Competitive Etiquette Questions

keninblack

keninblack

Aspiring Trainer
Member
Getting back into the game come the 2015-2016 I really want to make sure I don't make any mistakes to jeopardize how I play. So I just have a few simple etiquette questions to when it comes to playing on paper.

1. Im watching regionals today, and I noticed that after you shuffle your deck from whatever cause. Your opponent takes YOUR deck, and puts one half on top of the other. I haven't played since DF-on so this is really strange to me. So I'd just like some clarification as to what that is.

2. I assume its the same as back then even in the junior division back when I played, but in Masters you have to be vocal about every move you make right?

3. Expanded format I don't understand. In the 2015-2016 format what will be standard? What will be expanded? Or at least what are the potential guesses?

4. What are other simple things that someone like me you hasn't played in awhile that I have to be REALLY aware of? What careless casual mistakes do I have to really keep track of to make sure I don't mess anything up.

5. Back when I played, all you needed was sleeves. Counters/Markers/Mats/Coins/Dice were always supplied for you, has this changed? Do I need to bring my own mat's and counters and etc? Or is it the same? On the same topic, are simple, clean black sleeves okay? Or can I only rock white/official pokemon sleeves?

Thanks in advance
 
RE: Competitive Etiquette Q's

1. You are letting your oppenent cut the deck so there is no way to stack the deck in your favor and cheat. Some players dont cut but make sure you offer because some people get mad.
2. Yeah it is better to be vocal about your moves. In some cases both players know what you are doing and you will be talking about other things while you are playing.
3. The standard format will likley be XY and on. Not sure what expanded format will be, or if they will continue it. Current expanded format is Black white and on, while the current standard format is Boundaries Crossed and on.
4. Just know what the cards in your deck do and take your time when playing so you dont make as many mistakes. In the event that you do make a mistake most people are pretty leinent and may even let you take back the mistake.
5. You should bring sleves and extra sleves as well as your counters coins and dice. Mats are not provided so if you play with one you could bring it. A far as I know any pokemon related sleve that is not clear is legal, any plain color sleve is also legal. I am not sure if other sleves are legal or not.
 
Let me elaborate on a couple of things. You always have the right to cut your opponent's deck after they shuffle, and I strongly suggest doing so in a competitive environment. Unfortunate as it is, some people do try to cheat by stacking their decks. You can also shuffle your opponent's deck (briefly) instead of cutting if you wish, and don't freak out when your opponent does this to your cards- we really are, for the most part, a jovial group and treat each other's cards with respect. If your opponent does not allow you to cut his or her deck, call a judge. Really, if you suspect something is going on, or even if you don't understand a play your opponent made after they explained it, do not be afraid to call a judge.

You should always make sure your opponent understands what you are doing, what cards you are playing, etc. While several plays are "obvious" such as attaching an energy from your hand to one of your Pokemon, if you think there's any chance for confusion, you should explain. When playing a Trainer card, you should always announce clearly what it is, and if your opponent needs to do anything. The infamous example is with the card N (will probably rotate this fall but there could be similar effects released), which affects both players. An occasional source of confusion is when a player discards N from their hand, say to pay the cost for Ultra Ball, and the opponent thinks they played it. You should always make clear what cards you are playing and what you are not. This is a lot easier than it sounds in a real game atmosphere. You should also be clear about which attack you are using, and what effects it has.

Mistakes happen even to the best of us, but the best way to reduce them is to test your deck in casual settings, such as League, or against friends and family before heading to a tournament. Getting a feel for your deck inside and out, and knowing the strategies by heart helps to avoid misplays. Don't be hasty to do anything, and analyze the game state before you make plays. Make your moves carefully. Unfortunately, I have to disagree with Ironman131 on leniency with mistakes. When playing at League or against friends for fun/ testing, then yes, most people will allow you to take back mistakes. However, in a tournament where prizes and Championship Points are on the line, it is solely your opponent's decision of whether or not to allow you to take back anything. And most people won't, because doing so would probably put them at a disadvantage. Let's say you were playing me at an event, and I attach an energy to my Active Pokemon. I then realize that if I attached to one of my benched Pokemon instead, and then retreated, I would be able to knock out your Active Pokemon and take a prize. Would you let me take that move back? Probably not. There's a silver lining though. especially if you're playing against a veteran, they might take note of any misplays you made during the match and tell you afterward, as well as what you could have done better. While this doesn't change the outcome, it can give you some insight into what to do during future games to improve.

Best of luck to you!
 
This is why I stick to PTCGO mainly. You don't need to worry about any of this because it does it all for you. It limits those awkward moments when you have to call over a judge because you suspect your opponent of cheating
 
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