What makes a Pokémon deck legal?
A Pokémon deck is considered legal if it consists of exactly 60 cards, with no more than four cards of the same name, except for basic energy cards, and includes at least one Basic Pokémon. The deck must also adhere to the Standard format regulations, which are indicated by a small D or E regulation mark on the cards, and only include cards that are part of the Modified format.
Understanding the Basics of a Pokémon Deck
To ensure a Pokémon deck is legal, players must understand the basic rules of deck building, including the card limit, card duplicates, and energy cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What constitutes a Pokémon deck?
A Pokémon deck is made up of exactly 60 cards, including at least one Basic Pokémon.
How do I know if my Pokémon deck is legal?
If it’s Standard-legal, there will be a small D or E regulation mark on the cards.
What makes a Pokémon card tournament legal?
Even if a card is from a recently released expansion, players will need to refer to the regulation mark on the bottom of the card to see whether that card is legal for play.
What makes a Pokémon card illegal?
One of the most popular reasons for a card being banned is because of fears that it may become too powerful.
Why is Jynx banned?
Jynx was banned due to its design resembling racial stereotypes, which led to several episodes of the anime being banned.
Why is the Misty Pokémon card banned?
The Misty’s Tears card was banned because it depicted Misty holding her famous Staryu while nude and crying.
Can you use McDonald’s Pokémon cards in tournaments?
Cards from McDonald’s Collections will be legal in the Standard format only if they’re functionally identical to a card that is currently legal in the Standard format.
What does F mean on Pokémon cards?
F represents the Fighting Energy symbol, while other symbols include C for Colorless Energy, D for Darkness Energy, and M for Metal Energy.
Can fake Pokémon cards be used in tournaments?
Fake Pokémon cards are not worth anything and are also illegal to use in tournaments, making them a huge waste of cash.
What Pokémon cards are allowed in tournaments?
Any cards that are “E” regulation or newer, or have been reprinted in these sets, will remain legal for tournament play.
How many V Pokémon cards are allowed in a deck?
The basic rules of deck building state that a Pokémon deck consists of 60 cards, with up to four copies of any one card, unless otherwise stated on the card.
How many GX Pokémon cards are allowed in a deck?
Players can have up to four GX cards in their deck.
Why are some Pokémon cards not tournament legal?
Only cards that are part of the Modified format may be used in official events, and when older cards can no longer be used, it is because they have been rotated out of the Modified format.
Is it legal to print your own Pokémon cards?
Printing or selling fake cards is a violation of The Pokémon Company’s trademark and can be considered fraud.
What does the R mean on a Pokémon card?
The R symbol indicates that the card is rare, with other rarity symbols including star or holographic foil.
What does GX mean in cards?
GX denotes the next level of power after Mega, establishing ties with the existing EX mechanic and severing ties with the Mega evolution mechanic.
Why was Unown banned?
Unown was banned due to its alternate win conditions in its abilities, which allowed players to win the game without interacting with their opponent.