Cardstock Culture
Pokemon Trading Card Game community etiquette, culture, and more
Volume 2: Tournament Etiquette and Procedures
Introduction
Howdy y'all, and welcome back to Cardstock Culture a series on competitive Pokemon Trading Card Game culture, etiquette, procedures, and more. Normally I'm going to be doing these every two weeks, but due to some curiousities, me feeling inspired, and this week's article being a follow-up to last week, I'm going to crank one out a week early.
Last time, we discussed how to properly prepare for a Play! Pokemon sanctioned event. First, we glossed over the philosophy of understanding the metagame and building a deck that's both competitive and comfortable. Then we talked about what to do before going to a tournament, and lastly we discussed what to consider bringing with you.
This week, we're going to talk about proper etiquette in a competitive environment. I will also be explaining tournament procedures, since some of these things are not clear to a first-timer. You will have a much better understanding of Pokemon TCG organized play after attenting your first event. Tournaments come in all sizes, from small League Challenges going all the way up to Nationals and Worlds, with hundreds of participants and thousands more spectators, friends, and family members. As I said last week, don't feel discouraged from entering a large tournament because you're new. You can learn a lot from big events, and you'll meet tons of cool people, many of which will be happy to educate you about the game.
So, now that you've prepared your deck, packed your trade binder and 3DS, and picked up some snacks for the road, let's head on over to your local game shop, or perhaps the conference center a couple hours away, and get ready to play!
When you arrive
Be sure to arrive on time. Registration / check-in usually opens an hour before the event is scheduled to begin. While you don't need to arrive this early, bear in mind that most events do have limited seating, and tournaments with large amounts of CP on the line like Regionals can fill up fast. As I said before, it's best to pre-register online if you're able. Even if you did that however, you will still need to check in with the staff so your attendance is confirmed and your name added to the player roster. Really large events like Nationals may do player check-in the day before the event, since you'll probably be staying in a hotel nearby.
When that's finished, you will be given a blank decklist to fill out, if you didn't bring one from home. I highly reccomend filling out your decklist ahead of time, but that's not always possible. Write your name and Play! Pokemon ID number on the sheet, and list the cards in your deck in the appropriate spaces. Your decklist is private information. You do not need to share this with other players. The contents of your decklist only needs to be between you and the tournament staff. Some small events, as well as prereleases may not require decklists.
Some tournaments will require that all players have their decks checked by the staff before the rounds begin. Other times, deck checks may be optional, and offered as a courtesy. I suggest having a judge check your list and sleeves for problems before the rounds start, as any issues can be resolved easily and without penalty at this point. As long as your cards fit the current format and your sleeves are in good condition there shouldn't be an issue.
If you got everything done early, you'll probably have some time to relax and schmooze. Chat it up with your friends, or introduce yourself to a new face, it's up to you. You can even trade cards or play a practice round with a friend. Just be ready to pick your things up when the staff announces that it's time to start.
Player Meeting
After registration closes the tournament organizer or head judge will make an announcement, and a player roster will be posted, containing the names of everyone playing in the tournament, and a table number to sit at for the Player Meeting. Find your name on the list and go to the numbered table. This is usually done in alphabetical order. You will not be playing against the person sitting across from you. Put your decklist face down in front of you. This is your last chance to make your deck and decklist match upA judge will come by to collect them shortly. When this is all finished, the head judge will make an announcement, and pairings for the first round will be posted.
Before a Match
Find your name on the pairing sheet (it's in alphabetical order). You will see the name of your opponent and a table number. Head to that table and wait for your opponent to arrive. Don't be late, as sitting down after the round starts will result in a game or match loss depending on how late you are.
Tip: Some events, especially large tournaments will post pairings online. If you have a smartphone, this is a helpful way to avoid crowds and find your seat faster. A url or QR code will be posted somewhere if online pairings are available.
Set up your field and get ready to play.
Roll out your playmat if you have one, and take out your deck and other supplies. Keep your deck box, and good luck charms, if any to the side so your play area is neat. Put away or finish any food or beverages. Most venues don't allow food and drink in the tournament area, but even if they do, you should keep it away until after the match is done. It's rude to eat during a match (unless you need to for a medical reason, that's different), and if something spills there could be big trouble. Also silence your phone so you're not tempted to look at it if it goes off. You can get disqualified for looking at your phone or any other electronic device during a match.
Greet your opponent.
Introduce yourself, shake hands and wish your opponent good luck in the match. It's the friendly and sociable thing to do. You can talk about where you're from, your trip to the event... or anything really. Some playerrs are chatty, but if your opponent would rather clear his or her mind and focus on the match ahead, be respectful of that. Don't be afraid to tell your opponent that you're a new player. They won't go easy on you, but after the match they might offer you advice on strategy and point out any "rookie mistakes" you made, so you can learn for next time.
