determining the Outcome of a Best-of-Three Match | 6.3. Determining the Outcome of a Best-of-Three Match | ||
Use the following criteria, in order, to determine the outcome of a match that is unresolved after any | Use the following criteria, in order, to determine the outcome of a match that is unresolved after any | ||
given game has ended. After one of the criteria has been met, none of the others are applied. | given game has ended. After one of the criteria has been met, none of the others are applied. | ||
GAME 1: | GAME 1: | ||
The players proceed to game 2. | The players proceed to game 2. | ||
GAME 2: | GAME 2: | ||
If the winner of game 2 also won game 1, that player wins the match. If the winner of | If the winner of game 2 also won game 1, that player wins the match. If the winner of | ||
game 2 did not win game 1, players proceed to game 3. | game 2 did not win game 1, players proceed to game 3. | ||
GAME 3: | GAME 3: | ||
The winner of game 3 wins the match.7 | The winner of game 3 wins the match.7 | ||
POKÉMON VIDEO GAME TOURNAMENT FORMATS | POKÉMON VIDEO GAME TOURNAMENT FORMATS | ||
Pokémon Organized Play supports several tournament formats for sanctioned play of the Pokémon video | Pokémon Organized Play supports several tournament formats for sanctioned play of the Pokémon video | ||
games. This document covers each of the approved formats and their variations. Tournaments that do not use | games. This document covers each of the approved formats and their variations. Tournaments that do not use | ||
one of the formats described here may not be sanctioned. | one of the formats described here may not be sanctioned. | ||
7. Standard Format Style | 7. Standard Format Style | ||
All sanctioned Pokémon video game tournaments require players to assemble a team of Pokémon, with items, | All sanctioned Pokémon video game tournaments require players to assemble a team of Pokémon, with items, | ||
prior to the start of the event. The standard format style for all Play! Pokémon tournaments is Double Battle. | prior to the start of the event. The standard format style for all Play! Pokémon tournaments is Double Battle. | ||
7.1. Double Battle | 7.1. Double Battle | ||
In Double Battles, each player selects four Pokémon from his or her party of six to battle with. At the | In Double Battles, each player selects four Pokémon from his or her party of six 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 | start of the battle, players send out the first two Pokémon in their party, making a total of four Pokémon | ||
on the battlefield. Game play continues until a player makes all four of his or her opponent’s Pokémon | on the battlefield. Game play continues until a player makes all four of his or her opponent’s Pokémon | ||
faint. | faint. | ||
8. Standard Team Construction Rules | 8. Standard Team Construction Rules | ||
When building a team for a Play! Pokémon tournament, all players must adhere to these standard construction | When building a team for a Play! Pokémon tournament, all players must adhere to these standard construction | ||
rules. | rules. | ||
A player’s team cannot contain two Pokémon with the same Pokédex number. | A player’s team cannot contain two Pokémon with the same Pokédex number. | ||
Each Pokémon on a player’s team can hold an item, though no two Pokémon may hold the same item. | Each Pokémon on a player’s team can hold an item, though no two Pokémon may hold the same item. | ||
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, | A player’s team cannot contain a Pokémon nicknamed with the name of another Pokémon (for example, | ||
an Unfezant named “Pidove”). | an Unfezant named “Pidove”). | ||
Pokémon may only use moves that have been learned through one of the following methods: | Pokémon may only use moves that have been learned through one of the following methods: | ||
o By leveling up | o By leveling up | ||
o By TM or HM | o By TM or HM | ||
o As an Egg Move, through breeding | o As an Egg Move, through breeding | ||
o From a character in the game | o From a character in the game | ||
o A move already known by a Pokémon received at an official Pokémon event or promotion | o A move already known by a Pokémon received at an official Pokémon event or promotion | ||
9. Sanctioned Format | 9. Sanctioned Format | ||
Pokémon Organized Play supports one format for sanctioned play: Standard. Sanctioned events are listed on the | Pokémon Organized Play supports one format for sanctioned play: Standard. Sanctioned events are listed on the | ||
POP website, and the results are reported to POP after the event concludes. | POP website, and the results are reported to POP after the event concludes. | ||
9.1. Standard Format | 9.1. Standard Format | ||
The Standard format is the standard tournament format for Play! Pokémon video game events. This | The Standard format is the standard tournament format for Play! Pokémon video game events. This | ||
format will be used at all premier events unless specified otherwise. The Standard format for the 2014 | format will be used at all premier events unless specified otherwise. The Standard format for the 2014 | ||
season will use the following restrictions: | season will use the following restrictions through December 31, 2014: | ||
Only Pokémon X and Pokémon Y Game Cards or downloadable versions are permitted for use. | Only Pokémon X and Pokémon Y Game Cards or downloadable versions are permitted for use. | ||
Players may use Pokémon from the Central Kalos Pokédex from #001 to #150, Coastal Kalos | Players may only use Pokémon from the Central Kalos Pokédex from #001 to #150, Coastal Kalos | ||
Pokédex from #001 to #153, or Mountain Kalos Pokédex from #001 to #147. | Pokédex from #001 to #153, or Mountain Kalos Pokédex from #001 to #147. | ||
Pokémon must be placed in the Battle Box.8 | Pokémon must be placed in the Battle Box.8 | ||
