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Which Cards are Banned in Pokémon?

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) has a rich history, and with that history comes a list of cards deemed too powerful, disruptive, or otherwise problematic for competitive play. Banned cards are those that are illegal to use in officially sanctioned tournaments. The specific cards on this list vary depending on the format (Standard, Expanded, Unlimited) and the region (North America, Europe, Latin America, Oceania). This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the ban list, focusing primarily on the most commonly played formats.

Why are Cards Banned?

There are several reasons why a Pokémon TCG card might find itself on the banned list. These reasons typically fall into one of these categories:

Disruptive Gameplay: Cards that can consistently prevent opponents from playing the game, such as those that continuously lock them out of attacking or using Abilities, are often banned. This ensures a more engaging and balanced experience for all players.
Rules Exploitation: Some cards, when combined with other cards, create unintended loopholes or interactions that allow players to circumvent the established rules of the game. These exploits can lead to extremely fast or unbeatable strategies.
Game-Breaking Power: Cards with abilities or attacks so powerful that they dominate the metagame, severely limiting deck diversity, are prime candidates for banning. This is especially true if the card is readily accessible and easy to implement in various decks.
Damage to the Game’s Integrity: In rare cases, cards can be banned due to printing errors, card text ambiguities that lead to widespread misinterpretations, or even due to thematic issues that are considered inappropriate or offensive.

Banned Cards in Expanded Format

The Expanded format allows cards from the Black & White series onward (with some exceptions) making it a much larger card pool than Standard. Due to this, it’s more prone to card combinations that can be abused. Here are some notable examples of cards currently banned in the Expanded format (this list is subject to change):

Archeops (BW – Noble Victories): Archeops’ Ability, “Ancient Power,” prevents all Special Energy cards from being played from the hand onto Pokémon. When paired with cards that quickly put Archeops into play early in the game, this ability could effectively lock opponents out of playing the game, especially those relying heavily on Special Energies.
Bellelba & Brycen-Man (Team Up): This Supporter card allows you to discard your hand and draw seven new cards, then your opponent does the same. The main issue was the disruption it could cause to your opponent’s strategy by forcing them to discard their hand.
Chip-Chip Ice Axe (Unbroken Bonds): This Item card allows you to look at your opponent’s hand and discard a Trainer card you find there. Similar to Bellelba & Brycen-Man, it was seen as too disruptive due to its ability to remove key Trainer cards from your opponent’s hand early in the game.
Delinquent (XY – BREAKpoint): This Supporter card allows you to force your opponent to discard cards from their hand until they have three cards left. This can be devastating in the early game, disrupting setup and strategies.
Forest of Giant Plants (XY – Ancient Origins): This Stadium card allows Grass-type Pokémon to evolve on the first turn, which can create overwhelming advantages early in the game.
Ghetsis (BW – Plasma Freeze): This Supporter card allows you to look at your opponent’s hand and discard all Item cards. This can be incredibly disruptive, especially against Item-heavy decks.
Lysandre’s Trump Card (XY – Phantom Forces): This Supporter card shuffles all cards from both players’ discard piles back into their decks. While seemingly innocuous, this card could be used to repeatedly recycle powerful cards and, more importantly, prevent opponents from decking out (running out of cards in their deck), leading to extremely long and unfun games.
Maxie’s Hidden Ball Trick (XY – Primal Clash): This Supporter allows you to put a Fighting-type Pokémon from your hand onto your Bench and draw five cards. The Pokémon put onto the Bench has to be a Pokémon with the Ancient Trait. This could result in an unfair advantage.
Puzzle of Time (XY – BREAKpoint): This Item card allows you to put two cards from your discard pile into your hand. With the right setup, this card could be used repeatedly to recycle powerful cards and create infinite loops.
Shaymin-EX (XY – Roaring Skies): While not universally banned, Shaymin-EX has been banned in some regions at certain times due to its “Set Up” Ability, which allows players to draw cards until they have six cards in their hand when played from the hand onto the Bench. This ability, combined with cards that could repeatedly bounce Shaymin-EX back to the hand, could lead to excessive card draw and overwhelming advantages.
Unown [HAND] (Lost Thunder): This Pokémon’s ability, [HAND], allows a player to discard it to draw two cards if it is in your hand. When combined with other cards, it enables players to draw through their deck very quickly.
Wally (XY – Roaring Skies): Wally allows you to evolve one of your Pokémon during your first turn which leads to an unfair advantage and can prevent your opponent from even having a chance to play.