Tip: A firm handshake is a sign of a true gentleman! Nobody wants to shake hands with a limp fish! Just give a gentle squeeze so you're not hurting your opponent, but enough that your hand isn't going to break away from theres as youi shake. Being professional will make people respect you.
Do a thorough shuffle.
Due to the time limit, power shuffling (dividing your deck into 6-10 piles, then shuffling them) during a match is generally frowned upon and could be considered stalling. However, before the match begins is a great time to do this. Even if you power shuffled before your opponent sat down, you' should still shuffle in their presence so they know your deck isn't loaded. You don't need to shuffle like a Vegas dealer; a simple overhand shuffle is fine. After you're done shuffling, present your deck for your opponent to cut. Your opponent may opt to lightly shuffle your deck instead of cutting; you may to the same, but be careful when handling your opponent's cards. Don't actively try to look at your opponent's cards while they're being shuffled- that's cheating. The best way to prevent anything from being exposed is to shuffle your cards face down, but it something is accidentally flipped or pops out, it's not a big deal. If you suspect your opponent did something unsporting while shuffling, you may call a judge over to reshuffle the deck. Neither player may cut or shuffle after a judge shuffle. This is a pretty rare occurence though.
Flip to see who goes first, draw your opening hand, and wait for the round to begin.
After you and your opponent have cut each other's decks, remember to flip before drawing your opening hands. This is a mistake that even some veteran players make (it was a recent rules change), and it can lead to penalty if a judge catches it. On a similar note, don't forget to put out your prizes after you've placed your basic Pokemon and before drawing mulligan cards, if any. Keep track of how many times your opponent mulliganed by placing a die on top of your deck and using the numbers. Don't draw your mulligan cards until after your opponent has a basic Pokemon and has put out prizes.
Don't complain about your hand or show it off to your neighbors/ opponent. This is perfectly acceptable during casual play and at League, but not in a competitive setting. A gentleman keeps a straight poker face. When the annoucement to start is made, shake hands with your opponent, wish him or her good luck, then turn over your Pokemon and start!
Note: Before the round starts, a judge will hand out a strip of paper with your and your opponent's names, called a match slip. This isn't important now, but you'll need to sign it at the end of the match. Just keep it to the side and don't lose it.
During your match
Being a gentleman is a full-time job, both in and out of games. Most of what I'm going to cover in this section boils down to one word: Courtesy!
Keep your field organized
What's in play, as well as discard piles are public knowledge to both players. Your opponent needs to know what cards are attached to each Pokemon, what's on your bench, etc. There shouldn't be any confusion in this regard. You do not need to make everything perfectly straight, but be sure that everything is clearly identifiable at a glance.
Make your plays carefully.
In a casual or practice setting, you'll usually be able to take back a move, such as playing an item or attaching an energy without a problem. After all, that's practice. In a tournament however, you will need permission from your opponent, which they usually won't grant (even if you're new) since redoing something could put them at a disadvantage. Typically you can return a card to your hand so long as your fingers are still on it (at this point it's not yet counted as played). Once your take your fingers off though, the deal's been sealed. Even the best of us make misplays, and we have to swallow them.
Don't watch the clock, but be mindful of time.
Playing too fast or too slow upsets the pace of the time. It's fine to pause to think, but remember that you only have fifty minutes to play three games, or thirty minutes for a single game match. A veteran player may get impatient, but will understand that you're new and need to take your time. However, if one player appears to be stalling out the clock, expect a judge to be called.
Announce what you're doing and how it will affect the field in a clear voice.
This is something that even experienced players can fortget to do. You don't have to announce every step so long as your opponent can tell what's going on. For example, you can just say "Juniper" when you play Professor Juniuper, and everyone will understand what you're doing. There's no to say "I'm going to play Professor Juniper. I discard my hand and draw seven new cards." The same goes for Abilities. Just announce the name of the Ability and perform the effect. When attacking, simply say the name of the attack, how much damage it does and any other effects, for example "Secret Sword for 110." if your attack knocks out the defending Pokemon, you say "for the knockout" rather than the damage.
Respect your opponent, their turn, and their cards.
Give your opponent time to think if they need it (as long as it's reasonable). When you shuffle your deck after a search, let your opponent cut; they should do the same. When it's your opponent's turn, watch what they're doing and don't distract them. If they make a play that's illegal, such as playin an item after your Seismitoad-EX used Quaking Punch, politely remind them that they can't do that and let them continue. There's no need to get a judge unless the game state has been altered. Also, while cards on your opponent's field and their discard is public knowledge, you should always ask before handling their cards. Don't worry, your opponent has to allow you to pick them up or move them close so you can see.
Keep table talk to a minimum and relevant to the game.
Small talk is fun, but during a match it's distracting. There's no need to talk about the ski trip you took last week or what's going on in the Middle East while you're playing Pokemon. You'll have time to talk about that after the match. Definitely don't talk to your neighbors and disturb their matches. Of course, if you don't understand a play your opponemt made, then it's both polite and proper to ask them to explain, or to remind them that they can't do something they're trying to do. Even if your opponent is someone you know, or even your best friend, give them the courtesty of not distracting them.