Pokémon are allowed to Mega Evolve. | Pokémon are allowed to Mega Evolve. | ||
Pokémon above Level 50 are permitted, but they are auto-leveled down to 50 for the duration | Pokémon above Level 50 are permitted, but they are auto-leveled down to 50 for the duration | ||
of battle. | of battle. | ||
Players may use Pokémon with Hidden Abilities. | Players may use Pokémon with Hidden Abilities. | ||
Players may use items that have been officially released via Pokémon X, Pokémon Y, the | Players may use items that have been officially released via Pokémon X, Pokémon Y, Pokémon | ||
Pokémon Global Link, or an official event or promotion. | Omega Ruby, Pokémon Alpha Sapphire, the Pokémon Global Link, or an official event or | ||
9.2. Kalos Native | promotion. | ||
Pokémon used in the Standard Format must be native to the Kalos region in Pokémon X or Pokémon Y. A | In addition to Section 8, Pokémon may use moves that are learned or obtainable in Pokémon | ||
native Pokémon is a Pokémon that is hatched or caught in Pokémon X or Pokémon Y. Pokémon that | Omega Ruby or Pokémon Alpha Sapphire | ||
have been transferred to Pokémon X or Pokémon Y via Pokémon Bank or Poké Transporter are not | 9.2. Blue Pentagon | ||
native. | Pokémon used in the Standard Format must have a blue pentagon in the Pokémon summary screen. | ||
This indicates that the Pokémon was caught during regular gameplay, hatched from an Egg, obtained | |||
within the game, or was officially gifted in either Pokémon X, Pokémon Y, Pokémon Omega Ruby, or | |||
Pokémon Alpha Sapphire. | |||
10. Unsanctioned Fun Formats | 10. Unsanctioned Fun Formats | ||
The formats listed below are intended as a fun, alternate way to play the Pokémon video game and are not | The formats listed below are intended as a fun, alternate way to play the Pokémon video game and are not | ||
recognized as sanctioned formats. These formats are great for Leagues, casual gatherings, or side events. The | recognized as sanctioned formats. These formats are great for Leagues, casual gatherings, or side events. The | ||
official rules for these formats are included here to help provide consistency for cases when your Tournament | official rules for these formats are included here to help provide consistency for cases when your Tournament | ||
Organizer or League Leader decides to run an unsanctioned event using one of these formats. | Organizer or League Leader decides to run an unsanctioned event using one of these formats. | ||
10.1. Single Battle | 10.1. Single Battle | ||
The Single Battle format is the basic battle format, where two Pokémon battle one-on-one. | The Single Battle format is the basic battle format, where two Pokémon battle one-on-one. | ||
10.2. Triple Battle | 10.2. Triple Battle | ||
The Triple Battle format allows each player to send out three Pokémon at a time, with one Pokémon in | The Triple Battle format allows each player to send out three Pokémon at a time, with one Pokémon in | ||
the center and the two remaining Pokémon to its left and right. Pokémon are limited as to which | the center and the two remaining Pokémon to its left and right. Pokémon are limited as to which | ||
opposing Pokémon can be affected by moves based on where they are positioned on the battlefield. | opposing Pokémon can be affected by moves based on where they are positioned on the battlefield. | ||
10.3. Rotation Battle | 10.3. Rotation Battle | ||
In this format, each player sends out three Pokémon at a time, with one Pokémon to the front and two | In this format, each player sends out three Pokémon at a time, with one Pokémon to the front and two | ||
Pokémon to the rear. Only the Pokémon in the front can attack. Before they attack, players have the | Pokémon to the rear. Only the Pokémon in the front can attack. Before they attack, players have the | ||
option of rotating the team, allowing one of the Pokémon in the rear to move to the front and the | option of rotating the team, allowing one of the Pokémon in the rear to move to the front and the | ||
Pokémon in the front to move to the rear.9 | Pokémon in the front to move to the rear.9 | ||
Appendix A. Document Updates | Appendix A. Document Updates | ||
Pokémon Organized Play reserves the right to alter these rules, as well as the right to interpret, modify, clarify, | Pokémon Organized Play reserves the right to alter these rules, as well as the right to interpret, modify, clarify, | ||
or otherwise issue official changes to these rules, with or without prior notice. | or otherwise issue official changes to these rules, with or without prior notice. | ||
Document updates will be made available at www. pokemon.com | Document updates will be made available at www. pokemon.com | ||
Changes November 21, 2014 | |||
Updated to reflect Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire release | |||
o Section 9.2 updated | |||
Changes November 15, 2013 | Changes November 15, 2013 | ||
Updated to reflect Pokémon X and Pokémon Y release | Updated to reflect Pokémon X and Pokémon Y release | ||
o Section 1 includes updated legal hardware and software | o Section 1 includes updated legal hardware and software | ||
o Section 9 includes updated Pokémon team restrictions | o Section 9 includes updated Pokémon team restrictions | ||
Section 4 includes new time limits and updated note-taking rule | Section 4 includes new time limits and updated note-taking rule | ||
Section 5 reorganized | Section 5 reorganized | ||
Section 6 includes minor edits | Section 6 includes minor edits | ||
Changes for September 1, 2013 | Changes for September 1, 2013 | ||
General reformatting of document | General reformatting of document | ||
Updated section 2: | Updated section 2: | ||
o Clarified and updated rules for Team Restrictions | o Clarified and updated rules for Team Restrictions | ||
Added a new section 5: | Added a new section 5: | ||
o Technical Issues. | o Technical Issues. |