Banned Cards in Standard Format

The Standard format features a smaller, more recent pool of cards, typically encompassing the last two to three years of expansions. This significantly reduces the likelihood of problematic card interactions. Therefore, ban lists in Standard are rare. At the time of this writing, there are no cards currently banned in the Standard format. The Pokémon Company International (TPCI) closely monitors the Standard format and will take action if any cards or combinations become overly dominant or disruptive.

Unlimited Format

The Unlimited format theoretically allows any Pokémon card ever printed, creating an incredibly diverse but also highly imbalanced environment. While officially sanctioned Unlimited tournaments are rare, it’s important to note that the theoretical ban list for Unlimited would be extensive, encompassing virtually any card that allows for first-turn wins, infinite loops, or complete opponent lockdowns.

Regional Variations in Ban Lists

It’s crucial to remember that ban lists can vary by region. While TPCI generally maintains a unified ban list, sometimes regional distributors or tournament organizers may implement additional bans to address specific issues within their local metagame. Always check the official rules and regulations for the specific tournament or league you are participating in to ensure your deck is legal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about banned cards in the Pokémon TCG:

1. Where can I find the most up-to-date ban list?

The official Pokémon TCG website is the best source for the current ban list. Look for the “Tournament Rules” or “Play! Pokémon” section. Always double-check before attending any tournament.

2. How often does the ban list change?

The ban list is typically updated a few times a year, usually around the release of new expansions. However, TPCI can make changes at any time if necessary to address unforeseen issues.

3. What happens if I accidentally use a banned card in a tournament?

Using a banned card can result in penalties, ranging from a warning to disqualification, depending on the severity and intent. It is your responsibility to ensure your deck is legal.

4. Can banned cards still be used in casual play?

Yes! Banned cards are only restricted in officially sanctioned tournaments. In casual play, you and your opponent can agree to use or not use any cards you wish.

5. Why isn’t [insert powerful card name here] banned?

The decision to ban a card is complex and takes many factors into consideration. Just because a card is powerful doesn’t mean it will be banned. TPCI looks at the overall impact on the metagame, deck diversity, and player experience.

6. What is the difference between a “banned” card and a “restricted” card?

In some card games, “restricted” cards are allowed but with limitations (e.g., only one copy allowed in a deck). The Pokémon TCG does not use the term “restricted.” A banned card is simply not allowed at all in the specified format.

7. How does TPCI decide which cards to ban?

TPCI gathers data from tournaments, analyzes card usage and win rates, and considers feedback from players and tournament organizers. They also test cards internally to identify potential problems before they become widespread.

8. Can a banned card ever be unbanned?

Yes, it’s possible, though rare. If a card is banned due to a specific interaction that is later addressed by a rule change or the introduction of new cards, it could potentially be unbanned.

9. What are the consequences of printing errors or ambiguous card text?

If a card has a significant printing error or ambiguous text that leads to widespread misinterpretations, it can be banned to prevent confusion and ensure fair play.

10. Does the ban list apply to online versions of the Pokémon TCG, such as Pokémon TCG Live?

Yes, the ban list typically applies to both physical and online versions of the Pokémon TCG, ensuring consistency across all platforms.

11. What happens when a format rotates (e.g., from Standard to Expanded)?

When a format rotates, cards that are no longer legal in the new Standard format are not automatically banned in Expanded. They are simply legal to use. The Expanded ban list remains separate and is updated independently.

12. Are Energy cards ever banned?

While extremely rare, Energy cards could theoretically be banned if they had an effect that was deemed too disruptive or game-breaking. However, no Energy card has ever been banned as of this writing.

13. What is the purpose of having a ban list in the first place?

The ban list exists to ensure a healthy and balanced competitive environment in the Pokémon TCG. It helps to promote deck diversity, prevent degenerate strategies, and ensure a fun and engaging experience for all players.

14. How can I stay informed about potential future bans?

Pay attention to tournament results and online discussions about dominant decks and potentially problematic card interactions. TPCI often monitors these discussions and takes them into consideration when making ban list decisions.

15. Is proxying banned cards allowed in tournaments?

No, proxying (using a substitute card) banned cards is not allowed in officially sanctioned tournaments. Proxying cards can lead to in game issues and unfair advantage.

Which cards are banned in Pokémon?