Wait for your opponent to announce and finish their moves before doing anything.
Don't prepare dice for your Pokemon to be damaged until your opponent announces an attack. Also don't draw a card and start your turn until your opponent is completely finished with theirs, and anything that needs to be done between turns, such as sleep flips and poison damage has been resolved. Not waiting for your opponent to finish is rushing them, and rude.
Don't be afraid to call a judge if you suspect your opponent is cheating.
Unfortunately some players might try to resort to unsporting methods to win games. It's pretty easy to tell the difference between cheating and making an honest mistake. If your opponent drops a card or forgets to let you cut his or her deck once, just politely remind them and go on. If it happens multiple times, then you can get suspicious. If you do think your opponent is cheating, get a judge right away. Don't argue with your opponent. Let the judge handle the situation, and answer their questions truthfully. The judge or head judge will instruct you on what to do. If for any reason a judge call takes a long time, your match will be granted a time extension.
You may concede a game or a match if you wish, but only on your terms.
Conceding a match in Pokemon is often called "scooping." In best-of three matches this is sometimes done by a player who has little to no chance of winning a game, so they concede and accept a loss in the interst of time; the idea is that they can hopefully win the rest of the games to make up for it. Don't be afraid to do that if you don't want to waste time. You can also give up a match if you're doing very poorly and would rather spend the rest of the time getting something to eat or relaxing than playing out a game you can't win. In fact, you can voluntarily scoop to your opponent for any reason, however, they are not allowed to ask you to scoop, nor can they bribe you by offering compensation (food money, cards, etc) for a concession. If your opponent asks you to concede, no matter how deserving to win they claim to be or how close they are to a Worlds invite, get a judge immediately! You can also agree to tie with your opponent, called an intentional draw or ID, so long as both players are in agreement.
If a match goes to time, you may not flip a coin or use any other random means to break a tie .
This is another thing that even veteran playersr can get frustrated about. Ties can be annoying, and they can even prevent a player from making top cut. However, it is against the Spirit of the Game to use any random means to break a tie. A tie is a tie, like it or not. Altering the results of one match can affect every other player in the event.
After the match
Win or lose, you should always be a good sport. You'll make the most lasting impression on your opponent by how you act after a match is over, so this is pretty important if you want to make friends in the competitive community.
Shake hands and say "Good game."
It doesn't matter if you got double-donked, or the three games you played were a showdown of epic proportions, just say it. If you win, do not gloat over it. That's a great way to leave a bad impression. Tell your opponent that he or she played well, and that you enjoyed playing with them. If you lost, don't complain about bad luck or that you'd have won if you did something differently. A gentleman loses with grace. Either way, wish your opponent good luck in the next round.
Siign the match slip.
A judge will either come around with pens, or they'll be on the table. Worst comes to worst, you and your opponent can prick your fingers and sign in blood. Sign under your name, and circle whether you won or lost. Your opponent will do the same (politely remind them if they forget). Depending on the event, a judge will come by to collect the match slips, or you will bring them to a designated location. This is extremely important, as it's how wins and losses are recorded in the system!
Pack up your things and leave the tournament area.
When your match is over, you will usually be instructed to leave the play area so as to not disturb other matches. Spectating is not allowed (unless you're not in the tournament) because it can give you an unfair advantage in a future round. If you hit things off with your opponent and want to keep the conversation going, trade cards, or swap friend codes and/or contact information, do so at an empty table. After all (or almost all)) of the matches have been completed, you will be allowed back into the tournament area and pairings for the next round will be posted. If you'd like, you can have your opponent look at your deck (you won't be playing them again unless you make top cut, so this isn't a big deal). They might give you advice on how to improve your build and your strategies. As veteran players, it's our job to create a friendlier, stronger community and help it grow, so don't be shy!
Tip: Between rounds is a good time to trade with other people and swap Friend Codes. If a match finishes very early, it's a good idea to grab something to eat, since the event isn't going to stop for lunch. Once the round ends, you can expect the line for the snack bar to get pretty long, and if you're not back before the next round starts, there will be a penalty.
Conclusion
Tournaments are a great way to meet fellow PokeFans, make friends, and have fun in a competitive environment. But like anything else, there's rules and expectations that you will have to follow. Some of these are common sense, some aren't. Being a gentleman involves proper etiquette both in and out of the arena, and it does require some effort. Without friendly, courteous players, the game loses all of its fun. Treating other players wth respect will not only get them to respect you in return, but sets a good example for others and shows just how awesome our community really is!
I hope you enjoyed this article on tournament etiquette. Next time (probably in two weeks), we're going to talk about booster drafts, another thing that seems to confuse new players. Until we meet again, may your top decks ever be in your favor!
~My Ltitle Keldeo
